Entomologists work in laboratories, insectories or agricultural research stations, and may also spend time outdoors studying or collecting insects in their natural habitat. Most also need an understanding of basic business principles. A bachelor's degree in agricultural science is sufficient for some jobs in applied research or for assisting in basic research, but a master's or doctoral degree is required for basic research. A Ph.D. degree in agricultural science is usually needed for college teaching and for advancement to administrative research positions. Degrees in related sciences such as biology, chemistry, or physics or in related engineering specialties also may qualify persons for some agricultural science jobs.
All States have a land-grant college which offers agricultural science degrees.
Many other colleges and universities also offer agricultural science degrees or some agricultural science courses. However, not every school offers all specialties. A typical undergraduate agricultural science curriculum includes communications, economics, business and physical and life sciences courses, in addition to a wide variety of technical agricultural science courses. Advanced degree programs include classroom and fieldwork, laboratory research and a thesis or dissertation based on independent research. The American Society of Agronomy offers certification in agronomy, crop science, soil science, soil classification, horticulture, plant pathology and weed science.