What you will study
Become an expert on the plant kingdom, especially in Missouri and the Midwest. Gain
new knowledge and skills while visiting forests, gardens, prairies and wetlands in
courses such as:
- Dendrology
- General Ecology
- Plant Biology
UCM’s Plant Identification undergraduate certificate will prepare you for a variety
of field-based careers in agriculture, biology, ecology and more.
Excellence in Biology
- A Best Value College for Biological & Biomedical Sciences (College Factual, 2022)
Unique learning opportunities in plant identification
Throughout the University of Central Missouri’s Plant Identification certificate program,
you’ll put your learning into action through both field and lab work. You’ll also
have opportunities to gain hands-on experience:
- Clubs and organizations: What better way to test your knowledge and skills — while connecting with classmates
with similar interests — than joining some of UCM’s more than 185 clubs and organizations.
Many students in UCM’s Plant Identification certificate join the Wildlife Society,
which is a leading organization for wildlife science, management and conservation
in Missouri.
- Internships: Gain real-world experience that helps you stand out and land your first or next job.
Apply tools and techniques such as ecological site assessments for construction, oil
exploration, city planning and wildlife management. Our students also benefit from
internships in education and outreach for organizations and government agencies, including
the U.S. Geological Survey, departments of conservation and parks and recreation.
What can you do with a Plant Identification certificate from UCM?
From agriculture and horticulture to conservation and environmental initiatives, UCM’s
Plant Identification certificate can open doors to many career paths. Our graduates
have gone on to work at local and state levels of government as conservation biologists
and in other biology-related careers that span industry and government.
Grow and nurture a strong future in plant identification
Use the interactive tool below to explore potential career options and salaries with
the knowledge and skills you gain from this UCM undergraduate certificate program.
Financial assistance options for our Plant Identification certificate
The University of Central Missouri offers several ways to finance your college education. Pairing our Plant Identification certificate with a bachelor’s degree can help you
qualify for scholarships through the university as well as your major program of study.
Learn more about program-specific scholarships by using the UCM Scholarship Finder.
Learn and Flourish Alongside Leading Experts
UCM faculty are well-versed in various plants and vegetation
Biology professor Jay Raveill curates and handles our collection of 20,000 plant specimens and oversees our department
greenhouse. Raveill and other expert faculty will help you build a strong understanding
of plant specimens and put that knowledge to work in preparation for your career.
Meet the Faculty
Pertle Springs Nature Preserve
300 acres for ecology study
UCM Plant Identification students perform field studies in woodlands, lakes, marshes
and outdoor classroom areas. Few universities offer a comprehensive outdoor lab right
on campus — and use of a high-tech drone, pontoon boat and GPS — where you’ll learn
skills employers value. Team projects use industry-standard research techniques to
study plants and their evolution and ecology.
Thrive in Small Classes
UCM purposely keeps courses small to ensure your success
Your UCM Plant Identification certificate courses will average 20 students. As you
learn about the smallest of herbs to the largest trees, our intimate class sizes will
provide you with more opportunities to explore our diverse ecosystems here in Missouri.
Get Help When You Need It
Academic and faculty advisors are ready to help you succeed
Whether you’re adding an undergraduate certificate to your bachelor’s degree or taking
it as a stand-alone credential, you’ll have the guidance and mentorship you need to
grow and thrive. Our academic and faculty advisors are here to help you succeed —
now and in the future.
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