Best institutions to study Plant Molecular Biology
A program that focuses on the application of molecular biology, biochemistry, and biophysics to the study of biomolecular structures, functions, and processes specific to plants and plant substances.
2 U.S. institutions graduated 13 Plant Molecular Biology students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 26.0308, a specialization of Botany/Plant Biology (CIP 26.03), and leads most directly to the Soil and Plant Scientists occupation (BLS SOC 19-1013).
About Plant Molecular Biology programs
A program that focuses on the application of molecular biology, biochemistry, and biophysics to the study of biomolecular structures, functions, and processes specific to plants and plant substances. Includes instruction in the biochemistry of plant cells, nuclear-cytoplasmic interactions, molecular cytostructures, photosynthesis, plant molecular genetics, and the molecular biology of plant diseases.
See also: 01.1101 - Plant Sciences, General.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Plant Molecular Biology program, a specialization within Botany/Plant Biology, focuses on the application of molecular biology, biochemistry, and biophysics to the study of plants. This program is designed for students interested in understanding the biomolecular structures, functions, and processes specific to plants and plant substances.
Students will gain knowledge in areas such as the biochemistry of plant cells, molecular genetics, and the molecular biology of plant diseases. Core skills developed include critical thinking, active learning, and effective communication, all essential for conducting research and applying findings in practical settings.
Credentials awarded
What Plant Molecular Biology graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Doctor's degree - research/scholarship11 graduates / yr · 2 institutions85%
- Master's degree2 graduates / yr · 1 institution15%
Graduates over time
Plant Molecular Biology completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 11 |
| 2013 | 12 |
| 2014 | 13 |
| 2015 | 12 |
| 2016 | 12 |
| 2017 | 12 |
| 2018 | 15 |
| 2019 | 15 |
| 2020 | 12 |
| 2021 | 15 |
| 2022 | 16 |
| 2023 | 8 |
| 2024 | 12 |
| 2025 | 13 |
Top 2 institutions for Plant Molecular Biology, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington State University Pullman, WAPublicDoctoralMaster's | 7 | 60% | — |
| 2 | University of Florida Gainesville, FLPublicDoctoral | 6 | 91% | — |
Offered in 2 states
Where Plant Molecular Biology graduates come from. Each state links to all Botany/Plant Biology programs offered there.
| State | Institutions | Graduates / yr | Top institution by graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | 1 | 7 | Washington State University7 / yr |
| Florida | 1 | 6 | University of Florida6 / yr |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 19-1013, Soil and Plant Scientists, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Plant Molecular Biology program can pursue careers as Soil and Plant Scientists or Biological Scientists. The job outlook for these roles is favorable, with a projected growth rate of 5.4% and approximately 1,700 annual openings. The median wage for these positions is $71,410, typically requiring at least a Bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 26.0308
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Soil and Plant Scientistsprimary SOC 19-1013 | $78,850 | +5.4% Faster than average | ~1,700 | Bachelor's degree |
Biological Scientists, All Other SOC 19-1029 | $98,920 | +1.2% Little or no change | ~4,800 | Bachelor's degree |
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
- Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
- Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Plant Molecular Biology programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Communicate research or project results to other professionals or the public or teach related courses, seminars, or workshops.
- Develop methods of conserving or managing soil that can be applied by farmers or forestry companies.
- Provide information or recommendations to farmers or other landowners regarding ways in which they can best use land, promote plant growth, or avoid or correct problems such as erosion.
- Conduct experiments to develop new or improved varieties of field crops, focusing on characteristics such as yield, quality, disease resistance, nutritional value, or adaptation to specific soils or climates.
- Investigate soil problems or poor water quality to determine sources and effects.
- Investigate responses of soils to specific management practices to determine the use capabilities of soils and the effects of alternative practices on soil productivity.
Tools and technology used
Other Botany/Plant Biology specializations
The 4 other 6-digit CIP codes under Botany/Plant Biology (CIP 26.03).
Common questions
What degrees can I earn in this program?+
You can earn a Master's degree or a Doctor's degree in research/scholarship.
What skills will I develop?+
You will develop skills in critical thinking, science, communication, and active learning.
What careers can I pursue after graduation?+
You can work as a Soil and Plant Scientist or in other biological science roles.
What is the job outlook for this field?+
The job outlook is faster than average, with a growth rate of 5.4%.
What is the CIP code for Plant Molecular Biology?+
Plant Molecular Biology is CIP 26.0308 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Botany/Plant Biology (CIP 26.03). NCES defines it as: A program that focuses on the application of molecular biology, biochemistry, and biophysics to the study of biomolecular structures, functions, and processes specific to plants and plant substances. Includes instruction in the biochemistry of plant cells, nuclear-cytoplasmic interactions, molecular cytostructures, photosynthesis, plant molecular genetics, and the molecular biology of plant diseases.
How many institutions offer Plant Molecular Biology programs?+
2 U.S. institutions reported Plant Molecular Biology graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 2 states, awarding 13 credentials in the year. That is 1.6% of all Botany/Plant Biology graduates.
How much do Plant Molecular Biology graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Soil and Plant Scientists occupation, which Plant Molecular Biology most directly leads to, pays a median of $78,850 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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