Fascinated by plants? Enjoy research? Want to make a difference in agriculture, health, biotechnology, the environment or industry? Plant biology might be the major for you. Plants are the primary source of food on the planet as well as important buffers against climate change. The plant biology major focuses on fundamental aspects of how plants function as organisms and interact with their environment. 

Major Requirements

The plant biology major consists of core biological sciences courses plus four plant-specific classes dealing with advanced aspects of plant biology such as physiology, development and anatomy. Two required electives and required independent research in a laboratory setting allow student to tailor their degrees. Because plants are a model system for research in molecular genetics, cell biology and biochemistry, plant biology is an excellent minor or second major for students in these fields.