If I study Biology, can I get a masters in Botany/Plant Science/Plant biology after that and pursue my Ph.D in Botany? Or are biology and botany different branches?
Thanks!
If you wanted to get a Masters in Botany, it would be better to have some botany or plant biology experience beyond basic biology, but it wouldn’t be impossible.
Yes, you can absolutely get a graduate degree in Plant Biology with a bachelor’s in biology. But realize that plant biology graduate degree programs are typically funded, and before they choose someone to fund (with fellowships, assistantships, etc.) they will expect to see existing accomplishments in this area.
For example, I know of someone with a biology bachelor’s degree that was accepted into an Ivy graduate degree program in Plant Biology/Pathology. He had on his application and resume eight internships conducting plant science research, including three in foreign countries. Several of these were very competitive and prestigious. He had started doing internships in this area in high school already, and continued throughout college while pursuing his bachelor’s degree.
Obviously, you could get into a graduate degree program in Plant Biology at a non-Ivy without so many accomplishments, but you should have something to show. Just pursue research in plant science while you are already studying for your degree in biology. Whether you do something in the field, in the lab or in a greenhouse, if it relates to plants, that will help you.
Be aware that “Botany” majors have been dwindling, so look for “Plant Biology” instead.