Program Overview

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Plant Biology and Conservation, MS

The Master of Science program in plant biology and conservation is conducted jointly by ASU and the Desert Botanical Garden. This program nurtures future plant and environmental biologists, equipping them with quantitative skills and knowledge of human dimensions relevant to dealing with global climate change, food insecurity, and loss of biodiversity.

Program Description

In the Master of Science program in plant biology and conservation, students receive advanced training in plant molecular and cellular biology, biotechnology, functional genomics, paleobotany, ecology, evolution, and floristics, as well as in the theory and practice of conservation biology. Students have the opportunity to work with faculty and researchers from ASU and the Desert Botanical Garden, located in Phoenix near ASU's Tempe campus.

At a Glance

• College/school: The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
• Location: Tempe
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes

Degree Requirements

• 30 credit hours and a thesis
• Required Core (3 credit hours)
  • PLB 502 Perspectives in Plant Biology (3)
• Research (3 credit hours)
  • PLB 592 Research (3)
• Electives (17 credit hours)
• Other Requirements (1 credit hour)
  • BIO 591 Seminar (1)
• Culminating Experience (6 credit hours)
  • PLB 599 Thesis (6)
• Additional Curriculum Information
  • Students should see the academic unit for a complete list of approved electives.

Admission Requirements

• General university admission requirements:
  • All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
• Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
• Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in biology, botany, or a closely related field from a regionally accredited institution.
• Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
• Applicants must submit the following:
  • Graduate admission application and application fee
  • Official transcripts
  • Academic record form
  • Personal statement
  • Curriculum vitae or resume
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Proof of English proficiency

Tuition Information

When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.

Application Deadlines

• Fall
  • Session A/C: In Person, Deadline: 12/01, Type: Final

Program Learning Outcomes

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:

• Able to review the literature relevant to a research question in plant biology and conservation.
• Able to execute a research plan of their own design to address a scientific question about plant biology and conservation.
• Able to communicate research findings clearly and accurately in oral presentations and in writing to the scientific community and to the public.

Career Opportunities

The conservation field demonstrates a growing need for botanists and conservation biologists in academic institutions; agricultural, biotechnological, and landscape companies; government agencies; and nongovernmental organizations. A MS program in plant biology and conservation provides strong preparation for academic careers. The skills and knowledge obtained in this program are also valuable for government careers in federal and state agencies responsible for management and conservation, and for careers in industry and with nongovernmental organizations. Career examples include:

• Conservation scientist at a park, natural resource center, museum, or national forest
• Food and agriculture scientist in an academic, private, or industrial lab
• Instructor at a community college
• Researcher or technician in a government lab or at a nonprofit organization
• Science teacher in an elementary or high school

STEM-OPT for International Students on F-1 Visas

This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website. The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.