Plant Biology and Conservation, MS
Biology, Botany, Conservation, approved for STEM-OPT extension, plant
Plants are fundamental to life on Earth. Conducted jointly by ASU and the Desert Botanical Garden, this program nurtures future plant and environmental biologists. You'll be equipped with quantitative skills and knowledge of human dimensions relevant to dealing with global climate change, food insecurity and loss of biodiversity.
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.
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.
- College/school:
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Location: Tempe
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
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.
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
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 12/01 | Final |
Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program has the following program outcomes:
- 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.
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
School of Life Sciences
|
LSA 181
sols.grad@asu.edu
480-965-1768
Admission deadlines
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
