Plant pathology is understanding plant-microbe interactions

Plant pathology is the study of plants, the diseases that affect them, and how external factors influence plant health.

As a Plant Pathology major you will:

  • Learn about plants, pathogens, and associated microbes at genetic, biochemical, physiological, cellular, population, and community levels and how they apply to agricultural and environmental systems
  • Analyze how external factors such as soil health, weather, nonpathogenic microorganisms, and plant nutrition affect plant health and disease
  • Understand plant pathology and how its role in improving agricultural and environmental systems influences the world around us including global food/feed/fiber/fuel security, environmental health, and community satisfaction

Career Paths

Plant pathology graduates are prepared to find employment in education, biotechnology companies, government agencies, agricultural research, diagnostic laboratories; seed, plant production, and tissue culture companies, and in a variety of private consulting firms.

Here are just a few examples of what plant pathology graduates are doing with their careers:

Research

What CALS alumni do:

Biology Lab Assistant

Research Associate

Research Scientist

Professor

Analytical Chemist

Where CALS alumni work:

Thermo Fisher

Corteva Agriscience

Bayer

BASF

Eurofins

Agriculture

What CALS alumni do:

Plant Pathologist

Clinical Trial Manager

Crop Specialist

Where CALS alumni work:

USDA Agricultural Research 

Allied Cooperative

Service

BASF

Bayer

Business

What CALS alumni do:

Agricultural Sales Representative

Distribution Manager

Crop Specialist

Where CALS alumni work:

Amazon

Bayer

McCain Foods

Allied Cooperative

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:

Want to learn more about the plant pathology major?
Explore admission requirements, course offerings, 4-year plans, and more on UW–Madison’s undergraduate Guide.

Your CALS Experience

 Students who complete independent or directed study

Areas of focus

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 Pathology

Russell Labs
1630 Linden Drive
Madison, WI 53706

(608) 262-6838