What can you do with a Ph.D in Agriculture?

Question

What kind of job can you get with a Ph.D in agriculture and entomology?

I have a friend from out of the country who has a Ph.D in both and I want to know what kind of job they can get.

Thanks a bunch!!

Answer 1

First, Entomology is one of the many fields in Agriculture.  I, personally, do not know of an institute that offers a doctorate in agriculture, rather they offer a doctorate in some field (agronomy, animal science, agricultural education, entomology, etc.) of the broad agriculture discipline.  

Another myth, the degree granting university is most important for an individuals success.  This is actually not the case.  It is much more important who was the major professor and  your committee members.  Their reputation and contacts have a much greater affect on the letters of support than where your sheepskin was presented.

Most people with Ph.D. in Ag do not teach, they research.  Teaching is very much secondary to be successful in this career.  Many would debate teaching is detrimental to individual success.  But the individuals that pursue a Ph.D in an agricultural field has his/her own internal scale for success.  Many do research in order to keep the teaching aspect which is where their own personal reward is garnered.

However, all in all, if your friend does not have significant skills in grant writing, managing scientific research projects and publishing the results of these studies (even if it just an in house publication) they will find little opportunity in the US, Canada, Europe, Australia or New Zealand.

Answer 2

Cupcake

Your friend is well qualified to teach at the College level or get into research in agriculture.  I doesn't matter what he did for his thesis.  It may make a big difference as to what institution awarded his diplomas.

Most people that earn a Ph.D head for teaching jobs.

Answer 3

Professor at a land grant institution; lots of non-land grant universities have entomology departments as well; research/development at chemical companies like Monsanto, Dupont, Bayer; seed companies would also hire entomologists.

There are also post doc positions at universities, but this would not be long-term tenure track position. The previous poster is right. The institution your friend got their doctorate is important. Is it an internationally recognized entomology program?