Distance learning botany classes are taught in many formats. You may attend a program that meets on site for labs but has all lectures and class instruction online. You may learn via video seminars, audio seminars, podcasts, web discussion boards and other developing technologies. Program officials can let you know what to expect in terms of a learning environment and if you'll need to appear on campus for an orientation or other event.
Universities.com lists several programs offering online botany degrees. Cerritos College and Snow College offer distance learning associate degrees in botany and plant biology, and Broward Community College offers a distance learning associate degree in botany. Oxford College has a Professional Diploma in Botany that covers plant physiology, diversity and ethnobotany, and Birkbeck University of London has graduate-level botany, garden design and horticulture programs.
The Birkbeck University of London programs require students to have already completed a B.A. or B.S. degree. While program entry requirements vary, students typically need to have a general understanding of biology and earth science and will need critical thinking and writing skills. Schools may impose technology requirements and students may need to purchase special course materials.
Distance learning in botany is good for students who want to study botany but don't want to relocate to a major university that has a botany program. Students might wish to take botany classes to advance in their current field or to transition into a new position; in this case, distance learning offers a way to continue working while pursuing a degree online. Distance learning is also less expensive than classroom-based learning since many fees associated with higher education--such as campus fees and commuting costs--are reduced or non-existent.
Students who choose a distance learning botany degree from any of the universities mentioned can enter a variety of fields upon course completion. While some students might be interested in growing plants or creating new hybrids of popular plants like orchids or fruit trees, other students might wish to work in ecology as park rangers, organic gardeners or naturalists. Students can enter the landscape design industry or work in the nursery business with the goal of opening up a nursery or flower shop.