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Carbondale, IL 62901
618-453-7482
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Plant Biology
Plant Biology is a dynamic life science field for the student wanting to play a role in reclaiming landscapes, protecting biodiversity, conserving natural resources, and meeting the challenges of climate change. Plant biologists also work in diverse applied fields that tackle global hunger, develop cleaner energy, improve health, and create innovative products.
Our Plant Biology program offers you transformative, hands-on research experiences in addition to coursework. You will find ample opportunities to become involved in cutting-edge research in biochemistry, cell biology, ecology, genetics, molecular biology, physiology, and systematics., Our high faculty to student ratio means you will become part of a close community of collaborating biologists focusing on diverse fields of plant biology. Whether delving into the intricacies below the cell level or exploring plant-environment interactions, Plant Biology offers a variety of pathways perfect for your career goals.
Bachelor's Program
A Plant Biology degree allows you to combine knowledge gained from coursework with practical experience in laboratories and fields, preparing you for a careers in education, industry, research, and government agencies.
- Choose our Bachelor of Science option to prepare you for a science-based career and/or graduate study in the life sciences. Our three concentrations allow personalized tailoring to your specific career goals and interests.
- Choose our Bachelor of Arts degree option if your career goals are focused on applied aspects of plant biology or disciplines outside the sciences that could be enriched by a strong plant biology background. This degree allows you to select a broader array of electives that help you pursue a more personalized pathway.
Master's Program
A Master’s degree in Plant Biology broadens your research and career horizons even further to prepare you for science-based careers in research, land management, biotechnology, agricultural science, and environmental science. Our Master’s students take advanced course work and collaborate with faculty to design and implement an original research project culminating in a thesis. Depending on your career goals and area of focus, Master’s degrees may be terminal (preparing you for immediate entry into the job market) or preparatory for entry into a doctoral or other professional programs.
Doctoral Program
Our Plant Biology Ph.D. students obtain advanced training focused on conducting research and are expected to develop a high level of independence and originality in designing their research projects. Students work closely with a faculty advisor to complete an original research project culminating in a dissertation, and generating important, peer-reviewed research publications. Doctoral students also gain teaching experience to enhance teaching and communication skills. Students seeking Ph.D.s are generally heading to research-focused careers in academia, government or non-government agencies, or the private sector.