The current demand for Agronomy graduates exceeds supply, and we expect the demand to increase. Agronomy majors with B.S. degrees can choose from careers in agricultural research and teaching, agribusiness, resource conservation, and crop management. Agronomists provide technical and support services for seed production and crop protection industries and for biotechnology and conservation organizations. They are also employed as extension advisors, vocational agriculture instructors, and farm managers. You will be well prepared for any of these careers by the Agronomy curriculum at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Our diverse undergraduate program offers exciting possibilities for study and experience. It allows undergraduates to concentrate in plant breeding and genetics, plant biotechnology, plant protection, or sustainable agriculture. We offer one curriculum option: the Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Agronomy. The curriculum offers plenty of flexibility for students to tailor their education to their specific interests.
All of our courses are taught by professors who also actively conduct research in the field in which they teach. These world-recognized experts are highly qualified to teach the most current concepts. In fact, our professors can teach some of the newest, unpublished information because they developed it themselves – often in collaboration with undergraduate researchers. Yet professors still work one-on-one with students through the undergraduate advising system.
The Department of Agronomy has 24 faculty members who are active researchers. Since these professors employ over 50 undergraduates in departmental research programs throughout the year, every undergraduate major has the opportunity to get hands-on experience in research areas ranging from plant breeding to crop protection to biotechnology. Students often move from program to program, sampling various career opportunities, and better preparing themselves for specific career goals.
We also place strong emphasis on real-world experiences through the CALS Internship Program. This program allows students to earn college credits while working in areas related to their major. More importantly, it allows students the opportunity to sample various careers before completing their undergraduate program. Nearly all Agronomy majors do at least one internship as part of their undergraduate experience. In short, there are many opportunities for students interested in plant science, and our faculty are eager to help prepare you for them.
If you would like more information about the undergraduate major or would like to declare the agronomy major please contact Professor Bill Tracy at william.tracy@wisc.edu
