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Then-graduate student Al Meyers at work in the Wyatt Lab
Plant Biology Graduate Degrees

Grow Your Future with a Plant Biology Graduate Degree

The Environmental & Plant Biology graduate program provides educational and research experience in plant biology from the molecular to the organismal and ecosystem levels.

Most students are trained within three general areas of study: plant ecology, plant systematics and evolution, or plant molecular and cellular biology.

The Ph.D. program prepares students to be successful in teaching and research positions in academia, industry, government, and non-governmental organizations. The M.S. program prepares students to be successful in a Ph.D. program or positions in industry, government, or non-governmental organizations.

Plant Biology Doctoral and Master's Degrees

Choose a Research Area

Experimental and theoretical studies take place in these areas. Inter-disciplinary and inter-departmental programs also are possible.

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    Ecology: From Forest Biology to Applied Management

    Environmental & Plant Biology faculty are actively researching various aspects of forest biology, ranging from basic ecological processes to applied management concerns.

    Ecology: Forest Biology to Applied Management
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    Functional Genomics

    The plant cell wall biotechnology group studies the structure and function of plant cell wall components in hopes of exploiting this knowledge for the production of valuable biological products.

    Functional Genomics
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    Systematics & Evolution

    Researchers employ independent sources of data to infer phylogenetic relationships and to use the phylogeny as a framework to study character evolution and biogeography.

    Systematics & Evolution

Plant Biology Graduate Financial Aid

Graduate students in the Environmental and Plant Biology Department are supported financially, usually via a Teaching Assistantship (TA) or a Research Assistantship (RA) available through individual faculty with research grants. There are no separate forms on which to apply for financial aid. On the online application, under department funding, check all of the boxes that apply.

Plant Biology Graduate Financial Aid

Student in Morgan Vis' plant biology lab

Community Building and Outreach

Plant Biology/MCB doctoral student Damilola Ayorinde was named a 2025-2026 BELONGS Fellows. This fellowship recognizes graduate students who provide peer-led guidance, foster community, and share resources to support their fellow graduate students.

Ayorinde has presented her work at prestigious conferences, including the International Conference on Plant Cell Wall Biology and the American Society of Plant Biologists, earning multiple awards for her posters and expos. Damilola is an active member of ASPB, BSA, and NQPI, and contributes to science education through teaching, judging science fairs, and symposium planning.

Damilola Ayorinde

Careers with a Plant Biology Graduate Degree

Students achieving the Plant Biology M.S. program prepare for successful study in a Ph.D. program or careers in industry, government, or non-governmental organizations. 

Our Ph.D. program prepares students to succeed in teaching and research positions in academia, industry, government, or non-governmental organizations. Students also conduct independent research in the pursuit of knowledge.

Plant Biology Careers & Internships

Alumnus Brian Atkinson

Plant Biology Graduate Student Association

About the Plant Biology Graduate Student Association

Contact Us

Graduate Chair: Dr. Rebecca Snell