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Why study plant science and technology?
The study of plants is crucial for the survival of humankind and of the planet. Our entire diet comes either directly or indirectly through plants, and plants are a key source of fuel and energy, medicines, and oxygen in the environment. Plants grown in cultivated environments have critical roles in sustaining life and in supporting our economy.
What is a plant scientist?
For thousands of years, people have grown crops for food, feed, fiber, and raw materials. The first plant scientists were farmers and gardeners that started domesticating and cultivating crops. Today, plant scientists:
- learn the basic processes in plants
- develop new varieties of crops
- support natural ecosystems
- create and implement new agricultural technologies
Why study plant science and technology at UW-Madison?
Hands-on experiences
Coursework often features hands-on experiences. For instance, students may use remote sensing to collect data on plant performance, grow crops in hydroponics systems, pollinate plants to create genetic variation, and propagate herbaceous and woody plants.
In their final year, students complete a semester-long capstone course. In this course, students work closely with students and a faculty or staff advisor. Students complete a large project that applies their education to real-world contexts.
Students may also find many student hourly jobs within labs in our department or programs on campus.
Plant science community
UW-Madison has many agriculture and plant science communities. Interested in learning about managing fields and crops? Try joining the Badger Crops Club! Interested in community farming? Try The People’s Farm, a student organization that grows and shares food on campus. See a list of student organizations here.
The plant science and technology major also allows students to collaborate closely with faculty through classes, capstone projects, internships, student hourly work, and more. These connections often lead to professional development and support as students apply for jobs or for graduate school.
Careers in plant science and technology
Career fields
Plant science and technology students may work in many agriculture-related careers such as:
- crop production and consulting
- precision agriculture
- biotechnology
- state and federal agencies, and other policy positions
Students can also pursue graduate school in subjects such as crop science, agronomy, horticulture, and plant biotechnology.
Internships and Student Hourly Work
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.
On-campus resources
- CALS Career Services
- Handshake
- Morgridge Center for Public Service – volunteer opportunities
- Nelson Institute job board
- UW Student Job Center – “Agriculture and Natural Resources” or “STEM” job categories
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
Kathryn Jones, Academic Advising Manager
Email: kjones26@wisc.edu
Phone: 608-807-7391