Agricultural or food scientist: bachelor's in animal, food or plant science; master's or Ph.D. for research
Agricultural and food scientists typically need at least a bachelor's degree in animal science, food science, plant biology or a related field; some jobs need a master's or Ph.D. Every state has at least one land-grant college with agricultural science degrees. Plant and soil scientists may need a state license.
For: Science students who want to make farming and food safer, healthier and more efficient.
Route 1: Agricultural science: animal, crop or soil Agricultural scientist
Common majors: biology, physical science or agriculture with a concentration such as animal or crop science; chemistry, physics or engineering degrees may also qualify.
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Start here
High school: biology and chemistry
BLS
Agricultural and Food Scientists — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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About 4 years
Bachelor's in agriculture or a related science
Every state has at least one land-grant college offering agricultural science degrees.
BLS
Agricultural and Food Scientists — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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Highly recommended
Internships
May lead to full-time jobs.
BLS
Agricultural and Food Scientists — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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For research
Master's or Ph.D.
Genetics, animal reproduction, agronomy, biotechnology; heavy statistics and experiment design.
BLS
Agricultural and Food Scientists — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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Goal
Animal, soil or plant scientist
BLS
Agricultural and Food Scientists — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
Route 2: Food science Food scientist
Students may choose a food science concentration within agriculture.
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Start here
High school: biology and chemistry
BLS
Agricultural and Food Scientists — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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About 4 years
Bachelor's in food science
BLS
Agricultural and Food Scientists — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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Highly recommended
Internships
BLS
Agricultural and Food Scientists — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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Goal
Food scientist or technologist
BLS
Agricultural and Food Scientists — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
Licenses, registrations and certifications
Each one is marked: a state or federal license is the law, a registration through an employer comes with the job, and a voluntary certification is one employers may ask for.
- Plant or soil scientist license
Some states · State license - Generally a bachelor's with set credit hours in plant or soil science, years under a licensed scientist, and an exam.
BLS
Agricultural and Food Scientists — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
- Certifications
Optional · Voluntary - Generally not required but can help advance a career.
BLS
Agricultural and Food Scientists — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
State rules
Licensing requirements for plant and soil scientists vary by state. BLS
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Where to go next
Every career page in this cluster: entry, license, BLS pay and outlook.
What the job is, BLS pay and job outlook, and how to become one.