What Can I Do with a Degree in Plant Science?

The career paths for Plant Science majors are constantly growing. Our students have a wide variety of interests, such as plant science & technology; business production and food; heritage, conservation & ecology; sports leisure and green space; and health and wellbeing — just to name a few. The ability to tailor your major to your specific interests allows you to pursue your goals either broadly or more purposefully. Some common job titles of Plant Science majors include:

  • Agronomist
  • Floral designer
  • Biotechnologist
  • Plant journalist
  • Field advisor
  • Soil scientist
  • Greenhouse manager
  • Propagation scientist
  • Plant breeder
  • Landscape scientist
  • Environmental scientist
  • Pathologist
  • Entomologist
  • Chemist
  • Horticultural scientist
  • Plant biologist
  • Crop consultant
  • Grower
  • Golf course superintendent
  • Plant researcher
  • Horticulturist
  • Seed sales representative
  • Production consultant
  • Professor

Hearing about all the careers a Plant Science major can pursue is one thing; seeing what graduates actually have pursued is another story. A year after graduation, Career and Internship Services does a survey to see what jobs Plant Science students ended up in and how much they make. You can see this list on the Career and Internship Services website, but remember that this is just the tip of the iceberg.

 

Employment Resources

Man squatting in a field of tall grasses

If you plan to start working after graduation, it's important to start your job search early. Start networking your senior year, and actively applying to jobs at the beginning of the semester you plan to graduate. You can find post-graduation jobs in departmental newsletters such as the Twig Bender, or through the links listed below.

Graduate School

Two women observing grasses

Many jobs in both industry and academia require a graduate level degree. Choosing which program to enter depends on the faculty members that work there, research completed, personal interests, and a variety of other factors. There are several U of M graduate programs that work with plant science-related faculty members. Below are some programs outside of the University of Minnesota suggested by faculty members working with Plant Science students.