Plant Biology
Students in plant biology can choose from three options: ecology and management, agricultural biosciences and plant protection.
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College
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Hours Required
120 credit hours -
Minors Available
Plant Biology
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Areas of Focus
Ecology and Management, Agricultural Biosciences, Plant Protection
The Nebraska Difference
1-to-1 Individualized Advising
Undergraduate Research Opportunities
Hands-On Collaborative Learning
Program Features
Career Opportunities
Plant biology graduates pursue graduate study or enter careers such as plant breeding, environmental consulting, climate research, plant pathology, precision agriculture, genetics, food and fragrance research, laboratory work and education.
Local and Global Experiences
Plant biology students complete two internships before graduation, gaining hands-on experience and building professional networks. Many also participate in study abroad programs, expanding their perspective through UNL’s global learning opportunities.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available to plant biology students at every stage, including incoming first-year, transfer and continuing students. The Department of Agronomy and Horticulture awards more than $170,000 in scholarships each year.
Notable Courses
Botany (PLAS 278)
Introduction to plants as biological organisms. Instruction on structure and function of cells, tissues, organs, plant life cycles, evolution and physiology.
Plant Pathogens and Disease (PLPT 210)
Introduction to fungi, bacteria, nematodes and viruses that cause plant diseases. Strategies used in managing plant diseases in agricultural and landscape environments.
Biological Invaders (PLPT 270)
Impact of exotic species and invasive organisms in agricultural and medical emerging disease, predicting biological invasions, biological control and ecological impact.
Introductory Plant Pathology (PLPT 369)
Learn about the relation of plant disease to crop production, the environment and society. Organisms that cause disease and strategies for disease management.
Corn Diseases (PLPT 415)
Introduction to the important diseases affecting corn in Nebraska and other areas of the United States. Emphasis on pathogen biology, favorable conditions and disease diagnosis.
Microbial Genetics & Genomics (PLPT 418)
Inheritance, exchange and regulation of genes in prokaryotic microorganisms, including gene structure and function, gene transfer and the elements involved, DNA mutations and genome sequencing.
Applied Plant Breeding and Genetics (PLAS 415)
The goals for plant improvement, theories plant breeders apply to make genetic improvement and the tools and methods used to develop a plant breeding pipeline.
Huskers Do Big Things
Internships
- DuPont Pioneer
- Grassland Ecology
- Corteva Agriscience
- Theisen Seed LLC
- Nebraska Forest Service
- University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Careers
- Monsanto, North American Trait Integration Breeder
- USDA, Plant Protection Technician
- Sustainable Agriculture Education, Site Manager
- Burr Oak Lodge, Groundskeeper
- University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Distance Education Instructor
- Zoex Corporation, Data Analyst
Graduate Schools
- University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Master’s & Ph.D. in Agronomy and Horticulture
- Colorado State University, Master of Science in Entomology and Plant Pathology
- University of Arkansas, Ph.D. in Entomology
- Purdue University, Ph.D. in Plant Breeding and Genetics
- Colorado State University, Ph.D. in Evolutionary Ecology
- Penn State University, Ph.D. in Plant Biology
Featured Faculty
David Holding, Professor, Associate Department Head
Dr. David Holding is a Professor and Associate Department Head in the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture with expertise in plant breeding and genetics and a focus in plant molecular genetics. He earned his B.S. in Biochemistry from the University of Sussex and Ph.D. in Plant Molecular Genetics from Kings College London.
Have Questions? We're Here to Help
If you have questions about the Plant Biology major or navigating the application process, contact us.
- Contact Name
- Christine Barta
- Contact Title
- Plant Systems Learner and Partnership Engagement Coordinator
- Phone
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