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If you have a green thumb — and a green perspective on how crucial plant life is to the health of our planet — consider a career in plant biology. The University of Central Missouri’s Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, with an emphasis on Plant Biology, prepares you for plant biology jobs in agriculture, nutrition, conservation and ecology.

At the University of Central Missouri, you’ll become especially knowledgeable about the plant species native to our state.

All facets of research — from proposal development to funding

Plant Biology majors study and conduct fieldwork studies and research projects with student teams in natural environments — such as our unique on-campus nature preserve, greenhouses and working farms — and in UCM’s newly renovated Biology labs and classrooms.

What you will study

Learn the classification systems within the major plant groups and their characteristics. Your Plant Biology program courses start at the molecular and cellular level and by the time you complete your Plant Biology degree, you’ll gain a full perspective of plants’ important role in our global ecological systems.

Plant Biology majors complete core Integrative Biology classes in genetics, investigative biology, physics and experimental design and analysis before diving deeper into specialized courses. You can also choose electives that complement the core requirements and allow you to explore other areas of interest. These electives may include:

Soil Science

Plant Diseases

Entomology

Plant Ecology

Plant Physiology

Learn to work as part of a plant biology research team

UCM’s undergraduate Plant Biology courses emphasize lab-based projects. In labs, you’ll work in teams of your peers to study the diversity of plant life. This experience will be a major asset when you’re seeking plant biology jobs.

What can you do with a degree in Plant Biology from UCM?

Classes in this Integrative Biology emphasis cover an exciting array of interest areas, and each opens diverse opportunities for plant biology jobs.

Graduates with a Plant Biology major apply their studies of plant life to food sciences, bioinformatics, plant genetics, regulatory affairs, agriculture and soil science, teaching and many other fields.

A broad range of plant biology jobs

Many of our graduates are working for the Missouri Department of Conservation, the Department of Natural Resources and other government agencies. Plant biology job opportunities are also available with private research and biotech labs, businesses, educational institutions and nonprofit organizations with an environmental mission.

Another option others choose is to earn certification to teach or continue their studies with an advanced degree to work as a senior scientist or researcher.

Use the interactive tool below to explore potential career pathways and salaries with a Plant Biology degree from the University of Central Missouri.