Do you need a degree to be a paleontologist?

Question

Do you need a degree to be a paleontologist?

Answer 1

Not if you don't intend to be a professional paleontologist.  Not all active researchers are professionals.  If, however, you're looking for a paying career as a paleontologist, then merely a degree is liable to leave you underqualified for many posts.

Answer 2

Only if you want to be called one by an official organization like a university or the government. Otherwise, dig away. You might be called a fossil collector, or a fossil thief.

Answer 3

There are plenty of amateur fossil enthusiasts but to be a paleontologist you need a Bachelor of Science in earth sciences, majoring in paleontology. Most work in the oil and gas industry or at universities/museums.

Answer 4

You can be an amateur paleontologist and do your own thing, being self educated.  However to work for a Museum, university or any other agency you would have to have a degree to compete with others for the job.

Answer 5

Yes and I'm sure such specific degrees do exist.

Otherwise, I think a good route maybe via geology. I've even heard of a route through botany too, where a person studies fossilised plants!