Plant Science and Technology Major

    Plant science and technology is the science of cultivated plants

    Plant science and technology combines the latest in technology with the principles of plant biology and crop production.

    As a Plant Science and Technology major you will:

    • Gain fundamental knowledge of the biology of a wide variety of plant species such as grains, fruits, vegetables, herbs, ornamental crops, weeds, and plants that appear in agricultural ecosystems
    • Study the impact of biotechnology, automation, and artificial intelligence in crop production
    • Investigate the role of plants in food and industrial systems and how these systems affect climate and resource management

    Career Paths

    Plant science and technology graduates are prepared for careers in crop production and consulting, precision agriculture, biotechnology, business, agricultural policy, and more.

    Here are just a few examples of what our plant science and technology graduates could pursue:

    What CALS alumni do:

    Agricultural Crop Farm Manager

    Agronomist

    Field Sales Representative

    Production Manager

    Horticulturalist

    Where CALS alumni work:

    Cargill

    Agrecol

    Land O’ Lakes

    MillerCoors

    University of Wisconsin System

    What CALS alumni do:

    County Program Technician

    Project Manager

    Cultivation Supervisor

    Horticulturalist

    Where CALS alumni work:

    US Federal Government

    USDA Agricultural Research Service

    What CALS alumni do:

    Biological Lab Technician

    Agronomy Research Manager

    Project Manager

    Research Assistant

    Technical Writer

    Scientist

    Where CALS alumni work:

    Promega

    UW Extension
    Bayer Crop Science

    Agreliant Genetics

    Syngenta

    Corteva Agriscience

    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 plant science and technology?
    Explore admission requirements, course offerings, 4-year plans, and more on UW–Madison’s undergraduate Guide.

    Your CALS Experience

    Students who participate in research

    Department-affiliated student organization

    Students who study abroad

    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

    pas@cals.wisc.edu
    (608) 262-1390