How to Become an Agricultural Scientist

Getting the Right Education

Take science classes in high school. You can prepare for this career starting in high school by taking advanced science courses in biology, chemistry, or physics. Consumer science courses can also be helpful. If they offer them at your school, take Advanced Placement science courses. During high school, consider joining agricultural clubs, like 4-H or Future Farmers of America, so you can get experience with agricultural projects.

Get a bachelor’s degree from a land-grant college. To become an agricultural scientist, you must get a degree in either agricultural science, agricultural biochemistry, or a related field like biology and chemistry. These degrees should be obtained from a land-grant college. These degrees offer many choices for areas of concentration, so you can tailor your degree to your interests. Food scientists use science to improve food processing, preservation, and storage. Plant scientists are also known as crop scientists or agronomists. They increase the productivity and nutritive value of crops to meet human needs. Soil scientists are similar to crop scientists and focus on the study of soils related to the growth of crops and plants. Animal scientists focus on the agricultural uses of animals as food items, such as meat, milk, eggs, and poultry. Land-grant colleges were created under the Morrill Act to designate land and universities for agricultural-specific education. Land-grant colleges focus on agricultural science and have land and experiment stations attached to them. There is at least one land-grant college in each state in the USA.

Pursue an advanced degree if you want advanced positions. There are many good jobs you can get with a bachelor’s degree, but if you want an advanced position, like research or teaching, you need a master’s degree or Ph.D. These positions are usually obtained through universities, government agencies, or research groups. You can get a master of science in agricultural science or a doctorate in plant physiology, soil science, or resource economics. Before you go to graduate school, you will have to prepare for and take the GRE, which is the graduate school entrance exam.

Obtaining the Right Experience

Participate in internships. During high school and college, get internships to gain valuable experience. Work at a farm or with a food-processing plant. Internships at a farm can help you learn about crops, soil, and animals, while a food-processing plant can help you understand the ins and outs of creating food for the population. If you cannot get an internship, try to get a job or volunteer. You can work at farms, food-processing plants, or labs. Volunteer at agricultural or farming organizations in your area. Talk to your local 4-H or FFA for suggestions, or ask teachers and professors if they know of any opportunities.

Work in a lab. During your undergraduate coursework, you should work in a lab that does some type of agricultural science work. Since you will be getting your degree from a land-grant college, there should be opportunities for lab work. This helps you gain experience that will be necessary to finding a job after you finish your degree. Talk to your professors about lab opportunities that will help you gain experience. Join student organizations for agricultural science because they may be able to help you find opportunities.

Focus on building related skills. Agricultural scientists spend a lot of time in offices and labs working with data and creating reports. To succeed in this field, you need to work on improving your computer skills since agricultural scientists work with advanced software to work with data and write reports. Math skills are important since you will be working with data. Clear communication and writing skills are also necessary since you will be writing reports and grants you will share with others.

Starting Your Career

Determine where you would like to work. As an agricultural or food scientist, you can get jobs in many different places. You can work for colleges or universities, food production facilities, laboratories, or offices. You may also find jobs in manufacturing or research and development. Depending on your experience and degrees, some work may be better suited than others. When you are looking for jobs, make sure to look in multiple different industries so you don’t miss any opportunities.

Search online for jobs. Start your search for a job by looking online. You can try a basic search in a search engine or general job sites. For more specific jobs, try looking at websites for industry organizations or government agencies, like the USDA.

Research the licensing requirements for your area. In some states, certain agricultural scientists need licenses to practice. These requirements vary by state and country, so you need to research what is required in your area. For example, to receive your license you may need to have a bachelor’s degree with a specific number of hours in your area, a minimum number of years working under an already licensed scientist in your area, and a passing score on an examination.

Consider a certification. Obtaining certification is a way to further your career and make yourself more marketable. You can become a Certified Crop Adviser, Certified Professional Agronomist, or Certified Professional Soil Scientist. To obtain these certifications, you must have a minimal level of experience, usually a bachelor’s degree and a certain number of years in the profession. Then, you must pass two comprehensive exams. Some certifications require that you take continuing education classes to keep the certification.