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:
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.
Learn through hands-on lab courses
100% of genetics and genomics majors participate in lab courses that explore topics including animal biology, evolution, ecology, cellular biology, physiology, and so much more. Gain practical experience, develop your skills, and learn the inner workings of the laboratory.
Get involved. Find your people.
Explore a few of the genetics-related student organizations at UW–Madison:
- The Undergraduate Genetics Association, for students interested in genetics and genomics, provides professional development, volunteer, and social opportunities for members.
- The Pre-Genetic Counseling Organization, for students interested in genetic counseling, specializes in bringing counseling opportunities and information to undergraduates.
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?