Plant Ecology and Biodiversity – Online Microcredential

Examine the diversity and interconnectedness of plants

A plant’s existence relies on intricate interactions with its environment, nearby species and possible predators. For many plants, these factors are rapidly changing. That’s where plant ecology comes in. When you earn a microcredential in plant ecology and biodiversity online from Oregon State University, you’ll develop core skills you can apply in the field, in the lab or wherever plants take root.

Online botany classes cover physiology, plant classification and species interactions. While you can enjoy the flexibility and other advantages of enrolling in a program that is fully online, you’ll get your hands dirty with fieldwork and student projects on plants in your local area. Your education can help you participate in research, ecological restoration, resource planning and more.

Coursework

Required courses (12 credits)

• BOT 321 – Plant Systematics (4)
• BOT 341 – Plant Ecology (4)
• BOT 440 – Field Methods in Plant Ecology (4)

Skills

The in-demand skills you’ll develop in this microcredential will give you what you need to stand out and level up your career.

• Critical thinking
• Data collection
• Plant ecology
• Biodiversity studies
• Vegetation monitoring/surveying
• Scientific writing

Start working toward a degree in botany

Once you complete a microcredential in plant ecology and biodiversity, you can apply the 8 credits you earn from BOT 321 and BOT 341 directly toward Oregon State’s online bachelor’s degree in botany.

If you plan to apply these credits toward a full degree, we encourage you to first contact the program to learn about the degree requirements. Please note that acceptance into a microcredential does not guarantee acceptance into a degree program.