
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:
- Scholarships
- Career Services
- Study Abroad
- Honors Program
- QuickStart – online, summer program for first-year students
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
>50%
Students who participate in research
1
Department-affiliated student organization
>60%
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

Want to learn more about plant science and technology?