Agricultural Economist

Advanced courses in mathematics, science, economics, accounting, and computer skills

Agricultural economics

Agricultural Engineer

Mathematics, physics, chemistry, English, and computer science; involvement in experiences in communicating, leading groups, solving problems, analyzing situations, and resolving conflicting views

Mathematics, physics, chemistry, communications, computer science, economics, and a wide variety of engineering sciences including heat flow, environmental engineering, water movement, fluid mechanics, instrumentation, controls, properties of agricultural materials, engineering analysis, and engineering design.

Agricultural Science and Business Teacher

Participate in FFA and take agricultural education courses in addition to courses in science, math, and English; cadet teaching program (if available), volunteer work with youth, jobs in production agriculture or with agriculturally related companies, and 4H.

Undergraduate major in agricultural education; courses in communication and science; receive state teaching license

Agronomist

Biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics will provide an excellent background; English, speech, and foreign language will strengthen communication skills

A bachelor's degree is necessary; enroll in agriculture, biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, and statistics courses, as well as broad-based general education courses, including English and speech.

Animal Geneticist

As many courses in math, science, computers, and biology as possible; English composition, writing, and speech

Bachelor's degree in animal sciences, biology, biochemistry, poultry science, dairy science, forestry, entomology, or conservation biology; master's degree or doctorate in a specialty area with such courses as physiology, biochemistry, biophysics, bioinformatics, computer sciences, mathematics, and statistics.

Animal Nutritionist

Biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and communications; leadership skills acquired extracurricular activities

Bachelor's degree for an entry-level position; for careers involving research and management a graduate degree needed

Animal Physiologist

Mathematics, biology, and chemistry

Classes and laboratory projects on the growth, development, behavior, nutrition, genetics, anatomy, reproduction, and function of animal systems

Animal Well-Being Specialist

College entry coursework in both science and liberal arts such as biology, chemistry, math, English, and speech; extracurricular activities and membership in organizations can help develop and use leadership and other skills

Study in an animal science department, biological science department or school of veterinary medicine; classes on current production practices and appropriate science courses such as neurobiology, endocrinology, immunology, physiology, animal behavior, and animal well-being; English, communication courses, basic math and statistics classes

Aquaculturist

Repair and maintenance of machinery and engines, welding, construction, and other shop classes; accounting, marketing, and other business courses are also useful, as are basic courses in biology

Managers of aquaculture operations often have college degrees, and need to understand water quality, nutrition, business, and economics

Biochemist

At least four years of laboratory science (including biology, chemistry, and physics), four years of mathematics (at least through pre-calculus), and four years of English; learn about research through science fairs or independent study, and read about science and scientists in magazine and books.

Bachelor's degree in biochemistry; college courses will include biochemistry, chemistry (general, analytical, organic, and physical), biology, genetics, calculus, and physics; round out education with courses in the humanities and social sciences; many earn doctoral degrees, or medical or veterinary degrees.

Biological Engineer

Mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, English, and computer science; involvement in activities that give experience in communicating, leading groups, solving problems, analyzing situations, and resolving conflicting views.

Mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, communications, computer science, economics, and a wide variety of engineering sciences including heat flow, environmental engineering, water movement, fluid mechanics, instrumentation, controls, properties of agricultural materials, engineering analysis, and engineering design.

Biometrician

Algebra, trigonometry, geometry, calculus, and computer science, plus biology, physics, chemistry, and economics; also writing and speaking courses.

At least a bachelor's degree

Biotechnologist

College preparatory courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics; English and communication classes also important; participation in science clubs and fairs; work in a laboratory during the summer.

Bachelor's degree in a life science discipline like biology, biochemistry, genetics, or microbiology, with an emphasis on molecular biology; courses in chemistry, biochemistry, mathematics, and computer science; research or analytical experience; graduate degree or post-doctoral experience for leading research

Botanist

College preparatory courses in English, mathematics, biology, history, geography, and foreign languages; involvement in science clubs or fairs and in hobbies such as camping and photography

Bachelor's degree in botany with courses in English, mathematics, chemistry, physics, arts and humanities, social sciences, biological sciences, computer and communications; summer jobs or internships with educational institutions, governmental agencies, or private companies

Climatologist

Mathematics, biology, physics, and computer science; also courses like economics, speech, and chemistry

Conservation Biologist

As much math, chemistry, physics, biology, and English as possible; opportunities to work with parks, government agencies, or nonprofit groups in internships or volunteer positions to gain practical experience and network connections; experience writing for high school publications, leading meetings, and working in teams

College education and practical experience in the field; courses in biology, chemistry, ecology, genetics, and resource management; also courses in English, communication, statistics, economics, and public policy; public speaking and writing skills valuable assets; many positions require computer knowledge, especially with geographic information systems (GIS); some positions require advanced computer modeling skills

Ecologist

As much science as possible, including biology, chemistry, and physics; mathematics every year; learn to work with computers; practical experience as a volunteer in a nature center, a university research laboratory, or a conservation agency.

Bachelor's degrees for positions as technicians; most other jobs, need an advanced college degree; government, industries, and museums usually hire ecologists with doctoral degree

Entomologist

College preparatory curriculum and include as many science-based courses as possible

Major in entomology or a well-rounded biological sciences program to prepare for graduate work; undergraduate courses include biology, agriculture, chemistry/biochemistry, mathematics, and statistics, computer science, English, history, and the humanities; graduate students get experience in taxonomy, physiology, morphology, behavior, and pest management

Environmental Scientist

Mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, computer science and communication courses

Bachelor's degree with a major in soil science, water resources, meteorology, or environmental economics and policy or more specific majors, like groundwater management, water chemistry, air resources, water and wastewater treatment; all majors include courses in chemistry and biology; other courses vary with major; for example: Solid and Hazardous Waste Management, Development of Environmental Impact Statements, Geographical Information Systems, Water Chemistry and Analysis, Pollution Ecology, Hydrogeology, and Advanced Techniques in Environmental Analysis; graduate degrees often earned

Fisheries Scientist

Courses that emphasize biology, chemistry, mathematics, computer science, writing, and speaking.

Bachelor's degree in fisheries science, biology, or zoology; master's or doctorate degree in a fisheries program may be needed; college courses include: aquatic ecology, vertebrate and invertebrate biology, zoology, chemistry, mathematics, statistics, and microbiology, as well as courses in communications, sociology, economics, and administration

Florist

Art, math, botany, accounting, and communications courses; gain experience by working for a florist during holidays; formal training not necessary for entry level

For owner or manager positions college degree; courses include: floral design, personnel, selling, finance, management, marketing, and foliage plants; work experience necessary for upper-level positions

Food Process Engineer

Mathematics (especially calculus) and science (chemistry and biology); basic understanding of computer programming beneficial,

Bachelor’s degree program includes calculus, chemistry, biology, physics, engineering science and design classes, and some liberal arts electives; in 5 years possible to either a dual degree in biochemistry and food process engineering or a dual degree in pharmaceutical sciences and food process engineering

Food Safety Specialist

Mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, computer science and communications courses

Bachelor's degree in food science which includes courses such as bacteriology, biology, business, chemistry, epidemiology, food technology, management, mathematics, microbiology, physics, and statistics, as well as classes in food science; an understanding of HACCP theory and how to apply it; also an understanding of federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations that govern food protection..

Food Scientist

Mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, computer science and communications courses

Bachelor's degree in food science including courses such as biology, business, chemistry, engineering, management, mathematics, microbiology, physics, and statistics, as well as classes in food science; at graduate level or with experience education food chemistry, food microbiology, or food processing and engineering needed

Forest Engineer

Mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, computer science courses; communication skills important; experience working outdoors and with machines helpful

Bachelor’s degree at least; with courses in biology, forest management, soils, watershed management, machine design, engineering, and planning, also learn to use computers to solve forestry problems.

Forester

Four years each of mathematics and English; also courses in biology, chemistry, and physics

Graduate from forestry program; courses in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, engineering, economics, communications, and computer science; professional courses in forest biology, forest resource measurement, forest management, and forest policy and administration; over 40 accredited forestry programs in the United States.

Geneticist

As many courses in math, science, and English as possible; also, courses in computer science and communications

Bachelor's degree in animal science, biochemistry, agronomy, plant science, horticulture, poultry science, dairy science, forestry, or fisheries and wildlife; career draws heavily from mathematics, biology, statistics, biochemistry, microbiology, and chemistry; graduate degrees lead to more sophisticated research and development positions.

Horticulturist

Courses in rhetoric and speech communications, mathematics, chemistry, biology, and computer sciences

Bachelor’s degree with courses in biology, chemistry, mathematics, genetics, physiology, statistics, computer science, landscape design and construction, and communications to complement plant science and horticulture coursework; courses include plant materials, plant propagation, tissue culture, crop production, post harvest handling, plant breeding, crop nutrition, entomology, plant pathology, economics, and business; many careers require a master's or doctoral degree.

Hydrologist

Mathematics (algebra, trigonometry, and calculus), physics, biology, and chemistry; experience with leadership skills, natural resources, and public speaking through organizations like 4-H, FFA, or scouting helpful

Bachelor’s degree at least with courses such as, natural resource economics, policy, and law; math through calculus; engineering hydrology; natural resources management; soil and water conservation engineering; fluid mechanics; meteorology; soils; geology; forest and range management; physical and organic chemistry; microbiology; statistics; computer science; speech; and technical writing.

Marine Scientist

Biology, chemistry, advanced mathematics, and physics; marine biology, if offered

Generally master's or doctoral degree program required

Molecular Biologist

College preparatory courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics; participation in science clubs and fairs; work in a laboratory during the summer.

At least bachelor's degree in a life science discipline like biochemistry, genetics, or microbiology, with an emphasis on molecular biology; courses in chemistry, biochemistry, mathematics, and computer science; research or analytical experience useful

Nanotechnologist

As much math and science as possible, including: algebra, geometry, if possible, calculus; science classes include: biology, chemistry, and physics; proficiency with computer software, helpful for data collection, analysis, and reporting

Advanced college degree to be a nanotechnologist; bachelor's degrees may find positions as technicians; university, government, and industry research laboratories usually hire nanotechnologists with doctoral degrees.

Naturalist

Math, computer science, English, literature, social science, and foreign language; volunteer experience at parks, zoos, museums, or school camps helpful

College degree in natural resources, environmental science, or a similar program that emphasizes the scientific aspects of relationships between humans and their environment; understanding of  ecological sciences, communication theory, education principles, and resource management necessary; education must include a balance between ecological and social sciences.

Nematologist

Broad college preparatory curriculum including English, math, physics, chemistry, and biology; participation in lab and fieldwork to evaluate aptitude and preferences.

College degree in a biological science good preparation for further training in nematology; usually requires study at the graduate level, especially for a career in teaching or research; some college graduates might be trained by private industry for some specific job related to nematology; college courses in biology, molecular biology, mathematics, statistics, chemistry, physics, and English

Nutritionist/Dietitian

College preparatory program with as many science and mathematics courses as possible; two years of chemistry beneficial; also English and communications courses

Course of study will include biology, anatomy, and chemistry; also math, English, sociology, psychology, and business courses important; registered dietitians complete an undergraduate American Dietetic Association accredited academic program and supervised practical experience, then pass the Registration Examination for Dietitians

Plant Geneticist

Courses in math, science, and English as possible; also, courses in computer science and communications

At least a bachelor's degree in biochemistry, agronomy, plant science, horticulture, forestry, or biology; draws heavily from mathematics, biology, statistics, biochemistry, microbiology, and chemistry; graduate degrees lead to more sophisticated research and development positions

Plant Pathologist

Courses in biology, English, chemistry, physics, math, and computer sciences

Bachelor's degree in a biological science (preferably plant-oriented) and a master's degree in plant pathology; research scientists need a doctoral degree in plant pathology or a related discipline

Plant Physiologist

Mathematics, chemistry, biology, and botany courses; develop strong writing and communication skills; work part time in a laboratory

Bachelor’s degree with courses in botany, chemistry, biology, and mathematics, writing and communication; other courses and e well. Because plant physiologists support scientists in other disciplines, they need to know about enzymology, meteorology, horticulture, economics, philosophy and the human condition, politics, history,

Range Manager

Courses in biology, chemistry, speech, English, math, and zoology; experience in agriculture (4-H and FFA) desirable

Bachelor's degree in range science, management, natural resource management, or ecology; courses in range science, agronomy, animal sciences, biology, botany, chemistry, ecology, economics, forestry, hydrology, natural resource management, recreation, soils, statistics, and wildlife; graduate degree needed to do research or to teach, and for advancement in some fields.

Remote Sensing Specialist

Courses in math, statistics, computer science, physics, chemistry, an perhaps mechanical drawing and art, as well as any courses involving communication skills such as English, speech, journalism, and debate

College degree in disciplines such as geography, forestry, civil engineering, geology, wildlife management, or agronomy, and then specialize in remote sensing; also coursework in Geographic Information Systems (G.I.S.)

Renewable Energy Specialist

Biological and physical science classes such as chemistry, biology, and ecology (all of the sciences helpful; also math, economics, speech, and social sciences classes

Bachelor's degree with experience recommended; background in math and science; courses in economics, agriculture, environmental engineering, speech, communications, computer science, and political science; for a government or private consulting position, a master's or doctoral degree required

Science Writer

Write or edit school newspaper; participate in science fairs or out-of-school science and technology programs; volunteer for environmental organizations, jobs at scientific research or manufacturing companies; extracurricular activities such as science clubs and 4-H

Combination of strong English and writing courses with a science background; undergraduate major such as biological science, environmental science, agricultural science, or microbiology combined with a minor in English or communications

Soil Scientist

College preparatory courses in physics, biology, mathematics, and chemistry; communications courses also helpful; other courses include: earth science, environmental science, agriculture, or geology; practical experience in these areas helpful

College degree in soil science or a related biological, physical, or earth science; study of the sciences, especially physics, chemistry, geology, environmental science, and biology.

Toxicologist

As much biology, chemistry, mathematics, and environmental science as possible; development of strong writing, communication, and computer skills

At least two years of study beyond a bachelor of science or medical degree (DVM or MD); most have doctoral degrees; some earn undergraduate degrees in biology, chemistry, or environmental science; others graduate with degrees in veterinary medicine, human medicine, or pharmacy; graduate training in toxicology includes coursework in pharmacology, biochemistry, analytical chemistry, environmental science, as well as toxicology

Turf Scientist

As much biology, chemistry, English, mathematics, and physics as possible; other helpful courses include public speaking, Spanish, and computer science

College degree including courses such as turf management, soil fertility, weed science, plant pathology, entomology, and horticulture; also courses in chemistry, algebra and calculus, accounting, management, business and technical writing, and communications

Veterinarian

College preparatory courses including four years of mathematics, science (with special emphasis on chemistry and physics), English, and social sciences; work with many different types of animals on farms, in veterinary practices, in zoos, etc.

At least 7 years of education beyond high school; complete at least three years in an accredited college or university undergraduate program before starting admission into 4-year professional curriculum

Virologist

College preparatory courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics; participation in science fairs and science clubs and, if possible, work in a laboratory

Bachelor's degree in a life science discipline such as microbiology, biochemistry, plant pathology, or genetics; courses in biochemistry, molecular biology, computer science, and mathematics; research experience during an internship or while taking courses

Viticulturist

Courses in the sciences, basic agriculture, and communications

Many educational disciplines and interests combine with a basic agricultural and plant science education, and such combinations offer opportunities in specialized areas of viticulture

Weed Scientist

Chemistry, biology, math (algebra, trigonometry), speech, environmental studies (ecology), computer use, English grammar, technical writing, and typing [keyboarding];work experience in weed science

Bachelor's degree in a field such as agronomy, horticulture, range science, or soil science; for a laboratory research career a degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or plant physiology needed; a graduate degree for some positions; to work in business, a bachelor's degree in business with emphasis on agribusiness or agricultural economics needed with possibly an MBA.

Wildlife Biologist

As much math, physics, English, chemistry, and biology as possible; experience working with committees, conducting meetings, and writing for high school publications

College degree with courses in English, history, geography, statistics, and economics, as well as in physical and biological sciences; communication skills, especially speaking skills

Wood Scientist

Mathematics, chemistry, physics, biology, and computer sciences courses; courses in both speaking and English composition.

Bachelor's degree in wood science and technology (sometimes called forest products or wood utilization); courses include: chemistry, physics, mathematics, economics, wood anatomy, wood structure, production management, product manufacture, wood design, statistics, marketing, and business administration; graduate level education valuable for all wood scientists and technologists; normally required for research positions.