A group of students observe some plants.

Plant Biology

Study plant systems on a cellular and molecular level in preparation for careers in research, plant ecology and systematics.

Plant Biology – B.S. in Plant Science, Plant Biology Emphasis

Students in the Plant Biology program at Montana State start with a broad education of issues connected to the plant sciences before focusing their interest in the field with a cellular, molecular, organismal, ecological or genetic perspective to botany. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the program, Plant Biology students are able to personalize their studies with additional coursework in departments such as Ecology or Land Resources & Environmental Sciences to complement their interests.

The Plant Science major offers one additional Option Within the Major: Crop Science.

 

 

An illustration of a microscope in profile.

Carnegie Classified
The prestigious Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education® ranks Montana State University among the Top 5 public, 4-year universities for Very High Research Activity with a STEM-dominant research doctoral program.

An illustration of a geyser mid-eruption.

Nature’s Laboratory
Montana State students make Montana, including nearby Yellowstone National Park, their classroom, laboratory and playground.

An illustration of a sheaf of wheat.

State of the Art Facilities
Through the Plant Sciences & Plant Pathology Department, students have access to the 60,000 square foot Plant Growth Center Facility, the Plant BioScience Building, seven research centers across the state of Montana and five service labs.

 

 

Career Resources

Within their first year of graduation, more than 96% of Montana State graduates are employed, continuing their education or not seeking employment, and career guidance website Zippia consistently ranks MSU as the #1 school in the state where alumni are most likely to land jobs.

Career Coaching & Professional Skills Studio

Professional career coaches help students with their career exploration, employer networking opportunities and job or internship searches. They also critique resumes and help students practice job interviews. Additionally, the Allen Yarnell Center for Student Success offers free workshops for students to develop the professional communication and collaboration skills that are highly sought after by employers.

Careers

Plant Biology students at Montana State University go into careers such as:

  • Ecological Consulting
  • Landscape Management
  • Biotechnology
  • Research Scientist

To explore more career possibilities, the Allen Yarnell Center for Student Success has a variety of tools available [BROKEN LINK] , including self-assessment and working with career coaches.