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Botany

Master of Science (M.S.)

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

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Earn Your M.S. or Ph.D. in Botany at UW

Whether you’re pursuing a Ph.D. or Master’s in botany, our students thrive in a vibrant and collaborative environment. UW’s botany program is led by world-class faculty who are dedicated mentors and leading experts in various areas of botany, ecology and evolutionary biology.

With access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources, students engage in cutting-edge research in plant ecology, biodiversity conservation, evolutionary biology and more. Our graduate students collaborate across departments, gaining diverse perspectives and addressing complex scientific questions.

Alongside rigorous academic training, professional development opportunities abound, including workshops, networking events and career counseling. Our students are well-prepared for future careers in academia, industry, government and beyond.

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Program Details

Tuition and Fees

Please visit our cost of attendance page

Courses & Curriculum

M.S. Courses & Curriculum
Ph.D. Courses & Curriculum

About the M.S. and Ph.D. in Botany

Our doctoral and master’s in botany programs prepare students for fulfilling careers in academia, industry, government and conservation organizations. As part of the program, students may pursue specific areas of focus.

Common areas of focus for our graduate degrees include:

  • Plant Physiology
  • Plant Systematics and Taxonomy
  • Controlled Environment Agriculture
  • Ecology
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Paleobotany
  • Biology Education Research

Students may explore the research interests of faculty members in the department to determine the availability of specific areas of focus and identify potential advisors whose research aligns with their interests.

 

Have questions about applying?
Visit our botany graduate programs page for more information!

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Student works on project in front of the Board of Trustees

We are committed to preparing students for successful careers in academia, industry, government and non-profit organizations. Through seminars, workshops and networking events, students gain valuable professional skills such as scientific communication, grant writing, project management and teaching pedagogy.

Students in our botany program also have access to a range of networking opportunities and campus organizations that enrich their academic experience and foster professional development. These opportunities include participation in academic conferences, panels, mentorship programs, workshops and seminars.

Additionally, many of our students engage with campus organizations, such as the botany club. The botany club organizes field trips, guest lectures and social events to promote networking and community building.

The botany program offers various forms of financial support to eligible students, including graduate assistantships, research assistantships, teaching assistantships, fellowships, grants and scholarships. These opportunities may be funded through departmental resources, external grants or university-wide initiatives.

Additionally, students have the opportunity to apply for competitive scholarships or awards specific to their field of study within botany or related disciplines.

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What can you do with a botany degree?

 

Botany Careers

Our graduate students are prepared for a variety of careers in academia, scientific research, teaching and plant conservation.

Here's just a sampling of where UW botany alumni are working now:

  • Botanist at the Wyoming Natural Diversity Database (WYNDD)
  • Dean at the Yale School of the Environment
  • Paleobotanist at the National Park Service
  • Staff Botanist at Golder 
  • Laboratory and Greenhouse Manager at the University of Wyoming
  • Researcher at the University of Mexico
  • Forest Monitoring Coordinator at the Colorado Forest Restoration Institute
  • Natural Heritage Botanist at the Washington State Department of Natural Resources
  • Biology Teacher and Cross Country Ski Coach at Gould Academy
  • Botanist at the Bureau of Land Management

 

 

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Fun Fact

All graduate students in our botany graduate programs actively engage in hands-on research projects, contributing to the advancement of botanical science while gaining valuable skills and experience in their chosen fields. This high level of research involvement not only enriches students' academic experience but also prepares them for successful careers in various sectors, including academia, industry, government and conservation organizations.

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Botany Graduate Program Highlights

As part of UW’s botany program, you’ll pursue exciting research opportunities, receive mentorship and work with renowned faculty. Here are a few highlights to look forward to as part of our program.

Cutting-Edge Research Opportunities

Our program offers students the chance to conduct cutting-edge research across various areas of botany, including ecology, evolutionary biology, physiology, conservation biology and statistical developments for the life sciences. With access to state-of-the-art facilities, laboratories and field sites, students have the opportunity to work closely with faculty mentors on research projects that address pressing ecological and environmental challenges.

Interdisciplinary Approach

We take pride in our interdisciplinary approach to botany, encouraging students to integrate knowledge and methodologies from diverse fields such as ecology, genetics, bioinformatics, biochemistry, hydrology and computer science. By fostering collaboration and cross-disciplinary thinking, we prepare students to tackle complex issues at the intersection of plant science, conservation and sustainability.

 

Personalized Mentorship

Our faculty are dedicated mentors who provide personalized guidance and support to each student throughout their academic journey. Whether students are conducting fieldwork, analyzing data or writing their thesis or dissertation, faculty advisors offer tailored mentorship to every student.

 

Our graduate students conduct cutting-edge research in botany, ecology, evolutionary biology, and biology education. Projects often include fieldwork, laboratory analyses, modeling, and other quantitative analyses. We have no required courses, just a minimum number of credit hours, which allows each student to work with their committee to create a program of study specifically for their needs.

- Dr. Ellen D. Currano, Professor

Related Programs

Interested in a M.S. or Ph.D. in botany? These programs may also be of interest to you:

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Department of Botany

Graduate Program Officer for Botany Ellen Currano - Professor

Email: ecurrano@uwyo.edu