College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Type of Degree

B.S.

School or College

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Program Format

On-campus, Full-time
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Curious about how plants function, evolve, and interact with their environments? A degree in plant biology builds strong scientific skills and opens pathways to many careers—from research and biotechnology to education, conservation, and science communication.

Program Overview

Our undergraduate Plant Biology program offers a dynamic foundation in the life sciences, spanning biochemistry and molecular biology to plant physiology and ecosystem ecology. Students benefit from close faculty mentorship and one-on-one advising to shape a personalized academic path. Experiential learning is central to the program, with popular study-abroad trips to Costa Rica and the Galápagos, a required senior capstone, and abundant research opportunities. Many students join faculty-led research labs or work at renowned facilities such as the Proctor Maple Research Center or the Pringle Herbarium, the second-largest plant collection in New England.

Plant biology provides essential insights into how plants grow, function, and respond to a changing environment. Much like basic medical research informs advances in human health, plant biology research builds the knowledge needed to understand and address global challenges related to food, materials, and environmental change. Students trained in plant biology gain the perspective and tools needed to make informed decisions about the biological systems on which human societies depend.

Curriculum

Learning Objectives for the Plant Biology B.S.

  1. Demonstrate a foundational knowledge of the subdisciplines of plant biology, including diversity, evolution, development, physiology, genetics, and ecology
  2. Draw connections among the plant biology subdisciplines that yield insights into the complexity of the science
  3. Communicate scientific ideas clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing
  4. Demonstrate an understanding of the scientific method
  5. Use critical analysis skills to interpret and explain observations, questions, and data

Plant Biology Major 4-Year Plan 

Visit our 4-year Plan Webpage

UVM Undergraduate Catalogue

The core curriculum, major and ancillary courses, and related requirements are detailed in the UVM Undergraduate Catalogue.

Admissions

Students may major in Plant Biology through the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) or through the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS). The Plant Biology major requirements for students in both colleges are the same; the College-level requirements are different. Students may petition the department to substitute similar courses for those listed. Study of modern foreign languages is encouraged for those attracted to the many international career opportunities in plant biology. All undergraduate students must meet University and College requirements as well as the requirements specific to the Plant Biology major.


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