Plant Pathology Major

Learn outside the lecture hall

Work alongside plant pathology faculty, staff, and graduate students in research labs and in the field. Research the use of computer modeling in the development of disease forecasting and crop management systems, understand the ecology of microbial pathogens, and so much more.

Gain real-world experience with an internship

Plant pathology students can earn credit for their internships. Complement what you learn in class, gain real-world experience, and advance in your academic career with a semester or summer internship. The Department of Plant Pathology also offers paid research opportunities during summer term.

Connect with plant pathology students

What’s Eating My Plants? is a student-led outreach organization that aims to increase scientific accessibility and literacy to the greater Madison community. Volunteer at Family Science Nights at schools, community centers, and Saturday Science at the Wisconsin Institute of Discovery throughout the year.

Gain a global perspective

Travel internationally and complement your coursework and research with a study abroad program. Learn about plant protection from pests in Irelan to organic production systems in the Netherlands to studying management of diseases and pests of forest trees in Sweden.

You can also choose from one of UW–Madison’s short-term, summer, or semester programs and map your study abroad as a plant pathology major.

Customize your path

You’ll take core plant pathology courses and then choose which focus area you’d like to specialize in.

• Plant-microbe biology focus: explore the biology, chemistry, and physics of plant pathology and its applications in biochemistry and microbiology.
• Plant health and industry focus: explore plant pathology, entomology, and other agricultural sciences in addition to concepts in agriculture and economics.