MSc in Plant Biology in Davis United States | University of California Davis

The UC Davis Plant Biology Graduate Group delivers cross-disciplinary education in plant sciences. This program's vertically integrated research structure enables students to investigate plants across all scales, from molecular to population levels. While the primary emphasis is on fundamental research, the vibrant plant science community on campus creates avenues for engaging with applied research projects. The program stands out by offering exceptional graduate training through multiple avenues. As a globally renowned hub for plant science, UC Davis houses researchers across numerous departments, yet the Plant Biology Graduate Group transcends departmental boundaries. This unique structure grants students access to the university's full spectrum of plant biology expertise, with mentorship available from faculty across all relevant departments.

The curriculum provides comprehensive training in plant biology fundamentals while allowing specialization in four key research domains: cellular and developmental biology, environmental and integrative biology, molecular biology with biochemistry and genomics, and systematic and evolutionary biology. This structure facilitates plant research through diverse lenses including anatomy, biochemistry, biophysics, biotechnology, cell biology, developmental processes, evolutionary studies, genetics, genomics, molecular mechanisms, morphology, paleobotany, pathology, physiology, population dynamics, proteomics, systematics, systems biology, and weed science. With one of the world's largest concentrations of plant biologists, UC Davis offers graduate students research opportunities in both basic and applied sciences, working alongside over 60 faculty members distributed across three colleges and nine academic departments.