The faculty of science was started as a part of Chhattrapati Shivaji college in 1958. For first six years Botany subject was taught at subsidiary level. In 1966-67 the subject Botany was started at the Principal level and since then it continues till today. In the mean time the subject Plant Protection was introduced as an interdisciplinary subject in the year 1983, the subject was started at the degree level in the next year. Vocational subject Seed Technology was included in the year 1995-96 as per the guidelines of U.G.C. This subject has been taught at the degree level since 1997 – 98.

The Post Graduate department was initiated during the year 1969 – 70 as Partly by papers and partly by Research. M. Phil course in Botany was also conducted during 1984-85 till 1990. Presently, Department run the under graduate courses with Botany, Plant Protection and Seed Technology as special subjects and post graduate courses with Biodiversity and Plant protection specialization.

Department run short term cerificate courses on " Horticulture", "Herbal Cosmetics" and "Plant Tissue Culture".The department maintains its Botanical Garden which aims at having plant members of Western Ghats specially the RET species.

Department is the recognized Research Center of Shivaji University, Kolhapur.