Botany and Plant Biology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Botany and Plant Biology explores the structure, function, growth, evolution, and ecological roles of plants across diverse environments. This interdisciplinary field integrates molecular, cellular, and organismal perspectives to advance understanding of plant life, from microscopic algae to towering trees, and supports applications in agriculture, conservation, and biotechnology.
- Plant Physiology: Investigates how plants perform essential life processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, nutrient uptake, and water regulation at cellular and whole-organism levels.
- Plant Morphology and Anatomy: Studies the physical form and internal structure of plants, including tissue organization, developmental patterns, and adaptations to environmental conditions.
- Plant Systematics and Taxonomy: Focuses on classifying and naming plant species based on evolutionary relationships, genetic data, and morphological traits.
- Plant Ecology: Examines how plants interact with their biotic and abiotic environments, including nutrient cycling, community dynamics, and responses to climate change.
- Plant Genetics and Genomics: Explores heredity, gene expression, genome organization, and molecular mechanisms underlying plant development, adaptation, and trait inheritance.
- Plant Evolution and Phylogeny: Analyzes the evolutionary history of plant lineages, including divergence events, adaptation mechanisms, and the fossil record of early plant forms.
- Plant-Microbe Interactions: Investigates symbiotic, pathogenic, and commensal relationships between plants and microbes, such as mycorrhizal fungi and nitrogen-fixing bacteria.
Botany and Plant Biology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Botany and Plant Biology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Botany and Plant Biology degrees, including Natural Sciences Managers, Biological Scientists, All Other and Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 230,430 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Sciences Managers 11-9121 | $161,180 | $79,830 - $239,200 | 100,870 | $77.49 |
| Biological Scientists, All Other 19-1029 | $93,330 | $54,500 - $159,780 | 59,710 | $44.87 |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1042 | $83,460 | $50,760 - $169,560 | 53,250 | N/A |
| Soil and Plant Scientists 19-1013 | $71,410 | $45,320 - $131,440 | 16,600 | $34.33 |
Botany and Plant Biology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $73,113 in Vermont to $130,685 in California—a 79% difference. The highest-paying states include California, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 230,430 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Botany and Plant Biology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 4 institutions offering Botany and Plant Biology programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Botany and Plant Biology is found at University of Minnesota (UMN), Twin Cities (21 graduates), Northwestern University (11 graduates), Oregon State University (OSU) (9 graduates), and Washington University in St Louis (WashU) (6 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 47 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Minnesota (UMN) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
21 | Minneapolis, Minnesota | Public | twin-cities.umn.edu |
| Northwestern University |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
11 | Evanston, Illinois | Private | northwestern.edu |
| Oregon State University (OSU) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
9 | Corvallis, Oregon | Public | oregonstate.edu |
| Washington University in St Louis (WashU) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
6 | Saint Louis, Missouri | Private | wustl.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Botany and Plant Biology programs
How much can I earn with a Botany and Plant Biology degree?
Salaries for Botany and Plant Biology graduates vary by role and location. Natural Sciences Managers earn a median of $161,180 annually, while Biological Scientists, All Other earn around $93,330. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $130,685 compared to $73,113 in Vermont. Approximately 230,430 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Botany and Plant Biology programs?
Currently 4 accredited institutions offer Botany and Plant Biology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Minnesota (UMN), Twin Cities (21 graduates), Northwestern University (11 graduates), and Oregon State University (OSU) (9 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Botany and Plant Biology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 23 in 2010 to a peak of 58 in 2020, before declining slightly to 47 in 2023-24. This represents a 104% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Botany and Plant Biology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Natural Sciences Managers, Biological Scientists, All Other, and Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 230,430 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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