Academic Advising
in the College of Arts & Science
What Can I Do With a Major in Botany?
Botany or plant biology in its broadest sense is the scientific study of plants — from microscopic algae to tall redwood trees. Plantecdogists study interactions on plants with their environment. At the other end of the spectrum, plant geneticists may study how DNA controls plant development. Botanists are in demand in a number of fields including the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries and environmental organizations and government agencies.
The Department of Botany, one of the largest and most respected plant biology programs in the United States, offers several different degree programs, including a Bachelor of Arts for students who desire breadth in the liberal arts and an A.B. in Botany with environmental emphasis. Three Bachelor of Science options exist for students who desire an in-depth study in the sciences. Within the Bachelor of Science degree a student can study all the botanical areas or concentrate in environmental science or biotechnology. Additionally, the department offers a 5 year program that combines a B.S. degree in botany from Miami with a master's degree in forestry or environmental management from Duke University in North Carolina. Other opportunities include internships providing on the job experience while gaining college credit, minors offered in botany and horticulture, and extensive opportunities for research interactions with faculty. Many students double major in Zoology, Chemistry or Geography, or use Botany as their primary major for the Environmental Science Co-major.
Interests
Curiosity about plants; their structure, how they function, and how they interrelate with the environment. Within these generalized interests a person attracted to outdoor activities, for example, might be happiest as an ecologist, taxonomist, or naturalist. Plant structure (anatomy, morphology development) appeals to people who enjoy microscopy and the complexity of intricate form and design. Those with laboratory and biochemical interests may become plant biotechnologists, plant physiologists, plant biochemists, or plant molecular biologists. Persons intrigued with microorganisms may study algae (phycology), fungi (mycology), or plant diseases (pathology). Persons who combine interests in plants and mathematics might find ecology, genetics, biotechnology, biophysics or bioinformatics interesting areas to explore.
Competencies
- Research
- Gathering data
Testing/hypothesis
Problem solving
Drawing conclusions from data
Image analysis
Digital imaging
Bioinformatics
Computational biology
Scientific equipment and instrumentation - Communication
- Writing reports/articles
Summarizing data
Writing grant proposals
Maintaining records/tabulating data
Computer-based presentations
Presenting proposals/reports to a group
- Project Development
- Designing projects
Developing/generating ideas
Seeing relationships between factors
Perceiving patterns and structures
Opportunities - Careers
- Environmental/Ecology
- State park naturalist
U.S. Forest Service botanist, ecologist
National Park Service employee
Environmental consultant
Conservation biologist
Environmental impact specialist
Landscape management & design consultant
Botanist
Horticulturist
Ecologist
Plant specialist
Marine/freshwater biologist
Conservation/environmental organization work - Communications
- National forestry or conservation association staff writer
Science writer
Biological photographer - Health Fields
- Physician
Lab technician
State or County Health Department official
Biological researcher - Human Services
- Peace Corps volunteer
High school biology teacher
Environmental educator
Educational production manager
Outdoor educator - Agriculture
- Biotechnology specialist
Plant biochemist
Tissue culture specialist
Plant molecular biologist
Plant physiologist
Soils specialist
Agronomist
International development specialist - Government
- Scientist for USDA, NSF, DOE, NASA, EPA
Agricultural commodity grader
Plant quarantine officer
Water quality technician
County agricultural agent
State Department of Natural Resources employee
Public health officer
Land use planning
Park service employee - Business/Industry
- Pharmaceutical research and development
Environmental consultant
Biotechnologist
Forensic scientist
Florist
Commercial greenhouse owner
Wholesale florist purchaser
Note: Some of the listed career options may require additional education and/or training beyond the bachelor's degree.
Opportunities - Graduate/Professional School
Historically between one-third to one-half of the recipients of undergraduate degrees in botany attend graduate school. Some of these students pursue studies in botany, ecology, biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology, while others enter applied areas in agronomy, forestry, horticulture, computer science, etc. Many go to law school, particularly in the areas of environmental law and patent law. Others attend medical and pharmacy school. More than 90% of our graduates are employed in the profession within 6 months after graduation.
Opportunities - Experiential
Internships with botanical gardens, commercial greenhouses, industrial laboratories, landscaping companies, environmental consulting firms, conservation and environmental advocacy organizations, and selected governmental agencies (i.e. department of natural resources and forestry), independent study/research projects with faculty, involvement in departmental governance and in student organizations such as the Botanical Society, the Peffer-Western Environmental Education Program (PWEEP), the Field Botany Club, and the Hueston Woods Student Naturalist Club.
Sources of Additional Information
- Department of Botany (316 Pearson Hall, 529-4200)
- * Curriculum Requirements
* Career Opportunities - Student Counseling Service (195 Health Services Center, 529-4634)
- * Career Counseling
* Career Assistance Center
* Computerized Career Development Program
* Dictionary of Occupational Titles
* Occupational Outlook Handbook - Arts and Science Academic Advising (146 Upham Hall, 529-3031)
- * Miami Plan & College of Arts and Science Requirements
- * Course Selection
* Career Decision Making - Office of Career Services (241 Hoyt Hall, 529-3831)
- * Career Resource Center
* Dictionary of Occupational Titles
* Occupational Outlook Handbook
Developed by the College of Arts and Science Advising Office and the academic departmental offices with adaptations from Liberal Arts and Sciences - Skills - Career Opportunities, Career Planning and Placement Office, University of Michigan.