Plant pathology is the study of plant diseases. To become a plant pathologist, a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, or mathematics is required, and a master’s or doctoral degree is necessary for career advancement. High school preparation in science, computer knowledge, and English is also important. Different areas of plant pathology require different degrees, such as genetic engineering for agricultural biotechnology jobs.
Plant pathology is the study of diseases that affect plants. To become a plant pathologist, a student typically needs to have a bachelor’s degree in a field such as biology, chemistry, or mathematics. A master’s or doctoral degree in plant pathology is also required if the student wishes to advance in the career.
Typically, someone who wants to become a plant pathologist has a natural interest and aptitude for science. The job requires the plant pathologist to have knowledge of the various diseases that can affect plants, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. He or she must learn basic information about biology or chemistry in an undergraduate program, before majoring. People with a math degree can also become plant pathologists, as tracking disease through computer modeling is an area of plant pathology. An undergraduate degree that focuses entirely on plant pathology is generally not required, as of 2011.
In the field of biology, microbiology, virology and mycology cover the basics of most microbial diseases. Parasites such as worms fall under the field of nematology or parasitology. Some plant pathologists look at the molecular biology of diseases or the plant’s physiological response to them. Genetics and biotechnology are also relevant to plant pathology. Plant pathologists with an interest in epidemiology, which is the study of disease transmission, may have a math degree.
Some entry-level jobs in the field of plant pathology may be available to people with only a bachelor’s degree. However, to become a plant pathologist in most industries or research institutions, a graduate degree is essential. A master’s degree in plant pathology typically qualifies a person as a plant pathologist, and a doctorate in the field, or a related field, is usually required for people who want to do research work.
Even before college and graduate school, a prospective plant pathologist must prepare in high school. Scientific subjects such as biology, chemistry and physics can provide a foundation. Computer knowledge and a good command of English can also be useful in the future career.
As there are many applications for plant pathology, the would-be pathologist must choose college courses carefully. A research degree, for example, can show potential employers what aspect of the field is most interesting to the student and make those employers more interested in them. For example, a doctorate in genetic engineering might be suitable for agricultural biotechnology jobs, and a graduate degree in plant pathogen resistance mechanisms might be useful for government consulting roles.
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