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What To Learn

High School

What high school courses should you take if you're interested in this career? Get your answers from the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources cluster Food Products and Processing Systems pathway.

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Cereal chemists must have a background in basic sciences, such as chemistry, biology, mathematics and physics. Advanced studies could include areas such as plant science, engineering, microbiology, biochemistry, nutrition and others.

The amount of training needed differs according to the specialization or the type of work. Two-year technical degrees, four-year bachelor's degrees or postgraduate degrees could be required. Cereal chemists working as technologists might be required to have a two-year technical degree, for example, while university faculty would be expected to have a postgraduate degree.

Degrees in cereal chemistry are available at North Dakota State University and Kansas State University. Other universities incorporate cereal chemistry studies in food science programs.

"Most cereal chemists have a degree in food science," says cereal chemist Cheryl Earp.

Cereal chemist Monisha Bhattacharya believes that a degree in cereal chemistry would make a person more competitive than a degree in food science.

Academic training that incorporates laboratory experience is recommended. Cereal chemist Kevin Swallow believes that a background in farming or agriculture is helpful, but not required.

Cereal chemists benefit from courses in communication, economics, management and computer skills.

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