Best institutions to study Plant Genetics
A program that focuses on the scientific study of the genetics of multicellular plants and fungi as related to botanical research as well as to applications in comparative genetics, ecology and evolutionary studies, clinical studies, and industrial research.
3 U.S. institutions graduated 27 Plant Genetics students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 26.0805, a specialization of Genetics (CIP 26.08), and leads most directly to the Natural Sciences Managers occupation (BLS SOC 11-9121).
About Plant Genetics programs
A program that focuses on the scientific study of the genetics of multicellular plants and fungi as related to botanical research as well as to applications in comparative genetics, ecology and evolutionary studies, clinical studies, and industrial research. Includes instruction in molecular genetics, gene expression, gene regulation, genomics, epigenetic phenomena, DNA recombination and repair, genetic interactions at the microbial and higher levels, and molecular evolution.
See also: 01.1104 - Agricultural and Horticultural Plant Breeding.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Plant Genetics program focuses on the scientific study of the genetics of multicellular plants and fungi. This program is designed for students interested in botanical research and its applications in various fields, including ecology, evolutionary studies, and industrial research. Students will explore molecular genetics, gene expression, and other essential topics related to plant genetics. Ideal for those passionate about biology and environmental science, this program prepares graduates for advanced research and professional roles in genetics. With a curriculum that emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of plant genetics and its significance in broader biological contexts.
In the Plant Genetics program, students will learn core skills in science, critical thinking, and effective communication. Coursework includes molecular genetics, gene regulation, and genomics, providing a strong foundation in the genetic mechanisms that govern plant and fungal life.
Credentials awarded
What Plant Genetics graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Doctor's degree - research/scholarship13 graduates / yr · 2 institutions48%
- Bachelor's degree7 graduates / yr · 1 institution26%
- Master's degree7 graduates / yr · 2 institutions26%
Graduates over time
Plant Genetics completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 20 |
| 2013 | 17 |
| 2014 | 35 |
| 2015 | 21 |
| 2016 | 29 |
| 2017 | 28 |
| 2018 | 25 |
| 2019 | 25 |
| 2020 | 20 |
| 2021 | 29 |
| 2022 | 33 |
| 2023 | 21 |
| 2024 | 32 |
| 2025 | 27 |
Top 3 institutions for Plant Genetics, 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 | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Wisconsin - Madison Madison, WIPublicMaster'sDoctoral | 12 | 90% | — | $38,388 |
| 2 | Michigan State University East Lansing, MIPublicDoctoralMaster's | 8 | 81% | — | $26,713 |
| 3 | Purdue University - Main Campus West Lafayette, INPublicBachelor's | 7 | 83% | — | $39,052 |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Genetics field (CIP 26.08) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 3 states
Where Plant Genetics graduates come from. Each state links to all Genetics programs offered there.
| State | Institutions | Graduates / yr | Top institution by graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | 1 | 12 | University of Wisconsin - Madison12 / yr |
| Michigan | 1 | 8 | Michigan State University8 / yr |
| Indiana | 1 | 7 | Purdue University - Main Campus7 / yr |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 11-9121, Natural Sciences Managers, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Plant Genetics program can pursue careers as Natural Sciences Managers, Biological Science Teachers, and Biological Scientists. The job outlook for related fields is about as fast as average, with an estimated growth rate of 3.7% and around 8,500 annual openings. The median wage for these positions is approximately $161,180, typically requiring at least a Bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 26.0805
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Natural Sciences Managersprimary SOC 11-9121 | $167,220 | +3.7% About as fast as average | ~8,500 | Bachelor's degree |
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1042 | $84,620 | +7.3% Faster than average | ~5,400 | Doctoral or professional 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 Genetics 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
- Hire, supervise, or evaluate engineers, technicians, researchers, or other staff.
- Design or coordinate successive phases of problem analysis, solution proposals, or testing.
- Plan or direct research, development, or production activities.
- Review project activities and prepare and review research, testing, or operational reports.
- Confer with scientists, engineers, regulators, or others to plan or review projects or to provide technical assistance.
- Develop client relationships and communicate with clients to explain proposals, present research findings, establish specifications, or discuss project status.
Tools and technology used
Other Genetics specializations
The 7 other 6-digit CIP codes under Genetics (CIP 26.08).
- GeneticsCIP 26.0801766 graduates / yr38 institutions
- Human/CIP 26.0806
Medical Genetics 477 graduates / yr40 institutions - Molecular GeneticsCIP 26.0802253 graduates / yr16 institutions
- Genome Sciences/CIP 26.0807
Genomics 210 graduates / yr20 institutions - Animal GeneticsCIP 26.0804limited data57 graduates / yr2 institutions
- GeneticsCIP 26.0899limited data8 graduates / yr1 institutions
Show 1 more CIP codes with no U.S. programs reported+
- Microbial and Eukaryotic Genetics26.0803
No institution reported completions for these codes in the latest IPEDS year, so they have no page.
Common questions
What degrees can I earn in Plant Genetics?+
You can earn a Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctor's degree in Plant Genetics.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You'll develop skills in science, critical thinking, and effective communication.
What careers can I pursue with a degree in Plant Genetics?+
You can work as a Natural Sciences Manager, Biological Science Teacher, or Biological Scientist.
What is the job outlook for careers in Plant Genetics?+
The job outlook is about as fast as average, with a growth rate of 3.7%.
What is the CIP code for Plant Genetics?+
Plant Genetics is CIP 26.0805 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Genetics (CIP 26.08). NCES defines it as: A program that focuses on the scientific study of the genetics of multicellular plants and fungi as related to botanical research as well as to applications in comparative genetics, ecology and evolutionary studies, clinical studies, and industrial research. Includes instruction in molecular genetics, gene expression, gene regulation, genomics, epigenetic phenomena, DNA recombination and repair, genetic interactions at the microbial and higher levels, and molecular evolution.
How many institutions offer Plant Genetics programs?+
3 U.S. institutions reported Plant Genetics graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 3 states, awarding 27 credentials in the year. That is 1.5% of all Genetics graduates.
How much do Plant Genetics graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Natural Sciences Managers occupation, which Plant Genetics most directly leads to, pays a median of $167,220 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Genetics field report median earnings of $38,388 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
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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