College of Arts and Sciences
Department of Earth Sciences
www.kent.edu/earth-sciences

About This Program

The Paleontology minor provides a comprehensive understanding of paleontology and its interdisciplinary nature. You will gain hands-on experience in the field and 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 will be well equipped for careers in the field of paleontology or any related field. Enroll now and uncover the secrets of the past. Read more...

Contact Information

• Program Coordinator: Joseph Ortiz | jortiz@kent.edu | 330-672-2225
• Speak with an Advisor
  • Kent Campus
  • Stark Campus

Program Delivery

• Delivery:
  • In person
• Location:
  • Kent Campus
  • Stark Campus

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.

Program Requirements

Minor Requirements

Graduation Requirements

• 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).

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.