What can you do with a Plant Sciences degree?

First, some facts. Of the Plant Sciences graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:


These are estimates based on AI analysis of 58 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Slightly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 68%, Plant Sciences graduates have a slightly higher likelihood (+1%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 68%
Average relevance score across all fields: 67%

And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.

× Chart

Also, after graduating, only 20% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Plant Sciences graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.

See the details:

View a random Plant Sciences graduate and our analysis:


Relevance score: 91%

We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2020 from Montana State University-Bozeman with a Bachelor's degree in Plant Sciences. No other secondary education since.

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
Head Teacher
Little Beakers Science Lab for Kids
May 2020 - Feb 2021
As Head Teacher at Little Beakers Science Lab for Kids, this role likely involves some basic science knowledge and educational skills, which can be somewhat related to plant sciences, but it is not directly focused on the core competencies of the field.

Forensic Scientist I
Utah Bureau of Forensic Services
Mar 2021 - Jul 2022
The position of Forensic Scientist I at Utah Bureau of Forensic Services directly utilizes scientific knowledge and laboratory skills, which align closely with the studies in plant sciences, particularly in analytical methods and scientific inquiry.

Research Technician
Advanta Seeds
Jul 2022 - Present
In the role of Research Technician at Advanta Seeds, the job specifically applies knowledge in plant sciences through research and experimentation, making it highly relevant to the individuals degree.

ABOUT

No information provided.

What jobs can you get with a Plant Sciences degree?

The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:


After analyzing the career paths of various individuals who graduated with degrees in Plant Sciences, it's evident that their employment experiences vary significantly. A common theme among many of the profiles is the engagement in roles that align with core principles of Plant Sciences, such as agronomy, horticulture, landscaping, and agricultural research. However, it's equally noticeable that numerous graduates have ventured into fields that bear little to no connection with their academic training, opting for roles in retail, project management, customer service, and even unrelated areas like web development or marketing.

One of the most prevalent job categories among these Plant Sciences graduates is in landscaping and horticulture. Positions such as Landscape Designer and Horticulturist often require a solid grasp of plant biology and ecology, which are fundamental to the degree. Moreover, job titles like Crop Advisor and Agronomist further demonstrate the direct application of plant science knowledge in agricultural settings, allowing graduates to leverage their education in a practical and relevant way. On the flip side, many graduates end up in roles that appear almost disconnected from their studies. For instance, jobs like Billing Analyst or Digital Campaign Strategist show a distinct lack of relevance to the field, which raises questions about the alignment of job markets with specialized education.

Overall, while the analysis indicates a noteworthy concentration of opportunities within horticulture and agronomy for Plant Sciences graduates, it also highlights a concerning trend of graduates finding themselves in unrelated fields. This indicates a potential mismatch between education and practical employment opportunities. It might suggest that aspiring students in Plant Sciences should seek additional internships or practical experiences that bridge their knowledge with various industries, enhancing their employability in jobs directly related to their degree.

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Plant Sciences graduates:

What kind of career trajectories do Plant Sciences graduates have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

Analyzing the career trajectories of individuals who graduated with degrees in Plant Sciences shows a mixed bag of outcomes. Some graduates have landed solid, relevant positions in areas related to their education, while others appear to have drifted into less relevant or even unrelated fields. Right after graduation, a significant number of these individuals start off with internships, research assistant roles, or entry-level positions in landscaping, agriculture, or environmental science. Positions like the Agricultural Research Assistant or various roles in project management show that fresh graduates often take on roles that contribute to their experience and skillset, although they might not directly align with core Plant Sciences.

Fast forward five to ten years, and the picture becomes even more varied. Many of the individuals who began with research or agricultural roles did progress into more specialized positions, such as crop advisors, research associates, or managers in agriculture-related companies. This indicates that those who initially entered relevance-laden entry-level jobs found opportunities to grow into more prominent roles in their field. On the flip side, there are also alumni who transitioned drastically away from Plant Sciences—like those who became sales managers, logistics coordinators, or even flight attendants. This divergence might suggest that while some graduates remain committed to the agricultural sciences, others do not find the industry appealing or lucrative enough to stay long-term. Ultimately, it seems that Plant Sciences degrees can lead to both rewarding careers in relevant fields and less fulfilling jobs in unrelated sectors, highlighting the need for graduates to seek out and apply themselves in their areas of interest actively.

How hard is a Plant Sciences degree?

Honestly, a Bachelor's degree in Plant Sciences can be a bit of a mixed bag in terms of difficulty. It usually involves a fair amount of science courses, like biology and chemistry, which can be challenging if you're not super into those subjects. There are also lab components where you’ll be getting your hands dirty in actual plant studies, which can be fun but also pretty demanding. If you're passionate about plants and enjoy learning about ecosystems, you might find it easier because you’ll be more engaged. Overall, it’s not necessarily harder than average, but you’ll definitely need to stay focused and put in the effort, especially if you want to understand the complexities of plant biology and ecology.

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Plant Sciences.

Do Plant Sciences graduates tend to make good money?

So, when we look at the careers of these Plant Sciences grads, it's a mixed bag in terms of earnings potential. Some people like the agronomists or those working as researchers seem to be on a solid path, especially with positions at reputable companies like Corteva or in governmental roles. Others, particularly those in landscaping or entry-level positions like working at stores or doing internships, might not be seeing the same paychecks. However, as you climb the ladder or find your niche, salaries can significantly improve, especially when you move into management or specialized roles.

Overall, while some of these grads might be starting off on the lower end of the pay spectrum, many have ample opportunities for growth and higher earnings as they gain experience. It’s all about finding that right fit in the industry and potentially capitalizing on those skills in more lucrative positions down the line. Plus, owning your own business – like some of these grads – can really bump up those earnings if they play their cards right!

What buzzwords do Plant Sciences graduates use to describe themselves?

Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Plant Sciences. This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Plant Sciences?

Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Plant Sciences (ordered by the average relevance score of their Plant Sciences graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:

College Score Count