What to Expect

Paleontology students study much more than just dinosaur bones. This field also includes areas such as invertebrate paleontology and paleobotany.

"It is really the study of the history of life on Earth," says Eric Ekdale. He took graduate work in paleontology at San Diego State University.

General courses needed for the study of paleontology, such as chemistry, biology, math, statistics, geology and physical science, are taken at the undergraduate level.

At the graduate level, students will take courses more specific to their individual interests. "I took plenty of paleontological seminars and independent studies," says Michael Balsai. He took a PhD in paleontology at the University of Pennsylvania.

"In addition, I took courses in biogeography, comparative animal physiology, systematics, morphometrics, statistics, evolution and such."

Many students find problems adjusting from undergraduate studies to graduate work.

"It is not so much an increase in the amount of work, but the type of work is different," says Ekdale. "People are in graduate school because they want to learn. Most things are left up to your own initiative."

Although Balsai finds paleontology interesting and rewarding, he has a word of warning. "This kind of training is expensive and requires a great deal of dedication and discipline. It is also not financially rewarding, so people who wish to get rich should avoid these fields."

How to Prepare

In high school, take all the science courses you can. "In high school, you should decide if you really have what it takes to go to grad school," says Jonathan Wagner. He studied paleontology at Texas Tech University.

"You will be committing yourself to a lot of work, and it isn't for everyone. If you decide you want to try for it, you should try to take as many advanced classes as possible," Wagner adds.

Get involved in science clubs and possibly go on digs. Volunteering in a museum or zoo is also a good way to get hands-on experience and learn about the different species.