Genetics and genomics is exploring life’s building blocks
Genetics and genomics explores how genetic material shapes life — inside cells, within individual organisms, and across populations.
As a Genetics and Genomics major you will:
- Gain foundational knowledge of genetics, such as the transmission of genes and chromosomes between cells, how information encoded in DNA can be mutated and expressed, and genetic variation in populations
- Explore specialized topics that span humans, plants, populations, cancer, biological development, neurology, and epigenetics
- Become equipped to solve some of society’s most pressing challenges in the fields of medicine, biotechnology, biomedical research, and agriculture
Career Paths
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.
Here are just a few examples of what our genetics and genomics graduates are doing with their careers:
What CALS alumni do:
Genetic Counselor
Medical Director
Physician Assistant
Health Unit Coordinator
Anesthesiologist
Where CALS alumni work:
UW Health
National Institute of Health
SSM Health
Medical College of Wisconsin
Mayo Clinic
What CALS alumni do:
Scientist
Research Specialist
Clinical Research Coordinator
Professor
Analytical Chemist
Lab Technician
Where CALS alumni work:
Thermo Fisher
Covance
Abbvie
Exact Sciences
Promega
Invenra
What CALS alumni do:
Scientist
Research Associate
Analytical Chemist
Research Gardener
Where CALS alumni work:
US Department of Agriculture
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 genetics and genomics?
Explore admission requirements, course offerings, 4-year plans, and more on UW–Madison’s undergraduate Guide.
Your CALS Experience
Study abroad and gain global perspective
Spend your spring break in Costa Rica! Join Genetics Professor Francisco Pelegri in UW Banking Animal Biodiversity field study to apply developmental genetics concepts in the preservation of endangered species. You’ll visit different ecosystems and learn about the current threats affecting the local ecosystem and biodiversity in Costa Rica.
Gain hands-on experience with current research and activities through on-site visits, tours, seminars, demonstrations, and ecosystem preservation activities.
You can also choose from one of UW–Madison’s many semester, summer, and short-term study abroad programs and map your study abroad experience as a genetics and genomics major.
Get involved in research
There is a wide variety of plant, animal, and human genetics and genomics research happening all across the UW–Madison campus. Engage in undergraduate research to develop real-world laboratory skills, practice public speaking, and build your network on campus. Additionally, many students have the opportunity to present their research at conferences and publish their research in scientific journals.
You can also conduct independent research in faculty labs and learn first-hand from faculty, staff, and graduate students.
#1
Ranked undergraduate genetics program according to College Factual
86%
Students who participate in hands-on research
$30,000
Awarded in annual scholarships
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
1420 Genetics/Biotechnology Center
425-G Henry Mall, Madison, WI 53706
(608) 262-1069
Want to learn more about genetics and genomics?