Plant Pathology Major

    Plant pathology is understanding plant-microbe interactions

    Plant pathology is the study of plants, the diseases that affect them, and how external factors influence plant health.

    As a Plant Pathology major you will:

    • Learn about plants, pathogens, and associated microbes at genetic, biochemical, physiological, cellular, population, and community levels and how they apply to agricultural and environmental systems
    • Analyze how external factors such as soil health, weather, nonpathogenic microorganisms, and plant nutrition affect plant health and disease
    • Understand plant pathology and how its role in improving agricultural and environmental systems influences the world around us including global food/feed/fiber/fuel security, environmental health, and community satisfaction

    Career Paths

    Plant pathology graduates are prepared to find employment in education, biotechnology companies, government agencies, agricultural research, diagnostic laboratories; seed, plant production, and tissue culture companies, and in a variety of private consulting firms.

    Here are just a few examples of what plant pathology graduates are doing with their careers:

    What CALS alumni do:

    Biology Lab Assistant

    Research Associate

    Research Scientist

    Professor

    Analytical Chemist

    Where CALS alumni work:

    Thermo Fisher

    Corteva Agriscience

    Bayer

    BASF

    Eurofins

    What CALS alumni do:

    Plant Pathologist

    Clinical Trial Manager

    Crop Specialist

    Where CALS alumni work:

    USDA Agricultural Research 

    Allied Cooperative

    Service

    BASF

    Bayer

    What CALS alumni do:

    Agricultural Sales Representative

    Distribution Manager

    Crop Specialist

    Where CALS alumni work:

    Amazon

    Bayer

    McCain Foods

    Allied Cooperative

    What can CALS offer you?

    CALS students are curious to discover how our living world works and are passionate about using science to improve it.

    Our programs span five areas of study and encourage students to pursue their passions in the classroom and beyond. Learn more about how our students are set up for success:

    Want to learn more plant pathology?
    Explore admission requirements, course offerings, 4-year plans, and more on UW–Madison’s undergraduate Guide.

    Your CALS Experience

     Students who complete independent or directed study

    Areas of focus

    Students who participate in research

    Advisor & Contact Information

    Advisors can answer your questions, help you create a degree plan that meets your personal and professional goals, and connect you to resources across the UW–Madison campus.

    Incoming students should reach out to CALS Academic Affairs to direct your questions. Current UW–Madison students should schedule with their assigned advisor using Starfish.

    CALS Academic Affairs

    116 Agricultural Hall
    1450 Linden Dr., Madison, WI 53706

    academicaffairs@cals.wisc.edu
    (608) 262-3003

    Department of Plant Pathology

    Russell Labs
    1630 Linden Drive
    Madison, WI 53706

    (608) 262-6838