Education · 1 of 5

The path

A four-year science degree, then a summer or two of real field work.

1. 1

   High school diploma

   Grade 12

   Biology and chemistry matter most. Agriculture classes and a Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter help you get noticed.

2. 2

   Bachelor's degree

   4 years

   Agronomy, crop science, soil science or plant science. Land-grant universities run the strongest programs.

3. 3

   Summer internships

   Each summer

   Crop scouting, detasseling, or a research plot job. This is how almost everyone gets hired.

4. 4

   First job

   Right after graduation

   Field agronomist, crop scout, seed sales agronomist, or a research technician.

5. 5

   Certified Crop Adviser

   2 to 4 years in

   A voluntary credential from the American Society of Agronomy. Two exams plus work experience. Many employers expect it within a couple of years.