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How to Become a Botanist

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(21 Ratings)

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

Things You'll Need:

  • Career Counseling
  • Computers
  • Online Career Search
  1. Step 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.

  2. Step 2

    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.

  3. Step 3

    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.

  4. Step 4

    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.

  5. Step 5

    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.

  6. Step 6

    Ask your advisor early in the school year about part-time or summer internships.

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.

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