Curriculum

As an Oregon State botany major, you’ll study the fundamental biology of plants and fungi from molecular and cellular levels to a global ecosystem level. This online program includes core classes in plant structure, systematics, ecology and physiology, along with courses in biochemistry, cell biology and genetics.

You’ll also learn how to apply your knowledge to current issues and problems of food production, conservation and healthy ecosystems.

Degree requirements

A minimum of 180 quarter credits — at least 60 of which must be upper-division credits — are required to graduate with your botany degree, including:

• OSU's Baccalaureate Core (general education)
• Major requirements: Botany
  • Specialization option requirement: Customizable option or mycology and plant pathology option

Honors degree online

As an undergraduate degree-seeking student, you can apply to earn an honors degree online in your academic major. Earning this prestigious degree gives you the opportunity to collaborate with faculty on research, complete a comprehensive thesis experience and engage in co-curricular activities.

Options

Customizable

You can create a customized, 21-credit option in collaboration with your academic advisor as a botany major. The coursework delivered in this customizable option will provide you with advanced knowledge and skills related to the study of plants and plant-associated organisms in natural and managed ecosystems and in the laboratory.

Mycology and plant pathology

As a student in the mycology and plant pathology option, you'll study a combination of plant pathology, microbiology, mycology and entomology. The courses in this option draw from upper-division offerings in botany, microbiology, entomology and forestry. To encourage active learning and help you obtain practical skills, you can apply up to 3 credits of approved experiential learning to the option.

Sample course topics

• Cell and molecular biology
• Plant genetics
• Plant structure
• Laboratory techniques in plant biology
• Plant ecology
• Elementary biochemistry
• Introductory biology

Additional program features

Experiential learning

All botany students are required to take part in an experiential learning component that consists of a minimum of 60 hours of work that is not part of the program curriculum. Find more details in OSU’s academic catalog.

Transfer credits

Some degree requirements may be transferred from other institutions. Please note that a minimum of 45 credits of the last 75 credits in this degree program must be completed at Oregon State (online or on campus) to meet the academic residency requirement.

Previously earned credits will need to be reviewed upon admittance to OSU for appropriate articulation. Additional information about transferring credits is available through OSU’s Transfer Credit Central.

Add a minor

As an OSU Ecampus student, you'll have the ability to add a minor to your bachelor's degree program. Oregon State offers a diverse selection of minors online. Combine botany and an agricultural sciences minor or botany plus a sustainability minor to create an even more powerful résumé fit for today's job market.

(Note: The biology minor is not available to botany students as it is too similar to the botany major.)