Hello, I don't really know if this is the correct place to ask this but I've had this question for a while now, Well I was born and raised in the US but I am now living in another country, I want to return and work as a Paleontologist after I finish studying here.I'm not really sure what degrees and majors you need in the US but I heard that Geology is a great major to start with, my question is should I just study Paleontology or is it absolutely necessary to major in something like Geology before studying for Paleo?
Thanks In Advance!

You need to know a heck of a lot about biology, geology, chemistry and physics, recent techniques of analysis, good computer and statistics skills.... it doesn't matter.
Find a school based on it's rep for one of those majors, or for paleo specifically if you are done with undergrad.
I personally would get a degree in biology first. Geology seems easier.

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Originally Posted by joypulv

You need to know a heck of a lot about biology, geology, chemistry and physics, recent techniques of analysis, good computer and statistics skills.... it doesn't matter.
Find a school based on it's rep for one of those majors, or for paleo specifically if you are done with undergrad.
I personally would get a degree in biology first. Geology seems easier.

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Thanks For the quick reply! No, I'm just starting college so I'll probably decide between a Geology or Biology major, Thanks again!

There are many offshoots of paleo now. One is paleobontany; for that you would need biology. Most importantly though is geology if you want the paleo field.

Agreed, but there are Paleontology degrees, if you want that, why not major in that?

Study abroad requires one who wishes to return to the US to plan their coursework with an eye to transfer those earned credits to relevance in the US. I think what you need is an American academic adviser for guidance to make your course study compatible with where you want to be in the US eventually.

What country/university are you now in? Fortunately the internet allows you to reach out to American universities/companies and get verification of THEIR needs, and requirements to facilitate your future transition.

In addition, the first few years of college is mostly just filling in the basics while you get an idea of where your scholastic focus will be so ask questions of BOTH your present institution, and the ones you have an eye on here, as to what requirements you NEED.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by joypulv

You need to know a heck of a lot about biology, geology, chemistry and physics, recent techniques of analysis, good computer and statistics skills.... it doesn't matter.
Find a school based on it's rep for one of those majors, or for paleo specifically if you are done with undergrad.
I personally would get a degree in biology first. Geology seems easier.

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I might add, too, maintaining good grades in high school and college are a definite prerequisite for entrance into a university, to obtain a degree, or will not be possible. Chemistry and physics would not be needed.

University of Alberta is the premier in this course of study.

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Originally Posted by talaniman

Study abroad requires one who wishes to return to the US to plan their coursework with an eye to transfer those earned credits to relevance in the US. I think what you need is an American academic adviser for guidance to make your course study compatible with where you want to be in the US eventually.

What country/university are you now in? Fortunately the internet allows you to reach out to American universities/companies and get verification of THEIR needs, and requirements to facilitate your future transition.

In addition, the first few years of college is mostly just filling in the basics while you get an idea of where your scholastic focus will be so ask questions of BOTH your present institution, and the ones you have an eye on here, as to what requirements you NEED.

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I was planning on studying the first two years here and transferring the credits, what I wasn't aware of was the fact that there are advisers, I will defintely try to get a hold of one. Thanks!