CALS students gain critical thinking, research and communication skills through major and certificate programs, leading them to careers in a wide variety of industries and public service — including biotechnology, healthcare, food, and agriculture. Students are also well prepared for graduate and professional studies at top-ranked institutions. The college promotes working across disciplines, and half of CALS students double-major or complete at least one certificate (similar to a minor).
A major is the specialized field of study for students pursuing an academic degree. Students may pursue more than one major, as well as add certificate programs, during their time in CALS. CALS students can enroll in any of the majors listed below as well as an “undeclared” option for those students exploring which major best fits their interests and goals.
A certificate recognizes completion of a designated set of courses focused upon a specific topic or theme, independent of a major. Certificates give students flexibility and the opportunity to pursue a subject of interest beyond their major that is formally recognized on their transcript. In many ways, certificates at UW–Madison are analogous to minors at other institutions. CALS offers a variety of certificate programs included in the list below and students may pursue certificates both within and outside of CALS. There are currently more than 100 certificates offered at UW–Madison.
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Major
Business, Communication & Society; Sustainability, Natural Resources & EnvironmentAgricultural and applied economics (AAE) studies the principles of economics and applies them to real world-challenges related to food systems, international trade, climate change and environmental protection, global poverty, and more. AAE students are prepared to work as environmental or agricultural economists, environmental managers, policy and business analysts, researchers, managers, consultants, and auditors with nonprofit organizations, government agencies, co-operatives, multinational firms, agribusiness companies, financial institutions, and the food or retailing industry.
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Business, Communication & Society; Food and AgricultureAgricultural business management (ABM) is one of only five professional undergraduate degrees offered at UW–Madison that applies economics, finance, management, and marketing to agriculture and related industries. ABM students are prepared for careers in management, business analysis, marketing, commodities trading, sales, consulting, banking, and finance at agribusiness firms, food companies, tech companies, co-operatives, government agencies, and financial institutions.
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Major
Food and Agriculture; Sustainability, Natural Resources & EnvironmentAgroecology is the application of ecological principles to agricultural systems and studies how people, organisms, land, and the environment influence one another. Agroecology students are prepared for careers in conservation and environmental organizations, the agricultural industry, state and federal agencies, consulting, land/farm management, or agricultural policy, research, and education.
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Major
Food and Agriculture; Sustainability, Natural Resources & EnvironmentAgronomy is the science and practice of growing plants that feed the world in safe and environmentally sound ways. Agronomy students are prepared for careers in agricultural research and teaching, agribusiness, resource conservation, and crop management.
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Biological Sciences; Food and AgricultureStudying the biology of domesticated animals helps us better understand their health and provides insight into their interactions with people. Animal and veterinary biosciences students are prepared for careers in veterinary medicine, research, agriculture, healthcare, nutrition, food and business.
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Major
Biological Sciences; Health and NutritionBiochemistry is a broad science that studies the molecules and chemistry of life. It focuses on the structure, properties, and interactions of molecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, sugars and lipids. Biochemistry students are prepared for careers in science and science-related fields, such as biotechnology, the pharmaceutical industry, academia, science communications, policy, and more.
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Food and Agriculture; Sustainability, Natural Resources & EnvironmentBiological systems engineering (BSE) is an ABET-accredited engineering program that applies engineering principles to natural systems and machinery design that impact production of food, water, energy, and other essential human needs. Biological systems engineering students are prepared for careers developing new products, processes, and systems to protect soil, air, and water quality.
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Biological Sciences; Health and NutritionBiology is the science of living things, from the tiniest microbes to the largest plants and animals, and the connections within the web of life. Biology students are prepared for a variety of careers in healthcare, biotechnology, research, policy and the environment.
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Certificate
Business, Communication & Society; Food and AgricultureThis business management certificate is specifically designed to increase business literacy of CALS majors. Students gain skills valued by agricultural and life science employers such as economics, management, marketing and communication.
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Major
Food and Agriculture; Sustainability, Natural Resources & EnvironmentCommunity and environmental sociology explores the communities in which people live and the relationships between people and their natural environments. Community and environmental sociology students are prepared for careers that support environmental sustainability, community development, public health, and sustainable food and agricultural systems — in the private, public and non-profit sectors.
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Business, Communication & Society; Food and AgricultureStudying the business of animal agriculture and the biology and management of farm animals can lead to improvements in our food production systems that benefit animals, farmers, consumers, and the environment. Dairy and food animal management students are prepared for a variety of careers that require a strong background in agribusiness, animal biology, farm management, livestock production management, meat industry, technical services and consulting, research, and outreach.
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Certificate
Business, Communication & SocietyThrough this certificate, any UW–Madison major can better understand the implications of world poverty. Courses illustrate how trade, migration and foreign investment impact economic growth and development around the world.
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Biological Sciences; Food and AgricultureEntomology is about insects and their relationships with plants, animals, microbes, the environment, and humans around the globe. Entomology students are prepared to study in a variety of fundamental and applied fields in research and extension work, state and federal government service, biotech and agricultural industries, non-profits and research institutes, and education.
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Food and Agriculture; Sustainability, Natural Resources & EnvironmentEnvironmental sciences uses the fundamentals of the natural sciences—biology, chemistry, physics, and statistics to understand the environment and find solutions to real-world environmental challenges. Environmental sciences students are prepared for careers in environmental assessment, monitoring and remediation, consulting, education, natural resource management, and ecological restoration.
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Certificate
Food and Agriculture; Sustainability, Natural Resources & EnvironmentThe environmental soil science certificate is open to all UW–Madison students and gives a holistic understanding of soil and its intersection with environmental sciences. This 16-credit certificate program provides an attractive addition to a science, engineering, or allied science major for students interested in careers in environmental sciences, agricultural science, natural resources, and other related industries.
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Certificate
Food and AgricultureThe fermented foods and beverages certificate is open to all UW–Madison students. This 12-credit certificate program explores the science, development, production, and marketing of fermented foods and beverages.
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Major
Food and Agriculture; Health and NutritionFood science incorporates real-life aspects of chemistry, physics, microbiology, and engineering to solve today’s global and local food problems. Food science students are prepared for careers with corporations, government agencies, and nonprofits in product development, quality assurance and control, processing and engineering, technical sales, management, research, sensory analysis, and food law and regulations.
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Certificate
Food and AgricultureThrough interdisciplinary coursework, students in a variety of majors examine all aspects of food production, distribution and consumption and become more informed consumers and citizens. Students complete an internship, independent study or capstone to integrate food systems knowledge gained through coursework.
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Major
Biological Sciences; Sustainability, Natural Resources & EnvironmentForest science relies on scientific principles, tools, and social values to understand, manage, and sustain forests and trees in the face of environmental and social changes. Forest science students are prepared for a variety of careers as foresters, park rangers, conservation scientists, educators, researchers, environmental planners, arborists, and more.
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Biological Sciences; Health and NutritionGenetics and genomics explores how genetic material shapes life — inside cells, within individual organisms and across populations. The Genetics and Genomics major provides a solid foundation for careers in medicine, public health, research, life sciences, agriculture, biotechnology, education, environmental policy, and science communication — in the private, public, and non-profit sectors.
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Certificate
Biological Sciences; Health and NutritionThe genetics in a modern world certificate is open to all UW–Madison students. This 12-credit certificate program explores the relationship between modern genetics, research, and society.
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Biological Sciences; Health and NutritionGlobal health is about improving health for everyone, while considering the connections among people, animals, plants, and the planet. Global health students are prepared for local and international careers in medicine, research, public health, education, the nonprofit sector, and more.
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Certificate
Health and NutritionThe global health certificate is open to all UW–Madison students who are passionate about improving the health of populations across the world. This 15-credit certificate program provides interdisciplinary perspectives on well-being, health inequities, and the root causes of global health challenges.
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Biological Sciences; Food and AgricultureHorticulture studies how plants like fruits, vegetables, spices, ornamentals, medicinals, and native plants are used by humans for food, nutrition, fiber, landscapes, and aesthetics. Horticulture students are prepared for careers in food production, plant nurseries, community-supported agriculture (CSA), public gardens, greenhouse production, teaching, public parks, vegetable production, urban agriculture, community-based education, and research.
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Major
Business, Communication & SocietyLife sciences communication is one of the world’s leading science communication programs and integrates science, media, and society with effective communication strategies. Life sciences communication students are prepared for positions in communications, digital marketing, environmental advocacy, and research or consulting in a variety of industries including health care, media, education, agriculture, information technology, and life sciences.
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Biological Sciences; Health and NutritionThe smallest living things—including bacteria, viruses, and yeast—may not be visible to the human eye, but they have big effects on health, food, medicine, energy, and the environment. Microbiology students are prepared for careers in biotechnology, healthcare, education, information technology, food safety, pharmaceuticals, and more.
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Biological Sciences; Health and NutritionNutritional sciences is the study of how diet impacts health and disease on a biochemical and physiological basis. Nutritional sciences students are prepared for health and research careers in a variety of settings, including healthcare, education, corporate wellness, sports nutrition, government agencies, food companies, or pharmaceuticals.
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Biological Sciences; Health and NutritionNutritional sciences, nutrition and dietetics is an ACEND-accredited program that explores nutrition through clinical and management courses. and prepares students for postgraduate training required to become registered dietitian nutritionists (RDN). Nutritional sciences, nutrition and dietetics students are prepared for careers educating people about nutrition with hospitals, clinics, and universities, conducting clinical research with health care, food, and pharmaceutical companies, sports nutrition, and corporate wellness programs.
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Certificate
Food and AgricultureCoursework and hands-on experiences for this certificate allow students to evaluate the benefits and limitations of organic food systems and regulations from environmental, social justice and economic perspectives. Open to all majors, the certificate exposes students to agricultural business, public policy and sustainable development.
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Biological Sciences; Food and AgriculturePlant pathology is the study of plants, the diseases that affect them, and how external factors influence plant health. Plant pathology students 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.
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Biological Sciences; Food and AgricultureThe study of plants is crucial for the survival of humankind and of the planet. Plant science and technology is the science of cultivated plants and combines the latest in technology with the principles of plant biology and crop production. Plant science and technology students are prepared for careers in crop production and consulting, precision agriculture, biotechnology, business, agricultural policy, and more.
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Certificate
Business, Communication & SocietyThe science communication certificate is open to all UW–Madison students who are passionate about effectively communicating science topics. This 12-credit certificate program explores the intersection of science, media, and society.
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If you’re interested in solving global challenges, you can find a home in CALS — even if you’re unsure about which major you want to pursue. You’ll work with a CALS college advisor to intentionally explore your interests, so you can find the major that’s right for you.
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Major
Biological Sciences; Sustainability, Natural Resources & EnvironmentWildlife ecology aims to meet the complex needs of wildlife in a human-dominated world, including the conservation of wildlife species and their habitats. Wildlife ecology students are prepared to work in public resource management agencies, educational institutions, and non-governmental organization with careers that span ecology, conservation biology, habitat restoration, and wildlife enforcement.
Office of Academic Affairs
116 Agricultural Hall
1450 Linden Drive
Madison, WI 53706
Office Hours: 7:45am – 4:30pm
For current & prospective student general inquiries:
Phone: 608.262.3003
Email: academicaffairs@cals.wisc.edu