Program Overview

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Introduction to Paleontology at Montana State University

The Paleontology program at Montana State University is designed for students with a strong interest in geology and biology. This program allows students to study fossils within their geologic context, both inside the classroom and at MSU's summer field courses located across the Mountain West. Students gain a solid understanding of geology in addition to studying invertebrate and vertebrate fossils, preparing them for careers in paleontology, the petroleum industry, and other fields that require geological knowledge.

Program Details

The Earth Science major at Montana State offers four other Options Within the Major: Geography, Geology, Geographic Information Science (GIS)/Planning, and Snow Science. The Paleontology program is part of the Earth Sciences department and provides students with hands-on fieldwork experience in Montana's vibrant geology, including nearby Yellowstone National Park.

Career Opportunities

Paleontology students at Montana State University can pursue careers in:

• Fossil Preparation
• Museum Curation
• Exhibit Design
• Energy Resource Consulting The university's career guidance resources, including the Allen Yarnell Center for Student Success, help students explore these career possibilities and develop professional skills sought after by employers.

Sample Course Plan

The following is a sample course plan for the Paleontology program:

Year One

Course	Credits
BIOB 170IN - Principles of Biological Diversity	4
CHMY 141 - College Chemistry I & CHMY 142 - College Chemistry I Lab	4
ERTH 101IN - Earth System Sciences	4
M 161Q - Survey of Calculus or M 171Q - Calculus I	4
University Core and Electives	3
CHMY 143 - College Chemistry II & CHMY 144 - College Chemistry II Lab	4
GEO 211 - Earth History and Evolution	3
STAT 216Q - Introduction to Statistics or M 172 - Calculus II	3

Year Total: 19 (Fall), 10 (Spring)

Year Two

Course	Credits
GEO 302 - Mineralogy and Optical Mineral	4
GEO 309 - Sedimentation and Stratigraphy	4
GPHY 284 - Intro to GIS Science & Cartog	3
PHSX 205 - College Physics I	4
University Core and Electives	9
PHSX 207 - College Physics II	4
GEO 419 - Field Paleontology	2

Year Total: 24 (Fall), 4 (Spring), 2 (Summer)

Year Three

Course	Credits
ERTH 303 - Weather and Climate	3
GEO 330 - Paleontology Lab Techniques	2
GEO 417 - Taphonomy: Fossil Preservation	3
GPHY 384 - Adv GIS and Spatial Analysis	3
STAT 337 - Intermediate Statistics	3
GEO 310 - Invertebrate Paleontology	3
GEO 315 - Structural Geology	4
GEO 411 - Vertebrate Paleontology	3
GEO 428 - Field Methods	3
GEO 429R - Field Geology	3

Year Total: 14 (Fall), 13 (Spring), 3 (Summer)

Year Four

Course	Credits
University Core and Electives	9
UD Electives	19
GEO 443 - Principles of Sedimentary Petrology	3

Year Total: 28 (Fall), 3 (Spring) Total Program Credits: 120

Conclusion

The Paleontology program at Montana State University offers a comprehensive education in geology and biology, preparing students for a variety of careers in paleontology and related fields. With its unique location and hands-on fieldwork opportunities, MSU provides an ideal environment for students to explore their interests and develop their skills.