About this Degree The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree with a major in Plant Biology is a liberal arts degree with a concentration in the plant sciences. It prepares students for ecologically or biotechnology oriented careers that are foundational to understanding the earth's biota and essential for supplying the world with food, fuel, and fiber.The Plant Biology major is designed to give students a broad understanding of plant biology and/or fungal biology and prepares them to address some of the pressing global environmental challenges the world is facing today. It is a stepping stone towards a rewarding job and diverse post-graduate programs of study. The Plant Biology major includes several core classes, similar to those for other majors in the Biology Division (e.g. Genetics, Evolutionary Biology). However, the Plant Biology major provides the flexibility to build an interdisciplinary program of study from a broad range of courses. Areas of emphasis include Plant Ecology & Environment, Plant Biotechnology & Bioinformatics, or Plants & Microbes. Our advanced classes are small and promote interactive learning in a combination of laboratory, field, and lecture experiences. Independent Research in the field or laboratory, guided by a faculty member and graduate students, gives our undergraduate students first-hand experiences with the scientific process and it builds skills relevant for many careers in the Sciences. What you will learn The best way to learn about science is to help professionals as they acquire new knowledge in the laboratory or at field sites. Plant Biology faculty welcome undergraduate participation in research projects. By working "in the trenches" along side faculty, graduate students and research fellows, undergraduates discover how science is really done, and at the same time, receive academic credit for their efforts. Employment Information Employers: 3M CompanyAlliant EnergyBASF The Chemical CompanyBiomedical and Pharmaceutical CompaniesBiotechnologyChemical CompaniesConsumer Health And SafetyCox ArboretumDow ArgoSciencesFood SafetyFood TechnologyGenetic Engineering Georgia Department of AgricultureGeorgia Department of Natural ResourcesGreat Smokies Diagnostic LabLab TechniciansLockerly ArboretumMarketing And SalesMedical College of GeorgiaMedicineNatural ResourcesSafety and TestingScottsdale Farms NurseryThe State Botanical Garden of GeorgiaUS Department of AgricultureUS Fish and Wildlife ServiceUS National Park ServiceZoo Atlanta Possible Job Titles: Careers in Plant Sciences are numerous and diverse. They include research at universities, government laboratories and at biotech companies; teaching at the high school, college or university level; management and interpretaion as staff biologists with state and federal agencies; and adminitration and sales with plant and plant product related industries. An undergraduate major in plant biology also provides a strong background for graduate-level study in plant biology and other biological sciences. Agriculture TechnicianAgronomistBiological TechnicianBotanistChemical AnalystClinical Research AssistantConservation TechnicianEcosystem ManagerEducatorEnvironmental ConsultantEnvironmental TechnicianEnvironmental ScientistField Research BiologistGenetic EngineerHorticulture/Agricultural Plant Industrial EcologistsBreederLab Equipment Sales RepresentativeLab TechnicianLaboratory AssociateMedical Lab NurseMedical ProfessionalMicrobiologistNutritionistPark NaturalistPlant EcologistPlant Research TechnologistProject CoordinatorQuality Control TechnicianResearch AssistantSoil and Plant ScientistSchool Programs CoordinatorWildlife Biologist
