Botany Major
Botany is the study of plants, their structure, function, and ecology. It is a major within Natural Sciences & Math.
Botany is the scientific study of plants, including how they are structured, how they function, and how they interact with their environments. Students learn to observe and analyze plant life at different scales—from the internal mechanics of cells and tissues to the relationships between plants and other organisms in ecosystems. The major develops skills in laboratory techniques, field observation, data collection, and scientific reasoning. Botany addresses practical questions like how plants grow, reproduce, adapt to their surroundings, and respond to stress or disease.
Students drawn to botany typically have a strong interest in the living world and curiosity about how nature works. Some are motivated by environmental concerns, while others are primarily interested in plant biology itself. The major usually begins with foundational coursework in biology and chemistry, establishing core concepts about cells, genetics, and chemical processes. As students progress, they move into more specialized plant science topics and often have opportunities to apply their knowledge through hands-on laboratory work, field studies, or directed research projects. The combination of theoretical understanding and practical skill-building helps students develop a thorough foundation in the discipline.
Typical coursework
Course requirements vary by school, but a Botany program commonly includes topics such as:
- Plant anatomy
- Plant physiology
- Plant taxonomy
- Plant ecology
- Genetics
- Cell biology
Most programs also include general-education requirements and, in many fields, a capstone project, internship, or research experience.
Degree levels
Botany is commonly offered at these levels:
- Bachelor's
- Master's
- Doctoral
Availability differs by institution, and program names can vary (for example, a Bachelor of Arts versus a Bachelor of Science track).
Common career directions
Graduates with a Botany background pursue a range of paths. Some roles related to this field of study include:
- Botanist
- Plant biologist
- Field researcher
- Conservation technician
Many careers require additional steps beyond the major — such as a graduate degree, a license, or a certification — and many graduates work in fields unrelated to their major. What you study is one factor among many in where your career goes.
General career information is drawn from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook. Career paths vary widely by person, school, and region; this is not a list of guaranteed jobs or earnings.
Find degree programs in Botany
Want to compare accredited schools that offer a Botany major? Tell us a little about what you're looking for and we'll help you find matching degree programs. It's free, and there's no obligation.
Find degree programs →Frequently asked questions
What is a Botany major?
Botany is the study of plants, their structure, function, and ecology. It is part of natural sciences & math, and combines foundational coursework with more focused study as you advance.
What courses do Botany majors take?
Coursework varies by school, but commonly includes topics such as plant anatomy, plant physiology, plant taxonomy, plant ecology, and others, plus general-education requirements.
What can you do with a Botany major?
Graduates pursue a range of paths, including roles such as botanist, plant biologist, field researcher. Many roles require additional steps such as a graduate degree, license, or certification. This is general information, not a guarantee of any job or salary.
What degree levels is Botany offered at?
It is commonly offered at the bachelor's, master's, doctoral level, though availability varies by institution.