Academic college: The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, School of Life Sciences. This two-year Master of Science (MS) program in Plant Biology and Conservation is a STEM-classified degree, making graduates eligible for 3 years of Optional Practical Training (OPT) in the USA. It is a joint graduate program between ASU and the Desert Botanical Garden, providing advanced training in plant molecular and cellular biology, biotechnology, functional genomics, paleobotany, ecology, evolution, and floristics, as well as the theory and practice of conservation biology. The curriculum is designed to equip students with quantitative skills and knowledge of human dimensions relevant to addressing global challenges like climate change, food insecurity, and biodiversity loss. The program is thesis-based (30 credit hours including 6 for thesis), involving independent research under faculty supervision. Students have the opportunity to work with faculty and researchers from both ASU and the Desert Botanical Garden, leveraging state-of-the-art facilities and diverse ecosystems for fieldwork. The faculty include 15 National Academy of Sciences members, 3 Pulitzer Prize winners, and 2 Noble Prize winners, offering unparalleled expertise.

Career options for graduates of this STEM-classified program are diverse and impactful. The advanced training in plant biology and conservation prepares graduates for roles in academia (e.g., community colleges, research universities), government careers in federal and state agencies responsible for management and conservation, and positions in industry and with non-governmental organizations. Specific roles can include conservation scientists, food and agriculture scientists (in academic, private, and industrial labs), instructors, researchers and technicians in government labs and non-profit organizations, and science teachers. The strong emphasis on research and quantitative skills enhances employability in fields addressing global environmental challenges.

Arizona State University, Tempe Campus, is a highly ranked public university with a world-leading drive for innovation. It is consistently the #1 US public university chosen by international students, reflecting its welcoming and diverse environment. ASU's historic and largest campus, Tempe, is home to hundreds of degree programs, first-rate research facilities, and big sporting events, creating an energetic city-like atmosphere. The program's joint nature with the Desert Botanical Garden provides unique research and practical opportunities. Learning from renowned faculty, including National Academy of Sciences members and Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winners, offers an exceptional academic experience.