OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY
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Plants play crucial roles in ecosystems across the globe. They provide us with oxygen, food, medicine, and fiber for clothing and shelter. Plant biology is essential to confront 21st century problems of global importance: hunger, energy supply, health, resource sustainability, climate change, and environmental stewardship.
Students majoring in Botany study the fundamental biology of plants and fungi from molecular and cellular to the global ecosystem level. The curriculum includes core classes in plant structure, systematics, ecology, and physiology, along with courses in biochemistry, cell biology, and genetics. Students also learn how to apply their knowledge to current issues and problems of in food production, conservation, and healthy ecosystems.
Botany Undergraduate Major Requirements
Botany Majors can select one of five options:
The Botany minor requires courses in plant genetics, systematics, physiology, and ecology. Learn more.
Botany students earn upper-division credit and great job skills by putting their knowledge to work in undergraduate research projects and internships at OSU and off-campus. Learn more about these activities and research scholarships, and see some examples and get advice from our Botany alumni.
A botany degree is applicable to many types of careers. Some plant biologists work primarily outdoors, in forests, parklands, or fields. Others work in laboratories, museums, in botanical gardens, or in industry. Graduates go into fields as diverse as biotechnology, environmental monitoring and protection, and agriculture. More than half of Botany students go on to graduate studies in natural science, agriculture, environmental sciences, and education.
Students enter the BS degree program in Botany in three different ways. Choose the one that applies to you for information on preparation and applying.
You are always welcome to contact our Office Specialist, Kimberly Callahan, with any questions (541) 737-5261.