Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Botany/Plant Biology
Focuses on the scientific study of plants, related microbial organisms, and plant habitats and ecosystem relations. Covers plant anatomy and structure, phytochemistry, cytology, plant genetics, plant morphology and physiology, plant ecology, plant taxonomy and systematics, paleobotany, and applications of biophysics and molecular biology.
Inside the major
Programs within this field
Colleges may offer this field under 4 more specific program names. The program you choose affects the courses you take.
- Plant Pathology/Phytopathology
- Focuses on the scientific study of plant diseases and plant health, and the development of disease control mechanisms. Covers plant anatomy and physiology, pathogenesis, molecular plant virology, molecular genetics, bacterial epidemiology, causal agent identification, host/agent interactions, disease resistance and response mechanisms, developing plant disease treatments, disease prevention, and disease physiology and control.
- Plant Physiology
- Focuses on the scientific study of plant internal dynamics and systems, plant-environment interaction, and plant life cycles and processes. Covers cell and molecular biology; plant nutrition; plant respiration; plant growth, behavior, and reproduction; photosynthesis; plant systemics; and ecology.
- Plant Molecular Biology
- Focuses on the application of molecular biology, biochemistry, and biophysics to the study of biomolecular structures, functions, and processes specific to plants and plant substances. Covers the biochemistry of plant cells, nuclear-cytoplasmic interactions, molecular cytostructures, photosynthesis, plant molecular genetics, and the molecular biology of plant diseases.
- Botany/Plant Biology, Other
- Botany/plant biology not listed above.
Also called Phycology
Where it can lead
Careers this field can lead to
Explore related careers, starting with the closest connections and the occupations hiring the most people.
Natural Sciences Managers
- Median pay
- $167,220
- Hiring change through 2035
- 8.2%
- Job openings a year
- 9,200
To get hiredBachelor's degree
Explore this career Growing with the economyBiological Scientists, All Other
- Median pay
- $98,920
- Hiring change through 2035
- 4.7%
- Job openings a year
- 4,300
To get hiredBachelor's degree
Explore this career GrowingBiological Science Teachers, Postsecondary
- Median pay
- $84,620
- Hiring change through 2035
- 7.3%
- Job openings a year
- 4,700
To get hiredDoctoral or professional degree
Explore this career GrowingSoil and Plant Scientists
- Median pay
- $78,850
- Hiring change through 2035
- 6.7%
- Job openings a year
- 1,400
To get hiredBachelor's degree
Explore this careerAll work is projected to grow 3.5% between 2025 and 2035; read every hiring-change figure against it.
Working style
How and where the work happens
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Few of the careers connected to this field are measured as substantially in-person or active work. Compare the specific occupations to see how much time each one involves with people, equipment, and movement.
College options
Where to study it
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