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Food Scientist Training and Qualifications
Most agricultural and food scientists need at least a master’s degree to work
in basic or applied research, whereas a bachelor’s degree is sufficient for some
jobs in applied research or product development, or jobs in other occupations
related to agricultural science.
Education and training. Training requirements for agricultural
scientists depend on the type of work they perform. A bachelor’s degree in
agricultural science is sufficient for some jobs in product development or
assisting in applied research, but a master’s or doctoral degree is generally
required for basic research or for jobs directing applied research. A Ph.D. in
agricultural science usually is needed for college teaching and for advancement
to senior research positions. Degrees in related sciences such as biology,
chemistry, or physics or in related engineering specialties also may qualify
people for many agricultural science jobs.
All States have a land-grant college that offers agricultural science
degrees. Many other colleges and universities also offer agricultural science
degrees or agricultural science courses. However, not every school offers all
specialties. A typical undergraduate agricultural science curriculum includes
communications, mathematics, economics, business, and physical and life sciences
courses, in addition to a wide variety of technical agricultural science
courses. For prospective animal scientists, these technical agricultural science
courses might include animal breeding, reproductive physiology, nutrition, and
meats and muscle biology. Graduate students usually specialize in a subfield of
agricultural science, such as animal breeding and genetics, crop science, or
horticulture science, depending on their interests. For example, those
interested in doing genetic and biotechnological research in the food industry
need a strong background in life and physical sciences, such as cell and
molecular biology, microbiology, and inorganic and organic chemistry.
Undergraduate students, however, need not specialize. In fact, undergraduates
who are broadly trained often have greater career flexibility.
Students preparing to be food scientists take courses such as food chemistry,
food analysis, food microbiology, food engineering, and food processing
operations. Those preparing as soil and plant scientists take courses in plant
pathology, soil chemistry, entomology, plant physiology, and biochemistry, among
others. Advanced degree programs include classroom and fieldwork, laboratory
research, and a thesis or dissertation based on independent research.
Other qualifications. Agricultural and food scientists should
be able to work independently or as part of a team and be able to communicate
clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Most of these scientists also
need an understanding of basic business principles, the ability to apply
statistical techniques, and the ability to use computers to analyze data and to
control biological and chemical processing.
Certification and advancement. Agricultural scientists who have
advanced degrees usually begin in research or teaching. With experience, they
may advance to jobs as supervisors of research programs or managers of other
agriculture-related activities.
The American Society of Agronomy certifies agronomists and crop advisors, and
the Soil Science Society of America certifies soil scientists and soil
classifiers. To become certified in soil science or soil classification,
applicants must have a bachelor's degree in soil science and 5 years of
experience or a graduate degree and 3 years experience. Certification in
agronomy requires a bachelor’s degree in agronomy or a related field and 5 years
experience or a graduate degree and 3 years. Crop advising certification
requires either 4 years of experience or a bachelor’s degree in agriculture and
2 years of experience. To receive any of these certifications, applicants must
also pass designated examinations and agree to adhere to a code of ethics. Each
certification is maintained through continuing education.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor,
Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition
Find related resources below:
Food Scientist job outlook
Food Scientist Income
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