Do you have a green thumb? Do you enjoy working outdoors or in a laboratory? Are environmental concerns important to you? Do you want to cultivate knowledge that can be used to help farmers produce more profitable harvests? Plant science is an area that can provide great careers for people with a variety of different skill sets and interests. Keep reading to learn more about this discipline and the jobs for which it can prepare you.
What Is a Plant Science Degree?
Preparation for a Career Working With Plants
Plant science is a broad term with many more specific areas of expertise. A plant science degree might prepare you to work as a geneticist, studying the DNA of plants. It could also give you the background necessary to advise farmers on how to deal with an infestation of harmful insects. You might, after obtaining a plant science degree, go into forestry and plan conservation efforts to preserve a national park. Read on to learn more about doors for which plant science is the key.
What Kind of Classes Will You Take?
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High school and undergraduate classes that can help you obtain a plant science degree include mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, and other sciences. Every different area of plant science has its own specific study requirements. Some plant scientists need to know statistics, specific computer software, farming technologies, artistic techniques, and even heavy machinery. As you refine your area of study, you might take classes in agricultural economics, biotechnology, botany, environmental science, or forestry, depending on your degree.
Getting the Most Out of Your Degree
If you are interested in plant science, you should choose your program of study carefully. Make sure the college or university you select provides courses in your chosen area and has top-notch facilities. Getting your degree online is usually not an option because plant science generally requires field work and laboratory research.
The Importance of Experience
Consider, also, work experience. Most employers will look for internships or other previous work that relates to the jobs they offer. Some organizations offer internships and hire the interns for full-time work after they graduate. You can find a college or university that partners with outside employers to place students in work-study programs.
Image by US Fish and Wildlife Service from Flickr
Examples of Organizations that Hire Plant Scientists:
Examples of Organizations that Provide Internships:
Is There a Need for People With Degrees In Plant Science?
Reasons for the Need
New technologies and growing concern for the environment are contributing to a growing need for people with a plant science degree in some careers. For example, experts are needed to study endangered plant species and plan their conservation. Other specialists can now use new computer software programs to study the genetics of plans and breed desired characteristics.
Opportunities In Horticulture
Opportunities In Forestry
Opportunties In Agriculture
What Careers Are Available With a Plant Science Degree?
Agricultural Business Manager
Agricultural and Food Scientist
Agronomist
Biochemist or Biotechnologist
Conservation Scientist
Entomologist
Environmental Engineer
Environmental Scientist
Grounds Maintenance Worker
Horticulturist
Plant Breeder or Geneticist
Plant Pathologist
Soil Scientist
Toxicologist
Weed Scientist
Agricultural and Rural Development Specialist
Conclusion
If you are looking to develop skills and acquire knowledge that will prepare you for a challenging career in a meaningful field, consider a plant science degree. Working with plants on a highly technical, scientific, or artistic level is something that a degree in plant science can enable you to do. Whether you are fascinated by plant DNA or having a desire to help farmers in developing countries support themselves, plant science could be the degree for you!
Featured Image from Pixabay