Navigate
Why study agroecology?
Humanity currently faces an important challenge; we must provide food, feed, fiber, and fuel for a growing population. We must also do so in a way that supports future generations. To do this, we must view the many pieces that create agricultural systems. Agroecology studies how people, organisms, land, and the environment influence one another. Students interested in agriculture, community well-being, food systems, sustainability, and environmental justice may find their home in agroecology.
Agroecology works to support more sustainable agriculture and food systems. Agroecology asks, “How do we provide and care for ourselves today, while ensuring future generations can do the same?”. To do so, we must look at many aspects of agriculture and food systems. Agroecology collaborates across disciplines to study the interaction of ecosystems, land, organisms, and people. It explores how our use of plants, animals, and microbes combine with our management of land, air, and water to shape ecosystems that promote human health and well-being.
Hands-on experience
Our department labs have many job opportunities. Students may also pursue internships or jobs with groups on campus such as Allen Centennial Garden, D.C. Smith Greenhouse, the UW Student Organic Farm, and the Lakeshore Nature Preserve.
Student community
Many student groups at UW-Madison center on agriculture, food, and sustainability. For instance, The People’s Farm is a student group focused on growing food more sustainably for the community.
Students can also make connections through a CALS First-Year Seminar course. These courses are designed specifically for first-year undergraduate students. Agroecology 103, the introductory course to agroecology, is a CALS First-Year Seminar. Students can also learn more about CALS through the CALS Ambassadors.
Scholarships
Agroecology majors can apply for scholarships through the Wisconsin Scholarship Hub (WiSH). CALS awards more than $1.25 million annually in scholarships, and the average award is $2,500. To learn more, please visit the CALS scholarship website.
The transdisciplinary nature of agroecology opens many doors for students. Agroecology students may pursue careers in:
- The agricultural industry
- Agricultural policy, research, and education
- Conservation and environmental organizations
- Consulting
- Land/farm management
- State and federal agencies
Students may also continue their education in graduate programs in areas focused on agriculture, conservation, ecology, and the environment. For more info, see the Careers section of this page.
Advising
Attend a virtual or in-person event to learn more about what UW-Madison has to offer. You can learn about upcoming events here: https://apps.admissions.wisc.edu/visitbucky/. Specific events that might be of interest are: College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) Information Sessions, Admissions Information Session AND Campus Tour, Transfer Visit Day and University Housing Tour.
Disability-related accommodations can be requested within the registration for each event. Please register and submit at least two weeks prior to an in-person event or three business days prior to a virtual event.
Kathryn Jones, Academic Advising Manager
Email: kjones26@wisc.edu
Phone: 608-807-7391
Careers in agroecology
A few areas agroecology majors may work in include:
- Agricultural policy, research, and education
- Conservation and environmental organizations
- Consulting
- Farmer/farm worker advocacy
- Land, farm, and/or garden management
- Local, national, and/or international agricultural industry
- State and federal agencies (USDA, NRCS, EPA, etc.)
Here are a few Madison-area sustainability, food, and/or agriculture organizations often hiring or recruiting interns:
