A pomologist is someone who studies fruits and nuts and participates in research into various aspects of those organisms’ life cycles. To become a pomologist, you must complete a high school education or an equivalent qualification and demonstrate aptitude in a variety of sciences, especially life sciences. In order to become a pomologist, you will need to continue your education after high school. Botany, biology, life sciences, and environmental studies are just a few of the majors that will be relevant to the field of pomology as a college student.
While chemistry and even mathematics are good fields to study in college, a degree in botany will likely benefit you the most. While a bachelor’s degree may be sufficient to become a pomologist, most professionals in the field pursue a master’s degree or higher qualification in order to remain competitive. In fact, most researchers will have a PhD, as some employers may require such credentials. It’s a good idea to figure out what you want to do with your life before deciding how much education you’ll need to become a pomologist.
You will have several career options once you complete your education and become a pomologist. Working as an instructor or professor at a college or university will allow you to share your knowledge with others while also allowing you to conduct your own field research, often alongside other pomologists and scientific experts. If you go this route, you should take some teaching courses to get a feel for whether teaching is the right path for you. If not, look for a job in the private sector.
You can work as a pomologist for food manufacturers, food research organizations, or other private organizations with an interest in food production. This will allow you to investigate various aspects of pomology, ranging from food production improvements to the effects of various chemicals or practices on the growth of fruits and nuts. You can even participate in cutting-edge research on how to improve fruit and nut growing, production, safety, and protection. Some pomologists are even working to improve nutrient management in foods grown specifically for sale and consumption.