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Investigative
You are most likely task-oriented with a strong scientific orientation. You prefer to think through problems and have a great need to understand the physical world. You prefer to work independently, and enjoy ambiguous tasks. You may have unconventional values and attitudes, and although you are confident of your scholarly and intellectual abilities, you may see yourself as lacking in leadership or persuasive abilities. You describe yourself as analytical, curious, independent, and reserved.
TOP
Careers for You
Agricultural Communicator
Showing the world a brighter agriculture.
As an agricultural communicator, you might- present what’s happening in agriculture to the public through social media, print, television, radio, and the Web
- raise public awareness of agriculture and agricultural issues, science, and research
- market agricultural products to target audiences
You might be hired by a
- magazine or newspaper
- advertising and marketing agency
- corporation
- radio or television station
- land-grant university
- government agency
You need
- strong written and oral communication skills
- a bachelor’s degree in sales and marketing or agricultural communication
College courses you’ll take will likely include
- communication
- chemistry
- biology
- agricultural economics
- agricultural electives
Majors
Agricultural Engineer
Engineering a better agriculture.
As an agricultural engineer, you will- apply basic science and engineering principles
- design solutions to engineering problems in agricultural production
You may be hired by
- builders of storage facilities, farmsteads, and commercial buildings
- agricultural machinery companies
- irrigation and drainage system manufacturers
- federal, state, and local research, regulatory, and educational agencies
- manufacturers of control systems and measuring devices
- consulting firms
- power utilities
- alternate fuel producers
You need to
- enjoy solving problems
- have the ingenuity to envision new designs or solutions
- clearly understand physical and chemical principles
In college, you'll take
- mathematics
- physics
- chemistry
- communication
- computer science
- economics
- engineering courses, including heat flow, environmental engineering, water movement, fluid mechanics, instrumentation, controls, properties of agricultural materials, engineering analysis, and engineering design
Majors
Agricultural Science & Business Teacher
Touching lives, teaching about life.
As an agricultural science and business teacher, you will- prepare middle and high school students for successful careers
- develop and deliver curricula across a wide range of agricultural subjects
You may work
- in a rural, suburban, or urban public school
- as an advisor of a local FFA student organization emphasizing leadership, personal growth, and career success
- as the coordinator and supervisor of student agricultural experiences
- with adults, teaching agricultural production, business, or mechanical subjects
You should be interested in
- agricultural science and business
- working with people
In college, you need
- a strong foundation in communication and science
- an undergraduate major in agricultural education
- to prepare to get your state teaching license
Majors
Agronomist
Your field of dreams.
As an agronomist, you may- deal with interactions among plants, soils, and the environment
- use sophisticated research tools and techniques
- develop new and better crop hybrids and varieties
- research anything from the very basic to applied issues
- research ways to produce crops and turf
- research environmentally friendly ways to manage soils and water
- work in food production
- research land use
You might work as
- an agriculturist in the United States or a foreign country
- a weather forecaster
- an environmentalist
- a researcher
- a teacher
You might be hired by
- the USDA
- State Departments of Agriculture and other governmental services
- the Natural Resources Conservation Service
- a bank
- a farm co-op
- a seed, agricultural supply, or lawn-care company
You need
- a bachelor's degree
- an interest in science and environmental issues
- an interest in working with people
- an interest in applying science to practical feed and food production issues
College courses you’ll take will likely include
- agriculture
- biology
- chemistry
- mathematics
- physics
- statistics courses
- broad-based general education courses, including English and speech
Majors
Animal Geneticist
Knowing genes, improving animals.
As an animal geneticist in the basic sciences, you work to- understand gene functions
- understand how genes affect growth, reproduction, disease resistance, or behavior
- observe and measure traits and identify the genes that cause them
If you have mathematical and computer skills, you may work in bioinformatics to
- analyze and interpret the genetic code
- compare genetic code across species
- relate what you learn about gene location and function in simple life forms to agriculturally relevant animals
- understand evolution and the forces that affect changing populations
You may be hired by
- an animal pharmaceutical company
- a breeding company
- a breed association for a commodity
- a hatchery
- the federal government
- a college or university
To be an animal geneticist, earn
- a bachelor's degree in the sciences
- a master's degree or doctorate
If you're interested in basic research, take courses in
- physiology
- biochemistry
- biophysics
If you're interested in bioinformatics or breeding, take courses in
- computer science
- mathematics
- statistics
Majors
Animal Nutritionist
Better food, better life.
As an animal nutritionist, you may- formulate diets for food, companion, and zoo animals
- work with mammals, birds, or fish
- create diets that must be nutritionally sound, good-tasting, and economical for the ages and types of animals that use them
- serve clients on farms and ranches
- conduct or supervise proprietary research
- carry out international marketing projects
- teach the science and art of nutrition
- conduct research
You may work in a
- public university or college
- a feed company
- a pharmaceutical company
You should be
- a curious person
- very interested in both animals and the sciences
- interested in improving the quality of life for both people and animals
You must have
- a bachelor's degree for an entry-level position
- a graduate degree for careers involving research and management
Animal nutrition combines
- chemistry
- physics
- biochemistry
- mathematics
- animal behavior
- economics
- food processing
- animal production techniques
Majors
Animal Physiologist
Hot. Cold. Wet. Dry. Disease. Famine. Bounty. How do animals adapt?
As an animal physiologist, you may be asked- how diet affects an animal's system
- about the intended effects and side effects of growth promotants, wormers, insecticides, and antibiotics
- how animals interact with diseases or poisons
- how animals are affected by air exchange, temperature, humidity, or space in animal housing
You may be hired by
- a university
- a feed or pharmaceutical company
- a building engineer
- a research organization
You should be
- interested in animals and their welfare
- curious about how animal bodies function
You'll likely take courses in animal
- growth and development
- behavior
- nutrition
- genetics
- anatomy
- reproduction and function
Majors
Biochemist
When the chemistry's missing, it's no life!
As a biochemist, you may- explore chemical events that cause biological phenomena in living organisms
- conduct laboratory research
- study how cells, organs, or organisms chemically communicate, grow and develop, regulate complex internal chemical events, or protect themselves from pathogens
- gain understanding that translates into products that benefit agriculture, human health, or consumers
- go on to earn a graduate, medical, or veterinary degree
- work in marketing and technical sales
- move into a research and development management position
- pursue a career in law or science writing
You may be hired by
- a university or college
- a medical or veterinary school
- an agricultural or pharmaceutical industry
- a biotechnology discovery firm
For an entry-level position as a biochemist, you need a bachelor's degree in biochemistry.
Your college courses will include
- biochemistry
- chemistry (general, analytical, organic, and physical)
- biology
- genetics
- calculus
- physics
- humanities and social sciences
Majors
Biological Engineer
Engineers who know biology.
As a biological engineer, you might- design equipment to produce pharmaceuticals, pet food, or human foods
- control tissue growth for new biological products
- develop biological sensors to minimize stress or enhance productivity
- control the environments in greenhouses and animal facilities
- resolve waste management, water quality, and other environmental concerns
- develop biodegradable products
- develop renewable natural resources for use in energy applications
You may be hired by
- a food or industrial processing company
- a pharmaceutical or health equipment manufacturer
- a biomedical materials processing company
- an environmental consulting firm
- a biotechnology company
- a federal, state, or local research, regulatory, or educational agency
- a greenhouse or animal housing manufacturer
You should enjoy
- using scientific principles involving the life sciences
- creating products and processes that effectively and profitably meet human needs
College courses you'll take will likely include
- mathematics
- physics
- chemistry
- biology
- communications
- computer science
- economics
- engineering courses including heat flow, environmental engineering, water movement, fluid mechanics, instrumentation, controls, properties of agricultural materials, engineering analysis, and engineering design
Majors
Biometrician
...if you like to measure with a big ruler.
As a biometrician, you may- advise researchers who are planning experiments
- analyze data for trends and underlying relationships
- forecast future conditions of natural resources like forests or watersheds
- work as part of a team
- help with quality control and assurance in research and operations management
- support others in forest inventory design, agricultural research, and production process analysis
- conduct research to improve statistical methods or the understanding of subjects like crop development or climate change
You may work for a
- state agency
- federal research organization
- university
- private firm with a large research program
- large environmental consulting firm
You need
- an analytical mind
- experience working with computers
- to study hard
- to specialize in at least one area of science
- good communication skills
You will need at least a bachelor's degree in the sciences.
Majors
Biotechnologist
Fighting diseases with genes.
As a biotechnologist, you may- diagnose or treat a disease
- develop a new drug
- produce a crop plant that has higher yield
- improve a process for making a biofuel
- change the genetic information in DNA
- look for individualized treatments for gene-based diseases of crops or livestock
- search for treatments for human diseases such as autism, heart disease, Alzheimer's, cancer, or autoimmune disorders
With a bachelor's degree, you may work as a
- technician
- biomedical policy analyst
- medical affairs specialist
- community college instructor
With a graduate degree you may work as a
- researcher
- college professor
You may be hired by a
- university
- company
- nonprofit organization
- government agency
You need
- a bachelor's degree in a life science discipline
- an emphasis on molecular biology
- research or analytical experience
- a graduate degree and post-doctoral experience, if you want to lead research
College courses you will likely take include
- chemistry
- biochemistry
- mathematics
- computer science
Majors
Plant Genetics, Breeding, & Biotechnology
Botanist (Plant Biologist)
Do you think green?
As a plant biologist, you may- be a plant explorer
- study the effects of pollution (such as acid rain) on plants
- work toward environmental protection
- identify new plant species and evaluate plant parts and uses
- produce entire plants from single cells with a technique called tissue culture
- use biotechnology to develop new or improved plants
You may be hired by
- an educational institution
- a botanical garden, arboretum, herbarium, or zoo
- a medical plant or germplasm resources laboratory
- a biological supply house
- a biotechnology firm
- a pharmaceutical company
- a nursery or greenhouse business
- a petrochemical company
- an animal or plant-health inspection group
You will need
- a bachelor's degree in botany
- a summer job or internship
College courses you likely will take include
- English
- mathematics
- chemistry
- physics
- arts and humanities
- social sciences
- biological sciences
- computer science
- communications
Majors
Climatologist
A job as changeable as the weather.
As a climatologist, you may- study climate change, climate variability, or the effects of climate on the biosphere
- use computer modeling to predict the effect of weather or climate on the growth and development of grain, vegetables, fruits, or other crops
- work as a weather station network supervisor, computer programmer, or supervisor of climate data publications
- provide expert advice or testimony as a consultant for clients, including companies involved in construction, litigation, insurance, utilities, and agribusiness
- teach climate courses
- participate in multidisciplinary extension or research activities
You may work for
- a state agency
- the federal government
- a university
- yourself, as a private consultant
You need
- a strong background in math and physics
- broad educational experience
- a master's or doctoral degree for most private consulting and many government jobs
College courses you likely will take include
- meteorology
- climatology
- agricultural sciences
- biology
- computer science
- mathematics
- physics
Majors
Applied Meteorology & Climatology
Natural Resources & Environmental Science
Ecologist
Knowing and sharing spaceship earth.
As an ecologist, you may- ask scientific questions about the relationships between organisms and their environment
- teach in a college classroom and laboratory, nature education center, museum, or public lecture hall
- research anything from fieldwork and population modeling to molecular genetics
- study ways to monitor, protect, and manage our natural resources
- advise workers in government and private agencies and interact with many people
You may work in a
- university
- government agency
- consulting firm
- research laboratory
- museum
- nature center
- private industry
You need
- to possess intense curiosity
- an appreciation of plants, animals, and the environment
- a concern for the deterioration of our world
You should have
- a bachelor's degree for a position as a technician
- an advanced degree for most jobs in government, industry, or museums
Majors
Natural Resources & Environmental Science
Sustainable Food & Farming Systems
Entomologist (Insect Biologist)
Study what bugs us!
As an entomologist, you may- help farmers and ranchers produce healthier crops and livestock more efficiently by using sound pest-management strategies
- produce information about endangered species, fragile ecosystems, and the environment
- help prevent the spread of serious diseases in plants and animals
You may work in
- medicine
- the legal profession
- pharmacology
- veterinary medicine
- a university
- agribusiness
- private consulting
- a local, state, federal, or international agency
In college, you can major in
- entomology
- biological sciences, followed by a graduate degree
College courses you’ll take will likely include
- biology
- agriculture
- chemistry/biochemistry
- mathematics
- statistics
- computer science
- English
- history
- humanities
As a graduate student, you will get experience in
- taxonomy
- physiology
- morphology
- behavior
- pest management
Majors
Environmental Scientist
Your future's out there.
As an environmental scientist, you may- work in solid and hazardous waste management
- help make land use decisions
- help assess environmental quality and find ways to protect air, water, and land
- monitor discharges, assess environmental quality, and assure compliance with state and federal laws regulating pollution
You may work for a
- natural resources and environmental protection department
- federal agency (e.g., EPA and NRCS)
- private environmental consulting firm
- environmental laboratory
- corporation
You need
- a bachelor's degree in soil science, water resources, meteorology, environmental economics and policy, groundwater management, water chemistry, air resources, or water and wastewater treatment
- a graduate degree, if you want upward mobility
College courses you’ll take will include
- chemistry
- biology
Majors
Applied Meteorology & Climatology
Environmental & Natural Resources Engineering
Natural Resources & Environmental Science
Sustainable Food & Farming Systems
Fisheries Scientist
A catchy career.
As a fisheries scientist, you may- protect and enhance recreational, commercial, and aquacultural fisheries resources through expertise in biology, ecology, statistics, genetics, economics, policy and administration, or law
- hold a research or management position dealing with species or habitat evaluation
- monitor commercial harvests of fishes, crabs, shrimp, or oysters as a federal biologist
- study sport-fish populations as a state biologist
You may work at
- a federal fish hatchery
- an environmental consulting firm
- a private aquaculture facility
You need
- a bachelor's degree in fisheries science, biology, or zoology
- or a master's degree in a fisheries program
College courses you’ll take will likely include
- aquatic ecology
- vertebrate and invertebrate biology
- zoology
- chemistry
- mathematics
- statistics
- microbiology
- communications
- sociology
- economics
- administration
Majors
Food Process Engineer
Engineering for food quality and safety.
As a food process engineer, you may- research and develop new and existing products and processes
- design processing, handling, and packaging equipment
- supervise the design, construction, installation, and start-up of process
- keep factories running smoothly
- manage or supervise other workers
- work in technical sales and service
- act as a specialized consultant
- market products
- work with processors, equipment suppliers, design and consulting firms, and ingredient suppliers
You may work in a
- food company
- chemical company
- biochemical industry
- pharmaceutical industry
- government or educational institution
You need to
- be curious about how things work and enjoy solving problems
- like math and science, especially chemistry and biology
College courses you will likely take include
- calculus
- chemistry
- biology
- physics
- engineering science
- design
- liberal arts electives
Majors
Food Scientist
A job in good taste (and color and texture and nutrition).
As a food scientist, you may- preserve our food supply by ensuring its flavor, color, texture, nutritional quality, and safety
- use your knowledge of chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, and engineering to convert grain, livestock, fruits, and vegetables into new food products
- work as a production supervisor, quality assurance specialist, product developer, or manager of a processing plant
- conduct food research and act as a troubleshooter in solving problems
- be a sales and marketing representative and consumer educator
- hold a job as a food inspector, researcher, or laboratory worker in local, state, or national government
- develop government regulations to safeguard our food
You may work for a
- food processing company
- food equipment or ingredient supplier
- government agency
You need
- a bachelor's degree
- graduate education or experience for jobs in food chemistry, food microbiology, or food processing and engineering
College courses you likely will take include
- biology
- business
- chemistry
- engineering
- management
- mathematics
- microbiology
- physics
- statistics
- food science
Majors
Forest Engineer
Timmm...berrr!
As a forest or logging engineer, you may- help design timber transportation and harvesting systems
- supervise timber harvests
- ensure protection of soil, water, and other natural resources during logging
- work with people, highly technical machines and computers, and natural resources
You may work for
- a small, family-owned private logging and forestry company
- a large regional, national, or multinational corporation
- a government forestry agency
- an equipment manufacturer
- yourself, as a private consultant
You need to
- be a problem solver
- have an interest in natural resources
- earn a bachelor's degree
- learn to use computer software to solve forestry problems
College courses you will likely take include
- biology
- forest management
- soils
- watershed management
- machine design
- engineering
- planning
Majors
Forester
Keepers of the forest.
As a forester, you may- spend one day in the laboratory and the next in the field
- speak with executives in board rooms
- talk with tree farmers
- work as a consultant or in management, administration, or research
You may work for
- private industry
- yourself, as a private consultant
- a public agency such as the U.S. Forest Service
You must
- be highly trained technically
- be a good communicator
- have long-range views on environmental issues
- see yourself as a steward of forest resources
- be able to convince others that forests are vital to the welfare of humanity
College courses you likely will take include
- biology
- chemistry
- physics
- mathematics
- engineering
- economics
- communications
- computer science
- forest biology
- forest resource measurement
- forest management
- forest policy and administration
There are over forty accredited forestry programs in the United States.
Majors
Natural Resources & Environmental Science
Hydrologist
For plenty of cool, clear, clean water...
As a hydrologist, you may- help assess and protect our water supplies and water quality
- manage surface and ground water to avoid problems caused by floods, droughts, population growth, and the impact of human activities
- deal with the chemical, physical, biological, and radiological properties of water we use for drinking, irrigation, industrial cooling, or swimming
- help assess how land use affects water quality
- help develop strategies to reduce the impact of land use and land-use change on water quality
You may work for a public or private group such as a
- federal agency (e.g., Geological Survey, National Weather Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Land Reclamation, Natural Resources Conservation Service, or Forest Service)
- state agency (department of natural resources or environmental management)
- watershed association
- private consulting firm
You need to
- appreciate natural resources
- enjoy working with people
College course you’ll take will likely include
- natural resource economics
- policy and law
- basic mathematics 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
- technical writing
Majors
Applied Meteorology & Climatology
Environmental & Natural Resources Engineering
Natural Resources & Environmental Science
Landscape Architect
Designing the world.
As a landscape architect, you- must be very artistic
- design everything from man-made landscapes for private homes to large corporate buildings
- use computer programs as well as your artistic abilities in your designs
- must understand the science of plants and where plants thrive
- will spend much of your time indoors coming up with new designs
- will spend many hours outdoors making each design a reality
You may work
- as a private contractor
- in public agencies
- in design-oriented companies
You need
- a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture, which is highly competitive and rigorous
- a one-year internship
College courses you’ll take will include
- economics
- biology
- horticulture
Majors
Molecular Biologist
Dabbling in DNA.
As a molecular biologist, you may- study the molecular basis of living things
- ask how genetic information can be encoded in DNA and how this information can be used to direct the synthesis of other molecules that make up living things
- ask how the genetic information in DNA can be changed
- ask how changes in the genetic information in DNA can cause disease
- develop new methods to diagnose and treat disease, develop new agricultural crops, or develop new ways to detect and remove pollutants from the environment
- serve as a scientific advisor, lawyer, or government official
You may work in a
- university
- company
- government agency
You need
- a bachelor's degree in a life science discipline with an emphasis on molecular biology
- research or analytical experience
College courses you’ll take will likely include
- chemistry
- biochemistry
- mathematics
- computer science
Majors
Plant Genetics, Breeding, & Biotechnology
Plant Geneticist
Orchestrating plant genes, improving plants.
As a plant geneticist, you may- produce superior plants through selective breeding
- track down genes to discover their functions
- identify genes useful for creating improved plants
- improve the production and quality of food and fiber
- identify genes that can be used in different ways, sometimes to create completely new traits or to enhance traits already in plants
You may work for a
- private corporation
- state university
- state or federal agency
You need to
- understand how genes work and where they are
- follow the flow of genes between and within populations to understand the forces of evolution
- earn a bachelor's degree in biochemistry, agronomy, plant science, horticulture, forestry, or biology
College courses you’ll take will likely include
- mathematics
- biology
- statistics
- biochemistry
- microbiology
- chemistry
Graduate degrees can lead you to more sophisticated research and development positions.
Majors
Plant Genetics, Breeding, & Biotechnology
Plant Pathologist
Doctor Green.
As a plant pathologist, you may- deal with the symptoms, causes, damage, spread, and control of plant diseases
- specialize in mycology, bacteriology, virology, nematology, physiology, genetics, molecular and cellular biology, epidemiology, biotechnology, or biochemistry
- study disease processes
- look for genetic, biological, chemical, or cultural controls for diseases of the plants we use for food and fiber
- introduce new varieties of pest-resistant plants
You may work for
- the Cooperative Extension Service
- a government agency (e.g., USDA, United States Forest Service)
- a private company that provides disease control services
For this career you need
- a bachelor's degree in a biological science (preferably plant-oriented)
- and a master's degree in plant pathology
To be a research scientist, you also need a doctoral degree in plant pathology or a related discipline.
Majors
Plant Genetics, Breeding, & Biotechnology
Plant Physiologist
What makes plants work?
As a plant physiologist, you may- study the physical, chemical, and biological functions of living plants
- study whole plants, as well as plant cells, molecules, and genes
- work as a member of a multidisciplinary team composed of molecular and cell biologists, biochemists and geneticists, with the broad objective of understanding the function of genes in plants
- study the effect of specific genes on plant growth, flowering, and seed yield
- carry out experiments to reveal how plants respond to pathogens and insect pests or to environmental stresses like drought, salinity, pollutants, and high and low temperatures
You may work in
- an academic institution
- a state or federal agency
- an industrial organization, as a consultant
You need to
- understand botany, chemistry, biology, and mathematics
- write and communicate well
- know about enzymology, meteorology, horticulture, economics, philosophy and the human condition, politics, and history
- be able to teach
- be willing to relocate and continue your education
Majors
Plant Genetics, Breeding, & Biotechnology
Range Manager
Homes on the range for plants, animals, and people.
As a range manager, you may- care for our country's vast rangelands
- produce a sustained yield of plants for forage, clean water, and wildlife for aesthetics, hunting, and red meat
- plan and direct public and private land use for federal or state agencies
- do research, teach, and or work with the public
- work as a ranch or land manager, agricultural product sales and service representative, land reclamation specialist, or environmental consultant
You may work for a
- state or federal agency
- college or university
- private industry
- environmental group
You need
- a bachelor's degree in range science, management, natural resource management, or ecology
- a graduate degree if you plan to do research or teach, and to advance in some fields
College courses you’ll take will likely include
- range science
- agronomy
- animal sciences
- biology
- botany
- chemistry
- ecology
- economics
- forestry
- hydrology
- natural resource management
- recreation
- soils
- statistics
- wildlife
Majors
Natural Resources & Environmental Science
Sustainable Food & Farming Systems
Remote Sensing Specialist
Sky Sci.
As a remote sensing specialist, you may- interpret and analyze many types of aerial photographs and satellite images
- use color infrared photos to map forest types or areas of irrigated cropland or to determine areas of insect or disease infestation in forests or croplands
- use thermal infrared scanners to locate and monitor forest fires and to define areas of thermal pollution in rivers and lakes
- use computers to analyze satellite scanner data and create maps of land cover and changes in land use
You may work for a
- state agency
- federal agency
- commercial company
You need to
- enjoy working with maps and computers
- earn a college degree in a discipline such as geography, forestry, civil engineering, geology, wildlife management, or agronomy
- specialize in remote sensing
- take coursework in Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Majors
Soil Scientist
Dig into earthy problems.
As a soil scientist, you may- map and classify soils and provide interpretations for land planners and managers
- conduct research on soil degradation or erosion or on movement of substances such as nutrients and pesticides through the soil profile
- identify problems such as wetness and erosion that limit soil use
- write soil descriptions and prepare maps and information about soils
You may be hired by
- a university
- a private industry
- a USDA agency
- a chemical company
- a county or state government agency
- an environmental consulting firm
You need
- a college degree in soil science or a related science
- to like working outdoors and studying the sciences
College course you take likely will include
- physics
- chemistry
- geology
- environmental science
- biology
Majors
Natural Resources & Environmental Science
Toxicologist
Is it dangerous? Will it hurt me?
As a toxicologist, you may- study the effects of potentially harmful chemicals on people, animals, and the environment
- use your knowledge of biology, chemistry, and the environment to devise strategies to reduce or control exposure to harmful chemicals
- conduct research or teach in a university
- make sure that the chemicals we use are safe and effective
- become a veterinarian trained in toxicology to work in animal health diagnostic laboratories
You may be employed by a
- college or university
- hospital or poison control center
- government agency
- private industry
You need
- an undergraduate degree in biology, chemistry, or environmental science
- a degree in veterinary medicine, human medicine, or pharmacy for some positions
- at least two years of study beyond a bachelor of science
- a doctoral degree for some positions
Graduate training in toxicology includes
- pharmacology
- biochemistry
- analytical chemistry
- environmental science
- toxicology
Majors
Natural Resources & Environmental Science
Turf Scientist
Your championship course.
As a turf scientist, you may- work outside caring for lawns, golf courses, park sites, athletic fields, or grounds around corporation headquarters
- use your scientific knowledge to maintain turf and to operate computer-controlled irrigation equipment
- become a coordinator, manager, or assistant or branch manager in a corporation
- rely on your scientific expertise to make good purchasing decisions and to explain tasks to employees
- spend much of your time creating and managing budgets, coordinating projects, and managing an organization with numerous employees
You may work for a
- sports stadium
- golf course
- park
- corporation
- sod producer
- lawn care or turf care company
- college or university
You need
- skill in science, business, and personnel management
- a college education
College courses you take likely will include
- turf management
- soil fertility
- weed science
- plant pathology
- entomology
- horticulture
- chemistry
- algebra
- calculus
- accounting
- management
- business and technical writing
- communication
Majors
Veterinarian
Healthy creatures great and small.
As a veterinarian, you may- work in private practices where they diagnose, treat, and help prevent disease and disabilities in animals
- be a practitioner, researcher, public servant, administrator, or teacher
- work with one or more species of animal
- work in a clinical specialty such as cardiology, surgery, or neurology
- safeguard human health by controlling diseases that can spread from animals to humans
You may work in
- a private business
- a group practice
- a nutrition or pharmaceutical company
- a state or federal government agency
- the military
- an academic institution
- a zoo
- a breeding farm
You need
- at least three years in an accredited college or university undergraduate program before starting your four-year professional curriculum
- a total of at least seven years of education beyond high school
Majors
Natural Resources & Environmental Science
Viticulturist
It's a grape career!
As a viticulturist, you may- improve vineyard management methods, harvesting techniques, environmental protection, water conservation, yield, quality, or regulatory compliance
- work with government regulations
- work in international marketing
- work on grapevine nutrition, vineyard pruning, trellising, canopy management, and irrigation, grape varietal breeding, propagation, and selection, or pest management and disease control
- work in agricultural economics, marketing, or quality control
You may work for a
- winery
- wine grape grower
- grower and processor of raisin and table grapes
- juice processor
You may be
- an outdoors person
- a laboratory scientist
- an economist
- a wine lover
- an ecologist
- an engineer
Many educational disciplines and interests combine well with a basic agricultural and plant science education, and those combinations offer opportunities in specialized areas of viticulture.
Majors
Weed Scientist
Eliminating the competition.
As a weed scientist, you may- teach, perform research, or work with the public
- enforce weed laws or develop regulations for biological and chemical control agents
- work in research, development, sales, marketing, or regulation
- diagnose problems in the field or establish weed management systems
You may work in
- Extension at a university
- a state or federal agency
- an agricultural chemical company
- a private research firm
- a private crop management or consulting company
You should have
- an interest in weed science (including taxonomy and plant ecology), soil science, and agriculture
- a bachelor's degree in a field such as agronomy, horticulture, range science, or soil science
For a laboratory research career, you need
- a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or plant physiology
- a graduate degree for some positions
To work in business, you should have
- an interest in sales, marketing, or economics
- a bachelor's degree in business with emphasis on agribusiness or agricultural economics
- an M.B.A. for some positions
Majors
Wildlife Biologist
Walk on the wildlife side.
As a wildlife biologist, you may- do research that helps us better manage our natural resources
- specialize in fields such as physiology, genetics, ecology, behavior, disease, nutrition, population dynamics, land use, or pollution
- collect, analyze, and interpret facts objectively and skillfully
- report the facts clearly to other people
- produce environmental impact statements and other planning documents
You may work with a
- state, provincial, or federal agency
- town, city, or county agency
- park, zoo, or conservation center
- university or college
- consulting or environmental firm
- large firm dealing in timber, ranching, mining, energy production, paper production, or chemical production
- private or public conservation-related organization
You need to
- be curious, patient, and persistent
- earn a college education
- enjoy working outdoors with wildlife
- enjoy interacting with people
College courses you’ll take will likely include
- English
- history
- geography
- statistics
- economics
- physical and biological sciences
- communication (speaking skills)
Majors
Natural Resources & Environmental Science
Wood Scientist
Structure and style from a renewable resource.
As a wood scientist or technologist, you may- expertly convert wood (a renewable resource) into wood products
- work in manufacturing, marketing, technical service, or research
- work in product or process development
- work in quality control, production control, engineering, or management
- work in marketing, management of accounts, retail management, market research analysis, or product-market management
- make operations more efficient in technical service positions
You might be hired by
- a chemical company
- a machinery manufacturer
- a wood products manufacturer
- a government agency or laboratory
- a state or federal Extension service
- an industrial association
You need
- a bachelor's degree in wood science and technology (sometimes called forest products or wood utilization)
- graduate level education for research positions
College courses you’ll take will likely include
- chemistry
- physics
- mathematics
- economics
- wood anatomy
- wood structure
- production management
- product manufacture
- wood design
- statistics
- marketing
- business administration
Majors