University of Michigan

What you'll study

The Plant Biology curriculum integrates core biological sciences with specialised plant-focused topics. You will take foundational courses in cellular and organismal biology, chemistry and mathematics before progressing to plant-specific modules. Teaching methods include lectures, laboratory practicals, field courses and independent research.

• Core topics: plant physiology, plant anatomy and development, plant genetics and genomics, plant biochemistry, and evolution.
• Ecology and field studies: plant ecology, community and ecosystem ecology, restoration ecology and hands-on fieldwork at university field stations.
• Laboratory and technical skills: molecular biology techniques, microscopy, quantitative data analysis, and experimental design.
• Systematics and diversity: plant taxonomy, phylogenetics and floristics, often supported by collections-based study.
• Capstone and research opportunities: an independent research project or senior capstone supervised by faculty, with access to campus facilities for controlled experiments and long-term ecological studies.
• Electives: courses in plant–microbe interactions, agricultural science, conservation biology, remote sensing and bioinformatics allow you to tailor the degree toward industry, policy or research.

Programme structure

The programme combines lower-division prerequisites with upper-division plant-focused courses and electives. Laboratory and field coursework is integrated across the programme, and students are encouraged to join faculty research groups or take internships. Many students complement the major with minors or electives in related areas such as ecology, microbiology, environmental policy or data science.

Entry requirements

Successful applicants present a strong secondary-school academic record with evidence of preparation in biology and chemistry and competent performance in mathematics. Competitive candidates often have taken advanced-level science courses (for example AP, IB or A‑levels) and can demonstrate relevant laboratory, field or volunteer experience.

• Academic background: high school diploma or equivalent with coursework in biology, chemistry and mathematics; any recommended preparatory university-level or advanced secondary courses strengthen an application.
• Standardised tests and English language: applicants from non-English-speaking systems will need to meet the university’s English proficiency requirements; requirements for standardised tests vary by applicant country and pathway.
• Supporting materials: personal statement describing interest in plant biology, letters of recommendation from teachers or supervisors, and evidence of relevant extracurricular or research experience are typically required as part of the application to the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts.
• Transfer and internal applicants: transfer students must meet the College’s transfer credit and prerequisite policies and typically provide college transcripts plus a record of laboratory coursework.

Career prospects

Graduates with a Bachelor’s in Plant Biology from the University of Michigan pursue diverse careers across research, industry, conservation and education. The degree provides both technical and analytical skills valued by employers and is also a strong stepping-stone to postgraduate study.

• Research technician or laboratory assistant in universities, government or private-sector labs.
• Conservation scientist, restoration ecologist or field biologist with parks agencies, NGOs or environmental consultancies.
• Roles in agriculture and horticulture such as plant breeding support, crop science, or extension services.
• Positions in biotechnology and genomics companies focused on plant trait development, bioenergy or synthetic biology.
• Biodiversity specialist, herbarium or botanical garden curator, and science communication or policy roles related to plant and environmental issues.
• Further study: many graduates go on to MSc or PhD programmes in plant sciences, ecology, evolutionary biology, or applied specialisms.

Why study at University of Michigan

The University of Michigan offers strong advantages for plant science students: a research-intensive environment, interdisciplinary faculty, and extensive on-campus and off-campus resources. Plant Biology students benefit from close links between teaching and active research programmes.

• Facilities and collections: access to the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum for teaching and research, and curated collections that support systematics and conservation work.
• Field resources: opportunities for field courses and long-term ecological studies at university field stations and nearby natural areas, useful for hands-on ecological training.
• Research and mentoring: faculty-led research projects across molecular, ecological and evolutionary plant science, with chances for undergraduates to participate in labs and publish or present findings.
• Interdisciplinary connections: strong collaborations with departments and centres in ecology, environmental science, engineering and data science, enabling tailored interdisciplinary study and career preparation.