Get A STEM Degree And Become An Agricultural And Food Scientist
When it comes to research, none gets more basic, or important, as those scientists who work in agriculture or food. These researchers are working on such weighty issues as improving the world’s food supply, both quantitatively and qualitatively. With the world’s population growing exponentially it’s easy to see why they are now one of the fastest growing scientific disciplines in the world.
While they are often grouped together, there are also many differences between the two. Those who practice agriculture science primarily focus on ways to create larger and better supplies of crops and livestock, eradicate pests, weeds and parasites, and do so in the most energy and environmentally efficient manner possible. They are also involved in creating alternative energy sources as of late.
On the other hand, food scientists concentrate on what we actually eat, from increasing nutritional value on to concerns over preservation through distribution. On the research front they are exploring ways of making new food sources out of things like algae, exploring “super foods” with biogenetics and nanotechnology and other more advanced tech.
As one can imagine, the disciplines then divide into a number of different areas of specialization. So if one is interested in pursuing another scientific field, probably the first thing one should do is sit down and talk to a career counselor of a brick and mortar or online school. As it stands, there are so many areas of specialization no school offers all of them, even though they offer a very impressive number. So find out what you want first.
The preferred method of educating young agriculture and food scientists is to have them start with a solid, general four year degree in one of the basic life, environmental and biological sciences, with a minor to develop their written and oral communications skills. One should only consider specialization after getting one’s BS degree, landing a job, and then arranging a work-study program with one’s place of employment. Many of these companies will even help foot the tuition.
/
There is also a lot more financial assistance than just the standard federal and state programs. The National Science Foundation considers these disciplines applicable for their S-STEM programs. Also, there are literally hundreds of private, public and professional societies out there with their own scholarships, grants and fellowships.
As of 2008, the Bureau of Labor Statistics stated over 31,000 agriculture and food scientists are currently employed. They forecast there will be a need for 5,000 more by 2010. There is a very wide range when it comes to salary, depending on where one is employed. For example, those working in private industry tend to make around $60,000 a year. Those who work on research and inspection for the federal government do over $100,000.
Most importantly though, is the epidemic of global hunger isn't going to go away by itself. While food scientists who have their distance learning PhD are an important part of this picture, there are other specialties, such as Online Forestry and Wildlife Degrees, that are also a part of the overall effort. There is an online degree available for every aspect of this and other problems that confront us all in the fight for those who need the most help.
- Article Word Count: 452
- |
- Total Views: 23
- |
- permalink