Best institutions to study Paleontology
A program that focuses on the scientific study of extinct life forms and associated fossil remains, and the reconstruction and analysis of ancient life forms, ecosystems, and geologic processes.
5 U.S. institutions graduated 21 Paleontology students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 40.0604, a specialization of Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences (CIP 40.06), and leads most directly to the Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers occupation (BLS SOC 19-2042).
About Paleontology programs
A program that focuses on the scientific study of extinct life forms and associated fossil remains, and the reconstruction and analysis of ancient life forms, ecosystems, and geologic processes. Includes instruction in sedimentation and fossilization processes, fossil chemistry, evolutionary biology, paleoecology, paleoclimatology, trace fossils, micropaleontology, invertebrate paleontology, vertebrate paleontology, paleobotany, field research methods, and laboratory research and conservation methods.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Paleontology program, part of the Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences field, focuses on the scientific study of extinct life forms and their fossil remains. This program is designed for students interested in understanding ancient ecosystems, geologic processes, and the history of life on Earth through the analysis of fossils and related materials.
Students in the Paleontology program gain essential skills in sedimentation, fossilization processes, and evolutionary biology. Coursework includes paleobotany, micropaleontology, and field research methods, equipping students with the knowledge needed to conduct geological studies and analyze ancient life forms.
Credentials awarded
What Paleontology graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Bachelor's degree10 graduates / yr · 2 institutions48%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year6 graduates / yr · 2 institutions29%
- Master's degree5 graduates / yr · 1 institution24%
Graduates over time
Paleontology completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 5 |
| 2013 | 2 |
| 2014 | 6 |
| 2015 | 12 |
| 2016 | 13 |
| 2017 | 11 |
| 2018 | 21 |
| 2019 | 9 |
| 2020 | 10 |
| 2021 | 9 |
| 2022 | 19 |
| 2023 | 24 |
| 2024 | 25 |
| 2025 | 21 |
Top 5 institutions for Paleontology, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bowling Green State University - Main Campus Bowling Green, OHPublicBachelor's | 9 | 64% | — | — |
| 2 | Rowan University Glassboro, NJPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 5 | 67% | — | — |
| 3 | South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Rapid City, SDPublicMaster's | 5 | 53% | — | — |
| 4 | The Master's University and Seminary Santa Clarita, CAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 1 | 68% | $30,641 | — |
| 5 | Missouri State University - Springfield Springfield, MOPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 58% | — | $34,481 |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences field (CIP 40.06) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 5 states
Where Paleontology graduates come from. Each state links to all Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences programs offered there.
| State | Institutions | Graduates / yr | Top institution by graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio | 1 | 9 | Bowling Green State University - Main Campus9 / yr |
| New Jersey | 1 | 5 | Rowan University5 / yr |
| South Dakota | 1 | 5 | South Dakota School of Mines and Technology5 / yr |
| California | 1 | 1 | The Master's University and Seminary1 / yr |
| Missouri | 1 | 1 | Missouri State University - Springfield1 / yr |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 19-2042, Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Paleontology program can pursue careers as geoscientists, natural sciences managers, or educators in atmospheric, earth, marine, and space sciences. The job outlook for geoscientists is about as fast as average, with an annual growth rate of 3.2%, approximately 2,000 annual openings, and a median wage of $99,240 for those holding a bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 40.0604
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographersprimary SOC 19-2042 | $101,920 | +3.2% About as fast as average | ~2,000 | Bachelor's degree |
Natural Sciences Managers SOC 11-9121 | $167,220 | +3.7% About as fast as average | ~8,500 | Bachelor's degree |
Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1051 | $103,170 | +2.6% About as fast as average | ~1,000 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
- Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
- Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Paleontology programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Plan or conduct geological, geochemical, or geophysical field studies or surveys, sample collection, or drilling and testing programs used to collect data for research or application.
- Analyze and interpret geological data, using computer software.
- Investigate the composition, structure, or history of the Earth's crust through the collection, examination, measurement, or classification of soils, minerals, rocks, or fossil remains.
- Analyze and interpret geological, geochemical, or geophysical information from sources, such as survey data, well logs, bore holes, or aerial photos.
- Identify risks for natural disasters, such as mudslides, earthquakes, or volcanic eruptions.
- Prepare geological maps, cross-sectional diagrams, charts, or reports concerning mineral extraction, land use, or resource management, using results of fieldwork or laboratory research.
Tools and technology used
Other Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences specializations
The 7 other 6-digit CIP codes under Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences (CIP 40.06).
- Geology/CIP 40.0601
Earth Science 5,615 graduates / yr433 institutions - Geological and Earth Sciences/CIP 40.0699
Geosciences 946 graduates / yr87 institutions - OceanographyCIP 40.0607534 graduates / yr35 institutions
- Hydrology and Water Resources ScienceCIP 40.0605206 graduates / yr38 institutions
- Geophysics and SeismologyCIP 40.0603169 graduates / yr32 institutions
- GeochemistryCIP 40.0602partial data24 graduates / yr8 institutions
Show 1 more CIP codes with no U.S. programs reported+
- Geochemistry and Petrology40.0606
No institution reported completions for these codes in the latest IPEDS year, so they have no page.
See all Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences programs →
Common questions
What degree do I need to pursue a career in Paleontology?+
A Bachelor's degree is typically required for entry-level positions in Paleontology.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in critical thinking, scientific analysis, and effective communication.
What types of jobs can I get with a Paleontology degree?+
You can work as a geoscientist, natural sciences manager, or a postsecondary educator.
Is the job outlook good for Paleontology graduates?+
Yes, the job outlook is about as fast as average, with an estimated 2,000 annual openings.
What is the CIP code for Paleontology?+
Paleontology is CIP 40.0604 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences (CIP 40.06). NCES defines it as: A program that focuses on the scientific study of extinct life forms and associated fossil remains, and the reconstruction and analysis of ancient life forms, ecosystems, and geologic processes. Includes instruction in sedimentation and fossilization processes, fossil chemistry, evolutionary biology, paleoecology, paleoclimatology, trace fossils, micropaleontology, invertebrate paleontology, vertebrate paleontology, paleobotany, field research methods, and laboratory research and conservation methods.
How many institutions offer Paleontology programs?+
5 U.S. institutions reported Paleontology graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 5 states, awarding 21 credentials in the year. That is 0.3% of all Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences graduates.
How much do Paleontology graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers occupation, which Paleontology most directly leads to, pays a median of $101,920 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences field report median earnings of $34,481 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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