What Can You Do with a Plant Sciences Degree?

Do you have a passion for plants and want to turn this into a future career? If so, a plant sciences degree is a great option. This program teaches you about the biology of plants, how they’re connected to the environment, and how they can be used to solve major issues such as food shortages and climate change.

Read on to learn more about plant sciences salary and career opportunities, the degree itself, and how to pick the right college.

Plant sciences major: is it right for me?

With classes in areas like botany, biotechnology, entomology, and agriculture economics, you must have a strong background in science if you enroll on a plant sciences degree. Also, you must possess analytical and critical thinking skills.

If you’re against the idea of working behind a desk, this degree is a useful one to have in your repertoire. Jobs with a plant sciences degree often see people working directly with plants while out in the field, or completing experiments when operating in a lab.

What can I do with a plant sciences degree?

Once you are armed with a degree in plant sciences, you will be suitably prepared for an assortment of careers. Aside from science-based roles, graduates can venture into roles that range from being a garden manager to a horticulturist.

Some common plant sciences careers include:

Conservation scientist

A conservation scientist is responsible for managing land and natural resources. Their tasks include maintaining the quality of parks, rangelands and forests, and ensuring conservation activities are completed while being compliant with government regulations.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics recorded that, in 2019, the median annual wage for “conservation scientists and foresters” was $62,410.

Soil and plant scientist

A soil and plant scientist is responsible for researching the breeding, production, and management of crops, trees, and other plants. Their work can also involve studying soils and how they relate to crop or plant growth.

In 2019, the median yearly salary for soil and plant scientists was $63,200, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Agricultural and food scientist

When it comes to agricultural products and establishments, an agricultural and food scientist is tasked with researching methods to enhance their safety and efficiency.

Using the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and their 2019 research, agricultural and food scientists received an average pay of $65,160 per year.

Choosing a college: what do I need to consider?

A lot of work is required to put together a shortlist – let alone settling on a single college. There are many points you have to consider. Aside from reputation and entry requirements, elements like location, cost, and available activities, all have to be taken into account.

Another major aspect is the quality of the campus. You want to feel at home when on campus, and you also want the on-site amenities and facilities which boost your overall comfort levels.

To find out if a campus offers all of this and more, use CampusReel as your all-in-one research tool. This platform, which features over 15,000 videos made entirely by students, covers every detail you need to know about a certain campus.

You can sign up for a free CampusReel account today.