How to Become a Botanist
A botanist studies plant life and the interaction of plants with the environment. Although a Ph.D. is necessary for university teaching or independent research positions, jobs as botanical lab technicians or assistants are open to individuals with bachelor's degrees.
- Difficulty:
- Challenging
Instructions
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1
Take biology and math electives in high school and participate in science fairs, if possible. Working part-time at a plant nursery can also be excellent preparation for college botany courses.
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Select your college carefully. Some grant biology degrees with a specialization in botany, whereas others offer degrees in botany. Interview professors at several universities to see if their schools and programs match your career goals.
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Peruse the Botanical Society of America Web site (see botany.org). If offers a vast amount of information and worldwide links related to the field.
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Participate in your professor's research work. You will obtain excellent experience and get an idea of what his or her specialty is really about.
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Choose the school for your advanced degree based on your desired specialty. Go to the Graduate School Programs Web site (see gradschools.com) for a list of universities that offer botany programs.
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Ask your advisor early in the school year about part-time or summer internships.
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Tips & Warnings
Look for internships or entry-level jobs at museums, parks and botanical gardens.
Realize that you will have to receive a master's degree to advance in this field.
