Thinking of changing my major to botany?

Question

I came to college thinking I was going to major in Chemistry, and even though I really like it, I've taken 3 botany classes and I love them. What could I use a degree in botany for? Or should I double major?

Answer 1

With a botany degree you could do most jobs that require a bachelors of science.  If you like field work, you could work in a national or state park or for a private company doing invasive species control, natural resource management, biological surveys/inventory, restoration ecology, etc.  You could be a lab assisant working with plant genetics research or crop hybridizing.  A general degree in biology might expand your opportunities if you are only going for a bachelors degree.  A double major only increases the opportunities available to you.

If you are truly interested in Botany, I would recommend going on for an advanced degree in Botany.  With an advanced degree (Masters or PhD) you can pursue you own research interests dealing in a private industry or an academic setting.

Answer 2

You might want to switch to molecular biology! You could do undergrad in plant biology or molecular biology, and then continue on to grad school. Tons of interesting things to work on in that field. I'd definitely do one of those instead of botany. The interesting stuff in biology is (and will be) in the areas of cell/molecular bio, genetics, genetic engineering.

dboy