PaleontologyMS
Geology and Geological Engineering Department
If studying fossils is your dream job, then this master’s program is a perfect next step! At South Dakota Mines, you'll dig deep into research, answering key paleontological questions. This program offers a thesis or non-thesis option, as well as an accelerated master's option.
Triceratops - South Dakota Mines Museum of Geology
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Program Highlights
Department pageFeatured Research
- Geology, Paleontology, and Geochemistry of the Western Interior Seaway
- Paleontology and Fossilization within the White River Group
- Curation, Digitization, and Access to Fossil Specimens from the Richmond Hill Quarry
- Development of Grassland Ecosystems and Faunal Response in Miocene Mammals
Featured Courses
- Paleobiology
- Field Paleontology
- Museum Exhibit Design
- Vertebrate Fossil Preparation and Conservation
- Paleontological Resource Management
- Quantitative Methods in Paleontology
Potential Careers
- Science communicator
- Federal/government paleontologist
- Museum collections curator and preparator/conservator
- Exhibits specialist
- Faculty/research scientist
- Mitigation paleontologist
Requirements
Application InstructionsEligibility Criteria
Bachelor's Degree in
- Geology
- Geological Engineering
Credits
Course requirements: 24 credits
Research requirements: 6 credits
Total credits: 30
Non-Thesis
Course requirements: 30 credits
Total credits: 30
Application Deadline
For Fall Enrollment: February 1
For Spring Enrollment: August 1
Thesis
The thesis option focuses on graduate coursework and independent research. By the
end of the program, you will have a written thesis and an oral presentation that defends
your original work and contribution to the field of study.
TYPE
In-Person
ADMISSION MATERIALS
- Statement of purpose
- Official US transcripts or international transcript evaluation
- Official English proficiency scores
- 3 Letters of recommendation
- GRE scores not required
- Eligible for assistantships
- Tuition and fees
Non-Thesis
The non-thesis option focuses on graduate coursework and professional development.
Learn the latest advanced information and apply it to your work in the field. There
is no requirement for a project or thesis.
TYPE
In-Person
TYPE
In-Person
ADMISSION MATERIALS
- Statement of purpose
- Unofficial transcripts
- English proficiency scores
- Not eligible for assistantships
- Tuition and fees
Have more questions?
Geology & Geological Engineering, Paleontology MS:
Trevor Waldien
Graduate Program Coordinator
NMI 328
