Agricultural/Animal/Plant/Veterinary Science and Related Fields
Plant Sciences
Focuses on the scientific principles that underlie the breeding, cultivation, and production of agricultural plants, and the production, processing, and distribution of agricultural plant products. Covers the plant sciences, crop cultivation and production, and agricultural and food products processing.
Inside the major
Programs within this field
Colleges may offer this field under 7 more specific program names. The program you choose affects the courses you take.
- Plant Sciences, General
- Focuses on the scientific principles that underlie the breeding, cultivation, and production of agricultural plants, and the production, processing, and distribution of agricultural plant products. Covers the plant sciences, crop cultivation and production, and agricultural and food products processing.
- Agronomy and Crop Science
- Focuses on the chemical, physical, and biological relationships of crops and the soils nurturing them. Covers the growth and behavior of agricultural crops, the development of new plant varieties, and the scientific management of soils and nutrients for maximum plant nutrition, health, and productivity.
- Horticultural Science
- Focuses on the scientific principles related to the cultivation of garden and ornamental plants, including fruits, vegetables, flowers, and landscape and nursery crops. Covers specific types of plants, such as citrus; breeding horticultural varieties; physiology of horticultural species; and the scientific management of horticultural plant development and production through the life cycle.
- Agricultural and Horticultural Plant Breeding
- Focuses on the application of genetics and genetic engineering to the improvement of agricultural plant health, the development of new plant varieties, and the selective improvement of agricultural plant populations. Covers genetics, genetic engineering, population genetics, agronomy, plant protection, and biotechnology.
- Plant Protection and Integrated Pest Management
- Focuses on the application of scientific principles to the control of animal, insect and weed infestation of domesticated plant populations and other settings, including agricultural crops; the prevention/reduction of attendant economic loss; and the control of environmental pollution and degradation related to pest infestation and pest control measures. Covers entomology, applicable animal sciences, plant pathology and physiology, weed science, crop science, and environmental toxicology.
- Range Science and Management
- Focuses on the scientific study of rangelands, arid regions, grasslands, and other areas of low productivity, as well as the principles of managing such resources for maximum benefit and environmental balance. Covers livestock management, wildlife biology, plant sciences, ecology, soil science, and hydrology.
- Plant Sciences, Other
- Plant sciences not listed above.
Also called Pest Management, Extermination
Where it can lead
Careers this field can lead to
Explore related careers, starting with the closest connections and the occupations hiring the most people.
Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers
- Median pay
- $89,900
- Hiring change through 2035
- −3.4%
- Job openings a year
- 70,800
To get hiredHigh school diploma or equivalent
Explore this career GrowingSoil and Plant Scientists
- Median pay
- $78,850
- Hiring change through 2035
- 6.7%
- Job openings a year
- 1,400
To get hiredBachelor's degree
Explore this career Growing with the economyFirst-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers
- Median pay
- $59,320
- Hiring change through 2035
- 3.8%
- Job openings a year
- 7,200
To get hiredHigh school diploma or equivalent
Explore this career Growing with the economyAgricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
- Median pay
- $98,700
- Hiring change through 2035
- 2.9%
- Job openings a year
- 800
To get hiredDoctoral or professional degree
Explore this career ShrinkingFarm and Home Management Educators
- Median pay
- $60,220
- Hiring change through 2035
- −3.2%
- Job openings a year
- 800
To get hiredMaster's degree
Explore this career GrowingAgricultural Technicians
- Median pay
- $49,630
- Hiring change through 2035
- 5.4%
- Job openings a year
- 2,800
To get hiredAssociate's degree
Explore this career GrowingConservation Scientists
- Median pay
- $73,010
- Hiring change through 2035
- 5.3%
- Job openings a year
- 2,100
To get hiredBachelor's degree
Explore this career GrowingAnimal Scientists
- Median pay
- $68,940
- Hiring change through 2035
- 5.8%
- Job openings a year
- 200
To get hiredBachelor's degree
Explore this career Growing with the economyForestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary
- Median pay
- $101,420
- Hiring change through 2035
- 2.8%
- Job openings a year
- 100
To get hiredDoctoral or professional degree
Explore this careerAll work is projected to grow 3.5% between 2025 and 2035; read every hiring-change figure against it. The figures beside each career are the pay of that work, across everyone doing it. Graduates of this field earn $35,464 one year after completing the program, which is the start of a career rather than the shape of one.
Working style
How and where the work happens
Related careers can feel very different from one another. Compare the specific occupations to understand the work each one involves.
Few of the careers connected to this field are measured as substantially in-person or active work. Compare the specific occupations to see how much time each one involves with people, equipment, and movement.
College options
Where to study it
Ordered by how many degrees each college awards in this field. Sort by any numbered column.