Career Opportunities
We're training the next generation of leaders in plant and microbial biology.
Our Graduates are Growing the Future
Plant biology and microbiology students gain valuable qualitative and quantitative skills that allow them to go on to find rewarding professional careers in research, teaching, or business. Our graduates are also well prepared for professional programs — such as medical and dental school — as well as graduate school in biological, molecular and environmental sciences.
Power of Plants
Careers in Plant Biology
We prepare our plant biology students for successful careers by providing them with a firm background in the natural and physical sciences. Our programs are flexible so that students can take major and elective coursework that is tailored toward their interests and goals with one-on-one guidance from their academic advisor. Research experience is a significant component of our plant biology programs, enabling students to develop the hands-on skills necessary to be competitive for jobs and graduate/professional programs.
Additionally, our proximity to the Research Triangle Park (RTP) enables students to engage in cutting-edge research and seek potential employment after graduation with companies such as Syngenta, Bayer CropScience and BASF.
Nearly 60 percent of our graduates pursue advanced degrees in a plant science discipline, health professions or in education.
Potential careers for plant biology graduates include:
| Research analyst | Research technician | |
| Plant inventory data manager | Vegetation ecologist | |
| Plant breeder | Plant biologist |
Careers in Microbiology
Our microbiology graduate programs focus on scientific research training, project development and execution, market evaluation, science communication, and problem-solving to prepare our students for careers in a number of industries, including pharmaceutical research and development, ag biotech, clinical research, enzymes and bioprocessing, bioremediation, biofuels, animal health, biotechnology and probiotics development.
Potential careers for microbiology graduates include:
| Research and product development | Product marketing and sales |
| Biotechnology start-up and innovation | Genome editing and genetic engineering |
For more information about careers in microbiology, visit the job board on the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) website.
Careers in Microbial Biotechnology
Our Master’s of Microbial Biotechnology degree program affords our graduates with numerous job opportunities in many different areas of the bioscience and biotechnology industries, including academia, government and the private sector.
Careers include:
| Research scientist | Director of business development |
| Quality control compliance specialist | Consumer safety officer |
| Technology commercialization counselor | Regulatory affairs associate |
