Biosecurity Monitors

High School

In high school, take classes in biology, chemistry, physics, agriculture, natural resources, geography, mathematics, computer science, English, and speech.

Postsecondary Education

Biosecurity monitors typically have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in agriculture, environmental science, plant science, animal science, entomology, ecology, or public health. Some colleges and universities offer degrees, concentrations, and certificates in biosecurity, biosecurity and disaster preparedness, or food safety and biosecurity.

Certification

Many colleges and universities offer certificate programs in agricultural biosecurity, food defense, plant biosecurity, and related fields. For example, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey offers a Plant Biosecurity Certificate Program to students who complete the following classes: Plant Science, General Plant Pathology, Insect Biology, and Plant Biosecurity Issues and Technologies. In addition, they must complete a number of elected courses such as Agricultural Entomology and Pest Management, Diseases and Insects of Ornamental Plants, General Plant Pathology Laboratory, and Introduction to Weed Science and Management. Visit https://plantbiology.rutgers.edu/plant-biosecurity for more information. Earning a certificate is an excellent way to explore your interest in a field if you are uncertain about your career path or if you are already working in the field but want to expand your knowledge base.

Other Education or Training

Professional associations, government agencies, and for-profit companies offer continuing education opportunities that help biosecurity professionals stay up to date on emerging threats, safety protocols, and trends in the field. For example, ABSA International offers in-person classes and webinars such as the Introduction to Biosafety Biosafety Curriculum for Undergraduate and Graduate Students. Visit https://absa.org/topic/ttr for more information.