Agronomy is creating healthier, more resilient agriculture
Agronomy is the science and practice of growing plants that feed the world in safe and environmentally sound ways.
As an Agronomy major you will:
- Understand plants with knowledge in genetics, genomics, biology, ecology, and soil, water, and atmospheric sciences
- Focus your studies on plant breeding and genetics, plant biotechnology, plant protection, or sustainable agriculture
- Study the interactions among cropping systems, climate, and the environment and learn how sustainable agriculture reduces the impact on the environment
Career Paths
Agronomy majors are prepared for careers in agricultural research and teaching, agribusiness, resource conservation, and crop management.
Here are just a few examples of what our agronomy graduates are doing with their careers:
What CALS alumni do:
Agricultural Crop Farm Manager
Agricultural Field Technician
Agronomist
Corn Specialist
County Program Technician
Field Sales Representative
Professor
Where CALS alumni work:
Cargill
Agrecol
Sugar Bol Farms
Land O’ Lakes
MillerCoors
University of Wisconsin System
What CALS alumni do:
Corn Specialist
County Program Technician
Agronomist
Project Manager
Where CALS alumni work:
US Federal Government
USDA Agricultural Research Service
What CALS alumni do:
Biological Lab Technician
Research Assistant
Agronomy Research Manager
Research Scientist
Application Scientist
Where CALS alumni work:
Bayer Crop Science
Agreliant Genetics
Syngenta
Corteva Agriscience
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:
- Scholarships
- Career Services
- Study Abroad
- Honors Program
- QuickStart – online, summer program for first-year students
Want to learn more about agronomy?
Explore admission requirements, course offerings, 4-year plans, and more on UW–Madison’s undergraduate Guide.
Your CALS Experience
Join a competitive team
Compete in national crop judging competitions as part of the Badger Crops Judging team, an extension of the Badger Crops Club. Test your knowledge on agronomy concepts and plant identification in multiple contests each year.
The team competes in the annual North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA) Crops Judging Competition and the annual North Central Weed Science Society Division at the National Weed Science Contest.
50%
Students who participate in independent study
1
Department-affiliated student organization
50%
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 and Agroecosystem Sciences
Moore Hall
1575 Linden Dr., Madison, WI 53706
(608) 262-1390
Want to learn more about agronomy?