Program Overview

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Plant Biology

Study plant systems on a cellular and molecular level in preparation for careers in research, plant ecology, and systematics.

Plant Biology B.S. in Plant Science, Plant Biology Emphasis

Students in the Plant Biology program at Montana State start with a broad education of issues connected to the plant sciences before focusing their interest in the field with a cellular, molecular, organismal, ecological, or genetic perspective to botany. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the program, Plant Biology students are able to personalize their studies with additional coursework in departments such as Ecology or Land Resources & Environmental Sciences to complement their interests.

The Plant Science major offers one additional Option Within the Major: Crop Science.

Carnegie Classified

The prestigious Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education ranks Montana State University among the Top 5 public, 4-year universities for Very High Research Activity with a STEM-dominant research doctoral program.

Natures Laboratory

Montana State students make Montana, including nearby Yellowstone National Park, their classroom, laboratory, and playground.

State of the Art Facilities

Through the Plant Sciences & Plant Pathology Department, students have access to the 60,000 square foot Plant Growth Center Facility, the Plant BioScience Building, seven research centers across the state of Montana, and five service labs.

Career Resources

Within their first year of graduation, more than 96% of Montana State graduates are employed, continuing their education, or not seeking employment.

Career Coaching & Professional Skills Studio

Professional career coaches help students with their career exploration, employer networking opportunities, and job or internship searches. They also critique resumes and help students practice job interviews.

Careers

Plant Biology students at Montana State University go into careers such as:

• Ecological Consulting
• Landscape Management
• Biotechnology
• Research Scientist

Sample Course Plan

The following is a sample course plan for the Plant Biology program:

Year One

• BIOB 170IN Principles of Biological Diversity (4 credits)
• BIOB 160 Principles of Living Systems (4 credits)
• CHMY 141 College Chemistry I (4 credits)
• CHMY 142 College Chemistry I Lab (4 credits)
• CHMY 143 College Chemistry II (4 credits)
• CHMY 144 College Chemistry II Lab (4 credits)
• Select one of the following: (3 credits)
  • COMX 111US Introduction to Public Speaking
  • CLS 101US Knowledge and Community
  • WRIT 101W College Writing I
• M 161Q Survey of Calculus (4 credits)
• University Core and Electives (4 credits) Year Total: 30 credits

Year Two

• BIOO 220 General Botany (3 credits)
• CHMY 211 Elements of Organic Chemistry (5 credits)
• CHMY 212 Elements of Organic Chemistry Lab (5 credits)
• PHSX 205 College Physics I (4 credits)
• Choose the Physics Option: (7 credits)
  • PHSX 207 College Physics II
  • BIOB 318 Biometry
  • STAT 216Q Introduction to Statistics
• Or Choose the Statistics Option: (6 credits)
  • STAT 216Q Introduction to Statistics
  • STAT 337 Intermediate Statistics with Introduction to Statistical Computing
• University Core and Electives (5 credits) Year Total: 30 credits

Year Three

• BIOB 375 General Genetics (3 credits)
• BIOE 370 General Ecology (3 credits)
• BCH 380 Biochemistry (5 credits)
• BCH 381 Biochemistry Lab (5 credits)
• University Core and Electives (19 credits) Year Total: 30 credits

Year Four

• BIOB 420 Evolution (3 credits)
• Select one of the following: (3 credits)
  • BIOO 433 Plant Physiology
  • BIOO 437 Plant Development
  • BIOO 460 Plant Metabolism
• BIOB 490R Undergraduate Research (1-4 credits)
• University Core and Electives (21 credits) Year Total: 30 credits Total Program Credits: 120 credits