MS in Paleontology
This degree requires 32 credits including 24-26 credits of course work and 6-8 credits of research. The thesis option is the only option available for this degree.
Background Requirements
Students with a few missing background requirements will develop a deficiency plan with their advisor to meet the deficiencies prior to graduation through a combination of undergraduate course work and/or independent study. Students with more than 2-3 deficiency courses are strongly encouraged to complete most of the background requirements before applying to the graduate program.
• Two semesters each of Calculus, Chemistry, and Physics
• Statistics
• Physical Geology
• Historical Geology
• Mineralogy
• Petrology
• Stratigraphy and Sedimentation
• Structural Geology
• Invertebrate Paleontology
• Field Geology
Degree Requirements
Core Courses (Required)
GEOL 632 Rocky Mountain Stratigraphy
GEOL 633 Sedimentation
PALE 671 Advanced Field Paleontology
PALE 673 Comparative Osteology
PALE 676 Vertebrate Paleontology
PALE 678 Vertebrate Biostratigraphy
PALE 770 Seminar in Vertebrate Paleontology
Recommended electives
GEOL 572 Museum Conservation and Curation
GEOL 573 Museum Preparation Techniques and Exhibit Design
GEOL 517 Geospatial Databases
GEOL 643 Intro to Microbeam Instruments
PALE 672 Micropaleontology
GEOL 604 Advanced Field Geology or other appropriate courses in geology.
The candidate will pass a reading examination in one of the following languages: French, German, Spanish, or Russian.
