Agroecology Major

    Agroecology is making agriculture and food systems more sustainable

    Agroecology is the application of ecological principles to agricultural systems and studies how people, organisms, land, and the environment influence one another.

    As an Agroecology major you will:

    • Learn to support sustainable solutions to global challenges such as climate change, food security, and biodiversity
    • Understand the role plants, animals, microbes, soils, and people play in agroecosystems and apply that knowledge to agricultural practices
    • Consider agricultural systems as a whole to improve human health and well-being

    Career Paths

    Students in agroecology 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.

    Here are just a few examples of careers that agroecology students could pursue:

    What agroecology majors do:

    Research Scientist

    Program Analyst

    Sustainability Coordinator

    Lab Technician

    Where agroecology majors work:

    Food and Agriculture Organization

    Ecological Society of America

    USDA Agricultural Research

    USAID Bureau of Resilience, Environment, and Food Security

    What agroecology majors do:

    Organic Agriculture Outreach Program Coordinator

    Assistant Farmer

    Cropping Systems Scientist

    Assistant Grower

    Where agroecology majors work:

    Allied Cooperative

    National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC)

    Savanna Institute

    USDA Agricultural Research

    What agroecology majors do:

    Biological Science Technician

    Ecological Consultant

    Soil Conservationist

    Policy Analyst

    Where agroecology majors work:

    American Farmland Trust

    Clean Water Alliance

    The Nature Conservancy

    USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service

    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 about agroecology?
    Explore admission requirements, course offerings, 4-year plans, and more on UW–Madison’s undergraduate Guide.

    Your CALS Experience

    Introductory agroecology course

    CALS introduces the agroecology major

    Thematic areas

    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 and Agroecosystem Sciences

    Moore Hall
    1575 Linden Dr., Madison, WI 53706

    pas@cals.wisc.edu
    (608) 262-1390