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What To Learn

High School

What high school courses should you take if you're interested in this career? Get your answers from the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources cluster Plant Systems pathway.

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Botanists have degrees in botany. Today, many universities offer botany courses through their biology departments. Job opportunities are best for those with a master's degree or a doctorate degree.

"For the most part, a master's degree is the standard for doing botanical work," said Douglas Justice. Justice is the curator of a botanical garden.

The Botanical Society of America's website recommends getting a broad general education. This could include language, arts, humanities and social sciences, as well as plant biology. Speaking a foreign language is also helpful, especially if you want to do research in tropical areas.

Cynthia M. Ross is an assistant professor of botany at a university. She says it can take a long time to get a graduate degree. However, many people do not know that often, graduate students are paid while they're in school.

Professors apply for grants to conduct research projects and these grants cover the cost of paying students to work on the projects. Students get their university tuition paid and also receive living expenses.

"It's like you are employed," she says.

Summer jobs and internships can also provide experience and help students decide what areas interest them.

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