According to AGWeek.com, a Minnesota-based university recently added new a bachelor's degree in agricultural and environmental sciences.

A professor who helped develop the new coursework told the news provider that one of the goals of the program is to help bridge the gap between what agriculturists need and the impact of the chemicals that they use on the environment. Students can select one of five areas of emphasis: agricultural environmental stewardship, environmental ecology, water quality, environmental health as well as environmental toxicology and chemistry.

A female student decided to enroll in the new program because she wants to be part of something important, she told the media outlet.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects that the number of job opportunities for agricultural scientists will grow by 16 percent during the next eight years, which is faster than the average for most occupations in the U.S. Increasing awareness about the environmental effects of certain food production, as well as the emergence of biotechnologies will create the need for more qualified professionals in this field, according to the bureau.

The BLS says that most positions for agricultural scientists require a bachelor's degree. Working adults who are interested in helping the environment may consider taking online courses in this area of study.