A student with an M.S. in plant biology could work at a college or university, teaching or doing research in a variety of specialty areas. He or she also could work in private industry or governmental agencies dealing with agriculture, horticulture, floriculture, biotechnology or pharmaceutical firms, conservation agencies and museums of natural history, environmental consulting firms, food companies, the brewing and fermentation industry, lumber and pulping companies, plant nurseries, greenhouses, botanical gardens, and arboreta.
Plant Biology M.S.
Plant Biology M.S.
The Environmental and Plant Biology M.S. graduate program provides educational and research experience in plant biology from the molecular to the organismal and ecosystem levels.
Most students are trained within three general areas of study: plant ecology, plant systematics and evolution, or plant molecular and cellular biology. The program strives to foster communication across and beyond these areas of study to provide unique opportunities to meet each student’s specific career goals.
The M.S. program is designed to train and prepare students to be successful in a Ph.D. program or positions in industry, government, or non-governmental organizations.
Each student will be directed in the conduct of independent research in the pursuit of knowledge. Students are mentored in grantsmanship to support their own research with internal and external funding.
A concentration in Molecular and Cellular Biology also is offered with the M.S. in Plant Biology.
Careers with a Plant Biology Master's Degree
Research Areas
Most students are trained within three general areas of study: ecology, systematics and evolution, and functional genomics.
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Ecology: From Forest Biology to Applied Management
Environmental & Plant Biology faculty are actively researching various aspects of forest biology, ranging from basic ecological processes to applied management concerns.
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Functional Genomics
The plant cell wall biotechnology group studies the structure and function of plant cell wall components in hopes of exploiting this knowledge for the production of valuable biological products.
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Systematics & Evolution
Researchers employ independent sources of data to infer phylogenetic relationships and to use the phylogeny as a framework to study character evolution and biogeography.
Plant Biology M.S. Courses & Degree Requirements
Two concentrations are offered in the M.S. program:
- Plant Biology Track
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Track
Advising & Program of Study
All new students will report to the Graduate Chair for initial instructions on their program of study. A student may be co-advised by two Environmental & Plant Biology tenure-track faculty members. A student may change advisers, but only after approval of the current and potential adviser and the Graduate Chair. If a student leaves his or her adviser, for whatever reason, he or she must find another adviser within four weeks or before the start of the following semester. An unadvised student cannot remain in the Plant Biology graduate program beyond this time limit.
Plant Biology Master's Thesis
The thesis will be orally defended in a formal, public presentation. After the public presentation, the committee will conduct a closed-door defense to thoroughly evaluate the quality of the research.
Teaching Assistantships
Students have hands-on teaching experience because the program provides a teaching assistantship. As teaching assistants, students have the opportunity to assist in a variety of courses and interact with faculty. All students are exposed to the national and international plant biology community through colloquia, seminars, and scientific meetings that will aid them in achieving their post-M.S. career goals.
Plant Biology Graduate Financial Aid
Important Deadlines
- End of first semester – Course Approval Form to Graduate Chair
- End of second semester – Thesis Proposal approved by Thesis Committee (or by the Masters Advisory Committee for students in the Molecular & Cellular Biology concentration). Turn in signed Proposal Approval Form to Graduate Chair.
- End of third academic semester – Comprehensive exam finished for Molecular & Cellular Biology concentration students.
- Sixth semester (Graduate semester) – Apply to graduate, enroll in PBIO 6950 and PBIO 6970
- Submit thesis to committee at least two weeks prior to defense and provide thesis title and abstract to office staff.
- Check TAD for their deadlines.
- Submit CAS#8 (Report of the Oral Thesis Examination/Dissertation Defense) to Graduate Chair.
- End of every spring semester – Graduate Student Progress Report.
Transfer to Ph.D. Program
- An M.S. thesis student can request a transfer into the doctoral program by submitting an application of transfer to the graduate committee by January 15 or by the end of the first semester.
- This application will contain:
- A detailed letter of support from his or her adviser.
- A letter by the student providing a compelling reason for the transfer and why it is necessary in the context of career goals.
- The student will still be required to take a class from each of the sub-disciplines.
- The Graduate Committee will make the final admission decision. If positive, the student will be transferred to Ph.D. program for the following academic year (i.e., fall semester).
Resources
Research Opportunities
Related Programs
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Plant Biology Ph.D.The Environmental and Plant Biology Ph.D. graduate program is a full-time program that provides educational and research experience in plant biology from the molecular to the organismal and ecosystem levels.
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Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology Ph.D.This interdisciplinary program provides students with one-on-one faculty mentoring and cutting-edge scientific, education, and research opportunities in molecular and cellular biology.