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Photo of a fossilized reptillian skeleton.

Paleontology - Minor

The Paleontology minor provides a comprehensive understanding of paleontology and its interdisciplinary nature. You'll gain hands-on experience in the field and in the lab while studying a diverse range of topics, including paleobotany, paleoecology and vertebrate paleontology. With the knowledge and skills acquired from this program, you'll be well-equipped for careers in the field of paleontology or any related field. Enroll now and uncover the secrets of the past.

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Minor in Paleontology

Kent State University's Minor in Paleontology offers students a focused study of the history of life on Earth through the examination of fossils and ancient environments. The program explores topics such as evolutionary biology, the fossilization process, and the geological contexts of fossil records, providing students with the skills to analyze past life forms and their ecosystems. Designed to complement majors in geology, biology, and environmental science, the minor equips students with a deeper understanding of Earth's biological history and prepares them for careers or advanced studies in paleontology, museum curation, and related fields.

Program Information for Paleontology - Minor

Program Description

Full Description

The Paleontology minor prepares students to integrate concepts in geology and biology to address issues in conservation paleobiology, historical and current causes of extinctions and evolutionary patterns on geological scales. Scientific knowledge about paleontology is used to inform different areas of formal study such as biological sciences, conservation biology, anthropology, environmental studies, geography and museum and natural history education.

Students in the minor gain broad knowledge of paleobiology and the interplay between the geosphere and the biosphere over geologic time as well as in the Anthropocene. Competencies focus on evolutionary processes over geologic time applied to the interpretation of modern and historic floras and faunas and communication about these issues to policymakers and the public.

Admissions for Paleontology - Minor

Admission Requirements

Admission to a minor is open to students declared in a bachelor’s degree, the A.A.B. or A.A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree (not Individualized Program major). Students declared only in the A.A. or A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree in Individualized Program may not declare a minor. Students may not pursue a minor and a major in the same discipline.

To declare the Paleontology minor, students must have a minimum 2.000 overall Kent State University GPA. No Kent State University GPA is required if the student is a first-semester freshman or transfer student admitted in good standing.

Coursework
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Program Requirements

Minor Requirements

Minor Requirement
ESCI 11042EARTH AND LIFE THROUGH TIME (KBS) 3
ESCI 11043EARTH AND LIFE THROUGH TIME LABORATORY (KBS) (KLAB) 1
ESCI 34061PRINCIPLES OF PALEONTOLOGY 4
Minor Electives, choose from the following:6-7
ANTH 18630
HUMAN EVOLUTION (KBS)
ANTH 48810
HUMAN PALEONTOLOGY
BSCI 30050
HUMAN GENETICS
BSCI 30275
LOCAL FLORA (ELR)
BSCI 40163
EVOLUTION
BSCI 40556
VERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY
ESCI 41079
ALL ABOUT DINOSAURS
ESCI 41085
MASS EXTINCTIONS: CAUSES AND CONSEQUENCES
ESCI 44070
SEDIMENTOLOGY AND STRATIGRAPHY
ESCI 44072
MARINE PROCESSES
ESCI 44074
PALEOCEANOGRAPHY
Minimum Total Credit Hours:14

Graduation Requirements

Minimum Minor GPA Minimum Overall GPA
2.000 2.000
  • Minimum 6 credit hours in the minor must be upper-division coursework (30000 and 40000 level).
  • Minimum 6 credit hours in the minor must be outside of the course requirements for any major or other minor the student is pursuing.
  • Minimum 50 percent of the total credit hours for the minor must be taken at Kent State (in residence).
Program Delivery
  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus
    • Stark Campus
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