Why Botany?

Botany is the study of plants, including a wide range of organisms from microscopic algae to the tallest trees.  Plant scientists approach the study of plants from several different levels of organization.  Molecular plant biologists study the structure and function of biological molecules in plants, including biochemical and molecular aspects of genetics.  Plant physiologists study the functions and vital processes of plants, including photosynthesis and mineral nutrition.  Plant systematists study the evolutionary history and relationships among plants.  Plant ecologists study the relationships between plants and the environments in which they live, both individually and in communities.

The Botany major is chosen by many students seeking a career in environmental assessment, agriculture, or horticulture.  It is also selected by those who wish to teach in the biological sciences or to conduct research in environmental science.

What Can I Do With a Major in Botany

Botany majors are highly successful at gaining admission into graduate and professional schools or entering the profession in education, industry, government, and non-governmental organizations. Many of our graduates become teachers, researchers, or park naturalists upon graduation, or enter graduate schools in ecology and molecular biology, among other fields. They have a high success rate of entry into medical and law schools (with some of the latter specializing in environmental or patent law).

Learning Outcomes for the BA/BS in Botany are to

1. Demonstrate how to collect, summarize, analyze and interpret scientific data
2. Develop the skills to communicate research findings and scientific knowledge to experts and non-specialists
3. Understand the structure and functions of plants, how they interact with other organisms, and how they function within ecological and global systems