Q&A for How to Become a Paleontologist

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If I'm home schooled, can I become a paleontologist?

Rishi Bollu

Community Answer

Absolutely. Ideally, you will make your way into college or university for further education, but just as in any industry, this is not always required for paleontology.

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Question

I'm starting my high school freshman year in 20/21 and my school doesn't offer really any classes that will help me in my university path. Any suggestions if your high school doesn't offer what I need to become a paleontologist?

Faisal

Community Answer

In your high school years, get good grades in math and science, namely Chemistry, Biology, Physics, History, and Mathematics. You would want to excel at these courses in order to enter the field. Paleontology means that you have to embark on a geology undergrad, which means you'll have to try to excel in your high-school science courses. Chemistry, Biology, Physics, and Calculus is what you are going to encounter as a Geology undergraduate.

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I have a dream like John Alfred Hammond, I want to become a palaeontologist, I have great talent but what can I do?

Faisal

Community Answer

To be a paleontologist, you'll need to get into college and complete the bachelor's certificate in geology. Thus, you'll have to go to the graduate school of geology after completing the bachelor's certificate in geology. Paleontology starts at the master's level and continues to the Ph.D. level. Consider completing the master's course and the doctorate as well.

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Question

What kind of math do you need to know most of all?

Faisal

Community Answer

Paleontologists embark on Geology degrees, they should have taken calculus series in their early years of their undergrad. In the Geology undergraduate, they encounter the Geophysics course in which they have studied calculus series from 1-3, with physics in the course.

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How long do you have to be in college if you want to be a paleontologist?

Faisal

Community Answer

To be a paleontologist, you should major in geology or biology. And you will need a master or (preferably) a doctoral degree. You should also study environmental studies and geography. It takes four years to graduate college and two years to get a master's. That's a minimum of six years.

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How can I get a good chance to find fossils in an industry?

Faisal

Community Answer

Fossils have been found on every continent of Earth, including Antarctica but most of the dinosaur fossils and the greatest variety of species have been found high in the deserts and badlands of North America, China, and Argentina.

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