Horticulture is the art and science of growing fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants
Horticulture studies how plants like fruits, vegetables, spices, ornamentals, medicinals, and native plants are used by humans for food, nutrition, fiber, landscapes, and aesthetics.
As a Horticulture major you will:
- Gain foundational knowledge in plant science, ecology, environmental science, chemistry, genetics, soil science, and plant pathology
- Receive specialized training in greenhouse and field management and the production and use of edible crops and herbaceous and woody ornamentals
- Discover the connections between horticulture and real-world issues, such as sustainable production, mitigating drought and heat stresses associated with climate change, and improvements in human nutrition
Career Paths
Horticulture graduates are prepared for careers in food production, plant nurseries, community-supported agriculture (CSA), public gardens, greenhouse production, teaching, public parks, vegetable production, urban agriculture, community-based education, and research.
Here are just a few examples of what our horticulture graduates are doing with their careers:
What CALS alumni do:
Horticulturist
Cultivation Supervisor
Gardening Supervisor
Urban Farm Assistant
Horticultural Crew Lead
Production Manager
Where CALS alumni work:
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
K&A Greenhouse
Jung Garden Center
Green Thumb Industries
Paradigm Gardens
Corteva Agriscience
Monrovia Plants
What CALS alumni do:
Horticulturalist
Project Manager
Consultant
Cultivation Supervisor
Grounds Manager
Where CALS alumni work:
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Good Oak Ecological Services
Applied Ecological Services
UW Extension
WI Department of Natural Resources
Aldo Leopold Foundation
What CALS alumni do:
Lab Technician
Project Manager
Research Assistant
Technical Writer
Scientist
Where CALS alumni work:
SSM Health
Promega
UW Extension
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 the horticulture major?
Explore admission requirements, course offerings, 4-year plans, and more on UW–Madison’s undergraduate Guide.
Your CALS Experience
Learn through hands-on experiences
Join a faculty lab and explore horticulture and plant sciences through a different perspective. Step out into the field, develop your skills, and learn first-hand from staff, graduate students, and nationally recognized faculty.
Study the cold hardiness of cranberries, the symbiotic associations between plants and microbes, help develop new varieties of fruits and vegetables, and so much more.
62%
Students who study abroad
23%
Students who participate in research
83%
Students who gain workplace-based experience
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 the horticulture major?