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Master of Science in Plant Biology

SIU Plant Biology student studies a flower

Our master’s program invites you to choose your unique path, fostering a community dedicated to exploration of plant biological wonders. From curiosity to discovery, this is the next step in your academic journey.

As you earn your Master’s, you’ll find a well-balanced program tailored to your needs. Since the first master’s degree was granted in 1948, our department as evolved to represent all facets of plant biology, adapting to changing scientific interests and faculty dynamics.

We not only equip you with knowledge, we also propel you toward a lifelong journey of learning. Our committed faculty and staff are ready to guide you through every step of your academic pursuits, ensuring your success within the vibrant Plant Biology community. So, embark on a transformative journey in Plant Biology, where education becomes an immersive experience.

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SIU Plant Biology Students work on leaves

Degree Requirements

The Plant Biology masters  program requires a minimum of 30 credit hours post-bachelor’s degree, with at least 22 credit hours in plant biology courses. This includes up to 9 hours of individualized instruction, a minimum of 2 seminar hours, and 3 to 6 hours dedicated to thesis work. Students may also complete a graduate minor of at least 10 hours, tailored to their interests and determined with their advisory committee. The program culminates in a public seminar presentation of the thesis, showcasing the student's research and findings.

Compass IconThe Master of Science in Plant Biology can be earned by fulfilling the requirements for the Master of Science degree.

Research

Elevate your academic experience – explore, learn, and lead. Immerse yourself in the heart of our program with the essential element of research. Beyond traditional coursework, each term mandates a hands-on training assignment tailored to your unique needs, professional ambitions, and skill set.

Whether through impactful research projects or dynamic teaching experiences, these assignments evolve in responsibility as you advance. Engage in approximately 10 to 20 hours of services per week. This provides you with a holistic and enriching educational journey.

Accelerated Entry: Ph.D.

Fast-track. your success. Exceptional students entering the master’s program in plant biology at SIU have the opportunity to accelerate into a direct Ph. D. Path. Elevate your academic journey with our accelerated entry option – where potential meets opportunity.

  1. Qualified applicants are subject to specific conditions. To qualify,
  2. You must have been part of the SIU Plant Biology graduate program for at least one academic term,
  3. boast a stellar graduate GPA of 3.75 or higher,
  4. maintain all A’s
  5. Be recognized by the graduate faculty and the Evaluation and Awards Committee for exceptional capabilities.

Once elevated to the doctoral program by the Graduate School, students can avail themselves of graduate assistance for up to 60 months. As a doctoral program, you are held to the same academic, retention, and exit standards as those in the traditional doctoral track.

Seminar Requirement: 

Intro Seminar:

  • Enroll in the Introduction to Research seminar (PLB 590) during the first Fall semester.

Graduate Seminars 

  • Must earn a minimum of 3 credit hours in graduate seminars (PLB 580, 589, 554, or equivalent)
  • Include at least 1 credit hour in the department seminar (PLB 580)
SIU Plant Biology collection of bees to study

Contact Information 

Matt Geisler
Director of Graduate Studies
Life Science II 403
1125 Lincoln Dr
Carbondale, IL 62901
618-453-3212
mgeisler@plant.siu.edu