Launch Your Career

A degree in Plant Sciences positions you for success in industries and agencies challenged with providing critical support for a growing world population. Faculty and students work together and with industry partners to give you the knowledge, skills and confidence to take the lead in cutting edge research and development to address the world’s most pressing issues related to food production.

Potential Career Paths for Plant Sciences Majors

Forester: Manage vegetation, timber, reforestation and fuels for the government and companies involved in wood production.

Agronomist: Expertly manage soil and field crop production, conduct research, and develop new crop hybrids and varieties for the public and private sectors.

Plant Breeder: Develop crops adapted to arid and semi-arid environments. Jobs available in the public and private sectors.

Plant geneticist: Research and work to isolate genes to develop certain plant traits. Jobs available in the public and private sectors.

Plant pathologist: Research and work to understand plant responses to pests to design strategies for pest management. Jobs available in the public and private sectors.

Botanist: Study plants and their environment and support their identification and classification.

Ecologist: Collect, study, and report data on the quality of air, food, soil and water.

Research assistant: Conduct research for food, pharmaceutical, and pest management organizations.

Advanced degree: Deepen your understanding and expand your career options through graduate school that may lead to leadership positions in research and field settings.

Environmental scientist: Conduct research to identify and abate or eliminate sources of pollutants that affect people, wildlife, and their environments.

Science teacher: Develop and teach science curriculum and guide the next generation through experiments and field experiences that advance understanding of the natural world.

Naturalist: Research and develop educational programming for national and state parks.

Conservationist: Manage the use and development of forests and other natural resources.

Education and advocacy: Educate decision-makers and communities about the importance of plants and thoughtful stewardship of the world’s natural resources.

Communications specialist: Enhance the reach and reputation of conservation groups through strategic marketing and communications efforts.

Nonprofit executive director: Lead organizations dedicated to the research and education of critical issues related to plant science and conservation.

Connect With an Advisor to Plan Your Future

Our experienced advisors will:

• Listen and learn about you, your interests and goals.
• Help you to explore and refine your career interests and prepare for a career aligned with your interests.
• Identify ways to gain the knowledge, experience and skills you need to land a job.
• Work with you every step of the way to ensure you graduate on time.
• Assist you in planning your next steps after graduation.

Our advisors are here to guide and support you, from selecting a graduate program or employer to completing your resume and applications.

CALS Career Center

It’s OK to not know what you want to do for the rest of your life. In fact, we expect it. This is an important part of your education—learning where there is a need, and preparing for a career to address those issues. We are here to help you explore career paths as you learn more about yourself and what professions best align with your talents and gifts.

Our supportive advisors and the friendly staff at the Career Center will help you:

• Find experiences working in faculty research settings.
• Identify and set up internships.
• Prepare your resume, cover letter, and portfolio.
• Practice for interviews.

Create Lasting Professional Bonds

Many of our majors are actively involved in UA clubs as well as the following professional societies, which offer information about careers and job listings:

• American Society of Plant Biologists
• American Phytopathological Society
• Botanical Society of America
• American Association for Microbiology
• American Horticultural Society