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:
Your CALS Experience
Get involved. Find your people.
Explore some of the agronomy-related groups and student organizations at UW–Madison:
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.
Study abroad and gain a global perspective
Travel internationally and complement your coursework and research with a study abroad program. Learn about sustainable agriculture and local food systems in France, visit local farms and food processing facilities in Japan, or study animal and crop production in Ireland.
You can also choose from one of UW–Madison’s many semester, summer, and short-term study abroad programs.
Customize your path
Follow your passions and explore a topic you’re interested in by choosing electives from a wide variety of topics:
- Agricultural Social Science
- Animal Science
- Atmospheric Science
- Biological Systems Engineering
- Food Science
- Management
- Nutritional Science
- Soil Science
- Bacteriology, Biochemistry, Genetics
- Ecological Sciences
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?