Agricultural and Horticultural Plant Breeding
As the population grows, crop production and management increases in importance. Plant breeding plays a significant part in improving and maintaining food production. Learn more about job prospects, educational requirements and salary potential.
<h2 id="section---IsAgriculturalAndHorticulturalPlantBreedingForMe">Is Agricultural and Horticultural Plant Breeding for Me?</h2>
<h3 id="section---CareerOverview">Career Overview</h3>
<p>Agricultural and horticultural plant breeding is used to increase production of crops, improve the quality of seeds and discover methods to make crops more resistant to droughts and diseases. <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Plant_Scientist_Frequently_Asked_Career_and_Salary_Questions.html">Plant scientists</a> often use <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_is_Plant_Biotechnology.html">biotechnology</a> when breeding and modifying plants. In addition to conducting research projects as a plant scientist, you could teach workshops or give seminars on your findings.
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<h3 id="section---WorkEnvironment">Work Environment</h3>
<p>Plant scientists may work for a variety of employers such as agricultural chemical manufacturers, universities and the federal government. Plant breeders usually work in a laboratory setting but may sometimes work on farms or other outdoor locations. Oral and written communication skills are useful for plant scientists because they may work on a team or interact with other <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Agriculture_Science_Become_an_Agricultural_Scientist_in_5_Steps.html">agricultural scientists</a> on a regular basis.
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<h3 id="section---EmploymentOutlookAndSalaryStatistics">Employment Outlook and Salary Statistics</h3>
<p>The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that employment of soil and plant scientists was projected to increase by 8% between 2012 and 2022 (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). Plant scientists who work in agriculture should experience stable demand regardless of economic conditions due to the consistent demand for food. Plant scientists earned a median yearly salary of $58,740 in 2012, the BLS noted. Advancement is also possible through obtaining additional certification from the American Society of Agronomy or the Soil Science Society of America since these designations can show potential employers your documented expertise.
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<h2 id="section---HowCanIWorkInAgriculturalAndHorticulturalPlantBreeding">How Can I Work in Agricultural and Horticultural Plant Breeding?</h2>
<h3 id="section---EducationRequirements">Education Requirements</h3>
<p>Most plant breeding positions ask for applicants who have at least a bachelor's degree. Universities typically require you to have a graduate degree in order to work as a researcher. Senior researchers need to have a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Doctor_of_Agricultural_Science_Answers_to_Your_Questions.html">doctoral degree in agricultural science</a> or related area of study. High school courses in chemistry and biology can provide you with a solid foundation to pursue postsecondary education in agricultural and horticultural plant breeding.
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<h3 id="section---UndergraduatePrograms">Undergraduate Programs</h3>
<p>A <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Plant_Breeding_Degrees_and_Courses_Answers_to_Your_Questions.html">bachelor's degree in plant science</a> might be a good option if you want to work in agricultural plant breeding. Some schools may offer areas of specialization within the plant science degree, such as crop production, plant breeding and postharvest biology. This degree program can teach you how genetic and environmental changes affect crop development and yield. Some programs may also require participation in an internship, such as at an on-campus location like a faculty laboratory or an off-campus location at a biotech or pharmaceutical corporation.
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<h3 id="section---GraduateStudies">Graduate Studies</h3>
<p>If you wish to continue on to graduate school, you can enroll in a master's degree program in plant breeding. Courses in a master's degree program can include quantitative genetics, molecular plant breeding, crop ecology and genetic strategies. Other graduate degree options, such as <a href="https://learn.org/directory/category/Agricultural_Studies/Agricultural_Production_Operations.html">crop production</a> and physiology, can also give you the necessary tools to work in agricultural and horticultural plant breeding. A crop production master's program may offer concentration areas in plant physiology or molecular biology.</p>