Skip to main content
    Back to Programs
    University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

    Botany/Plant Biology

    Last verified against the official program page on .

    Urbana, USMSIn-person2 years
    STEM-OPT
    $68,624.00
    Tuition
    over 24mo
    32
    Credits
    $90.00
    App fee

    Botany/Plant Biology at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a 32-credit, 2-year, in-person MS program based in Urbana, US. Tuition is $68,624 and the program is STEM-OPT eligible for international students.

    About the program

    Integrative research in plant biology at multiple levels using molecular, biochemical, physiological, morphological, and ecological approaches. Areas include systematics, biotechnology, ecology, genetics, and more.

    Focus: both
    QS: 70, US News: 36, THE: 41 | US News: 12 (Public)

    Your fit

    Match

    Pro users see a 0 to 100 match score personalized to their academic profile, plus a per-component breakdown (major, GPA, tests, work experience, and more).

    Admissions

    Pro

    Unlock full admissions requirements

    GPA thresholds, GRE/TOEFL/IELTS minimums, essay counts, recommendation letters, prerequisites, admissions contacts, and country-specific requirements like APS certification, portfolio submissions, or GATE scores.

    Sign up for 7-day free trial

    Deadlines

    Spring 2027
    Sep 1, 2026
    Fall 2027
    Dec 1, 2026

    Standardized tests

    GRE
    optional
    Min Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores (or approved equivalent) are not required but may be submitted to strengthen application package; however no minimum scores are specified for admission.
    TOEFL
    required
    Min No program-specific TOEFL minimum published; Graduate College minimums apply: TOEFL iBT 79 (prior to 1/21/2026) or 4.0 (after); full status 103 or 5.0. International applicants must submit TOEFL.
    IELTS
    optional
    Min No program-specific IELTS minimum published; Graduate College minimums apply: 6.5 (limited), 7.5 (full). IELTS accepted.

    After the program

    Post-study work rights

    12 months OPT (up to 36 months with STEM extension)

    $17,980.00
    Annual living cost

    Application Checklist

    Sign in to track what you need to submit for this program.

    Sign in
    See admits on GradCafe
    Self-reported profiles of past applicants to this program.

    Prerequisites

    Specific coursework this program expects you to have completed: calculus, linear algebra, programming, statistics, and subject-specific prerequisites where applicable.

    Recommendations

    Exact count of letters required, whether academic vs professional references are preferred, and any program-specific guidance on who to ask.

    Essays

    Number of essays required (statement of purpose, personal statement, diversity statement), prompts where the program publishes them, and whether supplemental essays are optional or mandatory.

    Contact

    Direct email and phone for the admissions office handling this program, plus a link to the program-specific inquiry page where available.

    Frequently asked questions

    How much does Botany/Plant Biology at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign cost?
    The total estimated tuition for Botany/Plant Biology at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is $68,624 across 32 required credits.
    Is Botany/Plant Biology at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign online or in-person?
    Botany/Plant Biology at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is offered in-person.
    How long does Botany/Plant Biology at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign take to complete?
    Botany/Plant Biology at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is structured around 2 years and 32 credits.
    What GPA is required for Botany/Plant Biology at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
    Per the program's published guidance: 3.0 (A = 4.0)
    Is Botany/Plant Biology at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign STEM-OPT eligible?
    Yes - Botany/Plant Biology at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is STEM-OPT designated, allowing international graduates to extend their post-completion OPT for up to 36 months total.