Agricultural degree..?

Question

I want to get a graduate degree in something related to agriculture that will allow me to work outside alot, and heavily involves biology...could someone suggest a field and if you could mention the school where it is that would be great too!!

I'm looking at UC Davis graduate programs, and they're all starting to soundt he same... Biogeochem, agronomy, horticulture, biosystems engineering....I need a little help here! What kind of work do those get me?!

Answer 1

I'm a grad of UCD and had an incredible education that compared favorably with any top university.

Cornell has a comparatively good ag program as well. The major I didn't choose in my opinion is  Enology and Viticulture.

Answer 2

The Nova Scotia Agricultural College has an excellent  M.Sc. in Agriculture program. They have a working farm on campus which allows for excellent research opportunities.

Answer 3

Well, you picked the right industry! Jobs abound because everyone else is 55+ and ready to retire! Plus there is a slim chance this industry would be exported.

I am finishing my BS in agronomy at  Cal Poly Pomona right now. If you want a bachelors that is the best money can buy - go to one of the Cal Polys. Their motto is "learn by doing", and this is a very effective way to learn your way into ag.

But I too am looking at grad school, and I want the same things as you; to work OUTSIDE. The other answerers may have a fit with me, but the grad programs at most land grant universities will only serve to keep you INSIDE a laboratory. The best way to get outside, get dirty and APPLY your knowledge is to work for industry.

I am not going to recommend that you skip your grad degree, I am going to recommend that you get one that industry respects and that you can be proud of ...

How about becoming a Doctor of Plant Medicine?

www.dpm.ifas.ufl.edu

This is where I plan to go next fall.

Answer 4

UC Davis, great choice, has all the programs.

If you are a California resident, get in state tuition.

Have the grades and GRE scores to get in,

I salute you.

Many of my friends and colleagues went there.

I like telling them they are ranked #2 in the U.S.,

tho they, their Alums and those from other U's might want to debate or start a "pissing contest".

If you just want a Master's degree and not PhD,

Fresno State and Cal Poly SLO are options.

Tuition is lower there.

Your comment:

"...The programs/depts sound all the same..."

Made me laugh.  But so true.

There is often alot of cross-over and diversity in departments.

If you will be a grad student,

you need to find a sponsoring prof.,

check out their websites to see if you are interested.

Hopefully you can get onto their grant, pays you a stipend and for your tuition.

If you like outdoor or greenhouse work.

agronomy, others you mentioned, viticulture (grapes), pomology, weed sci, forestry, env. sci, Ag. engineering, even vet school.

Alot of people don't want to be outside, due to hard work under the hot sun, so my hat's off to you.

You will likely spend alot of time back indoors planning and inputting data you gathered from the field.

Best Wishes.

email me if you wish.

Answer 5

Solem, have you researched the Pre-Forestry program at any of the schools you are looking at? My major is Agriculture,but I also have been offered jobs with the Forestry Commission. You might want to check into it.