Paleontology is a subfield of the geosciences.
Dozens of universities offer archaeology, earth and geo-science programs with a paleontology emphasis. It is not necessary to just matriculate into a paleontology program as some of the best regional universities offer prestigious interdisciplinary graduate programs within the broader field of archeology and geoscience. Paleontology is situtated within geoscience departments and the majority of paleontologists have their degree in geoscience. Students are then able to specialize in their specific research interest and prepare for their Ph.D. before pursuing an academic, government or private sector career in paleontology.
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
This is the only school that offers a direct Master's Degree in Paleontology, and the school is located near archaeological digs in the Black Hills of western South Dakota. The renowned program offers resources on vertebrate paleontology including expert faculty and the Museum of Geology with its quarter of a million fossils available for study. This focused program offers international possibilities with digs in the Far East, Africa and even Antarctica. The school boasts a high placement record and has developed connections with the U.S. Government. The small population of the science- and engineering-focused institution ensures a well-structured interdisciplinary experience with access to technology and field-specific resources.
University of Florida
The University of Florida grants graduate degrees in Paleontology and Paleobiology at the satellite Florida Museum of Natural History. The resources and active vertebrate collection program at the museum offer graduate students hand-on experience with all of the aspects of this type of archaeology. Technology used in the program is cutting edge, including scanning electron microscopes and a mass spectrometer. The students-faculty ratio is small and the program ensures an interdisciplinary approach. The program's degree is not directly in plaeontology but is in the related field of geological science.
The University of Kansas
The University of Kansas paleontology program's interdisciplinary approach combines fields such as Evolutionary Biology and Geology. Faculty have direct and active experience in the field. Fossil record study enhances vertebrate research as well as environmental effects on evolution. The faculty teach and research in diverse subjects including ancient fauna, invertebrates, soil and rock analysis. The University of Kansas offers a high ranking Ph.D. program and this institution is geared toward the Master's student interested in a wide range of cutting edge and interdisciplinary approaches to the field of paleontology as well as satellite fields. This large university has a good placement record, financial aid and scholarship/fellowship opportunities.
Virginia Tech
This large multi-discipline institution offers an interdisciplinary paleontology program ranging from paleoclimatology to paleotectonics. The program offered here is geared to students interested in the wide satellite fields of ancient geological studies, the interrelationship between ancient soil and climate records as well as fossil records for vertebrate and invertebrate paleontological research and site investigation. The Geobiology Department offers paleontology specializations including paleobiology and paleoecology. This all-encompassing program engages in field research, evidence sharing and runs a public Geosciences Museum.
Tags: paleontology program, University Kansas, cutting edge, experience with, interdisciplinary approach
