In addition to studying a major subject in the Field of Plant Biology, students also take course work in two other minor subjects of their choice, either in or outside the field. The field has no language requirement.

Students who want to major in plant ecology are encouraged to apply through the Field of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology.

Research facilities:
The field provides equipment and expertise in all research programs related to the special interests of the faculty. Instrumentation of modern molecular and biochemical techniques, visible and electron microscopy, biological spectrometry, and computing equipment are available. Growth chambers, cell culture and transformation facilities, greenhouses, and field plots are also readily available. Wiegand Herbarium, adjacent to the Plant Science Building, houses one of the nation's major systematics resources.