  I compute the two-loop effective potential in the Landau gauge for a general
renormalizable field theory in four dimensions. Results are presented for the
\bar{MS} renormalization scheme based on dimensional regularization, and for
the \bar{DR} and \bar{DR}' schemes based on regularization by dimensional
reduction. The last of these is appropriate for models with softly broken
supersymmetry, such as the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model. I find the
parameter redefinition which relates the \bar{DR} and \bar{DR}' schemes at
two-loop order. I also discuss the renormalization group invariance of the
two-loop effective potential, and compute the anomalous dimensions for scalars
and the beta function for the vacuum energy at two-loop order in softly broken
supersymmetry. Several illustrative examples and consistency checks are
included.
