Plant Science & Technology
Undergraduate Major
Why is plant science and technology important?
Plant science and technology help us grow food more efficiently, protect natural resources, and create more sustainable solutions for the future. By combining knowledge of how plants grow with tools like sensors, genetics, and data analysis, we can improve crop production, reduce environmental impact, and adapt agriculture to a changing climate. Together, plant science and technology play a vital role in feeding the world and keeping our planet healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a plant scientist?
Plant scientists explore how plants function and how we can use that knowledge to improve life on Earth. Their work brings together many disciplines, including biology, genetics, microbiology, data science, engineering, and artificial intelligence, to understand and innovate within plant systems. Plant scientists:
- study how plants grow, develop, and respond to their environment
- use advanced tools and technologies to improve crops and production systems
- develop new crops and adapt existing ones to meet changing needs
- create more sustainable solutions that support agriculture, ecosystems, and society
By integrating science and technology, plant scientists turn discovery into real-world impact and help build a healthier, more sustainable future.
Why study plant science and technology at UW-Madison?
Hands-on experiences
In the plant science and technology major at UW–Madison, you will have hands-on learning experiences starting your very first semester. You will work side by side with world-class instructors and researchers who are shaping the future of sustainable agriculture. In our hands-on courses, you might use drones and remote sensing to track plant growth, grow crops in hydroponic systems, or pollinate plants to create new genetic diversity.
In your final year, you will bring everything together in a semester-long capstone project, collaborating with classmates and a faculty mentor to solve real-world challenges. Along the way, you can gain additional experience through student jobs in our research labs, greenhouses, gardens, and field stations across Wisconsin.
Here, you will not just study plants; you will explore, experiment, and innovate alongside a community that is passionate about making agriculture more resilient and sustainable.
Join a thriving plant science community
At UW–Madison, you will be part of a welcoming community of students, faculty, and researchers who share a passion for plants, agriculture, and sustainability. Whether you are interested in managing crops, exploring community farming, or studying cutting-edge plant technologies, you will find a place to get involved and make an impact.
Join the Badger Crops Club to learn about crop management and connect with Wisconsin’s agricultural professionals, or get your hands in the soil with The People’s Farm, a student-run organization that grows and shares food on campus. You can also explore many other student organizations that bring together people who care about food systems, sustainability, and plant innovation.
As a plant science and technology student, you will collaborate closely with faculty through classes, research, internships, and capstone projects. These connections often grow into valuable mentoring relationships that open doors to professional development, career opportunities, and graduate school pathways.
Here, you will find not just a program, but a community that will support your curiosity, challenge your ideas, and celebrate your growth as a scientist and leader.
Internships and Student Hourly Jobs
Local and on campus spaces are often hiring students. Some examples are Allen Centennial Garden, D.C. Smith Greenhouse, the Wisconsin Crop Innovation Center, Walnut Street Greenhouses, and UW Student Organic Farm. Additionally, many of our department research programs hire students for work especially for summer field work.
Many student jobs can be found on the Student Job Center (under “Agriculture and Natural Resources” or “STEM”).
Students can also intern off-campus. Some examples are working at an agricultural business, a farm, a non-governmental organization, or one of the Agricultural Research Stations. Students can connect with their advisor or CALS Career Services to learn more about internships.
Careers in plant science and technology
Plant science and technology students may work in many agriculture-related careers such as:
Crop Production and Consulting
Shape the future of farming. Work directly with growers to apply plant science for smarter, more sustainable crop management.
Precision Agriculture
Power farming with AI. Use data, sensors, and machine learning to create tools that help growers optimize every field and resource.
Plant Breeding and Biotechnology
Engineer the plants of tomorrow. Create resilient, high-yield crops through cutting-edge plant science and innovation.
State and Federal Agencies
Food and environmental security. Use plant science to protect crops, support environmental stewardship, and strengthen agriculture through public service.
Students can also pursue graduate school in subjects such as crop science, agronomy, horticulture, and plant biotechnology.
Advising
Prospective UW-Madison Students
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.
Current UW-Madison Students
Schedule an appointment with our academic advisor, Kathryn Jones!
Email: kjones26@wisc.edu | Phone: 608-807-7391