Office of Undergraduate Programs and Services
116 Agricultural Hall
1450 Linden Drive Madison, WI 53706
608/262-3003
fax 608/265-5905
undergrads@cals.wisc.edu
www.cals.wisc.edu
Majors
Equipping Students for 21st-Century Careers
Undergraduate Education in a World Class University
How to Tailor an Education
Where an Education Can Lead
Agricultural and Applied Economics
Agricultural Business Management
Agricultural Education
Agricultural Journalism
Agronomy
Animal Sciences
Biochemistry
Biological Systems Engineering
Biology
Dairy Science
Entomology
Food Science
Forest Science
Genetics
Horticulture
Individual Major
Landscape Architecture
Microbiology
Nutritional Sciences
Plant Pathology
Poultry Science
Rural Sociology
Soil Science
Wildlife Ecology
The University of Wisconsin-Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) extends an invitation to all qualified undergraduate and graduate students who wish to gain knowledge and learn how to apply that knowledge in biology, agriculture, natural resources, and related social and physical sciences.
Through high-quality, creative instruction the college provides students with knowledge and skills and helps them develop attitudes and values for continuing success. This includes an understanding of current theories, principles, issues, and problems; how to access information; and how knowledge is generated and applied.
The college's goal is to ensure that every student develops:
On almost every measure, the University of Wisconsin-Madison ranks among the top 20 research universities in the United States. As a leading agricultural and life sciences research institution, the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences also ranks among the best research colleges of its type in the nation.
What does this research prowess mean to undergraduate education?
First, it means that top authorities and researchers in the various disciplines are also teaching in the undergraduate classroom and laboratory. Students have an opportunity to gain new knowledge from someone who has had a hand in discovering it. Often discoveries are shared with students before they appear in scientific journals or textbooks. The teacher in a research university is the one who writes the scientific papers and textbooks used in the undergraduate classroom. This close association between those who discover knowledge and teach it in the classroom enriches the undergraduate learning experience.
Second, the college encourages undergraduate students to learn scientific approaches and methods by providing them with unique opportunities to participate in the research experience—to conduct a research project themselves under the guidance of an experienced faculty member. The college makes a concerted effort to bring interested undergraduates into the research process in the laboratory, in the field, or in the library. Students often begin as part-time student helpers in the laboratory or research project. Many will move to more responsible positions involved in conducting a part of the research themselves. Many seniors work independently under faculty supervision, often on research projects they designed themselves with faculty guidance. Any student who has had such an experience can testify to the excitement of learning in a "hands-on" research environment.
How does a student take advantage of the opportunities to get involved? There are many and varied ways, but the first requirement is a willingness to take a personal action. Here are some suggestions on how to get involved. If qualified, a student can apply for the Honors Program. This program focuses on getting the student involved in research with a faculty mentor as soon as an interest appears. The student then conducts research under that mentor and produces a senior thesis as a graduation requirement. (See Honors Program description in this section.)
Many departments provide research experience in laboratories or on projects as a part of the educational experience. Advisors can help with contacts and courses. Also, students should keep their eyes on bulletin boards and Web sites in their major departments (and elsewhere). Announcements for undergraduate research assistants or hourly employees are frequent topics on those boards and Web sites. Students should investigate such opportunities. Participation in student organizations can also help students find opportunities though peer networking.
A number of research centers, either in the college or associated with the college, offer excellent opportunities for research experience. Some facilities to explore include: Forest Products Laboratory; Agricultural Experiment Stations; Center for Cooperatives; Center for Dairy Profitability; Dairy Forage Research Center; Molecular and Environmental Toxicology Center; Food Microbiology and Toxicology; among others. For further information, interested students should talk with an advisor or visit 116 Agricultural Hall.
The student employment Web site at jobcenter.wisc.edu lists part-time work and positions related to research. It provides an excellent way to get connected to the world of research and make a bit of money at the same time.
Internships offer students another type of opportunity to take knowledge from their academic experiences and apply it in pre-professional experiences with a number of highly qualified employers. Government agencies and private industries work with departments and the college to create outstanding learning experiences for students.
Opportunities for experience in research or other out of class learning experiences are numerous and varied, but it is important that students take the initiative to get involved. The college is one of the best places in the nation, and the world, to combine an undergraduate education with research. The combination enriches an already excellent educational program.
The classroom is only a part of an excellent education. Engagement in learning outside the classroom enhances learning in extraordinary ways. Employers, professional schools and graduate schools look favorably on the extra efforts of students when they are recruiting.
No two students have exactly the same interests or career goals. For that reason the curriculum in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences is designed to help students develop individualized programs. To give students the flexibility to tailor their education to their interests, the college offers numerous majors within eight degree programs. The degree program represents a broad area of study. The major focuses on a specific subject matter area.
The College of Agricultural and Life Sciences offers instruction in a wide range of specializations. Upon completion of undergraduate requirements in one or more degree programs, the college awards the bachelor of science degree. Students graduating from the college obtain a broad basic education including agricultural, biological, physical, environmental, and social sciences.
The college provides educational and career opportunities in the following areas.
Students can participate in basic and applied research in the agricultural, biological and physical sciences, natural resources, conservation, and social sciences. Employers include governmental agencies, colleges and universities, business, industry, or private research organizations.
Students concerned with the use and conservation of natural resources can work toward a productive and high-quality environment in cooperation with many CALS faculty members. Researchers offer hands-on educational opportunities in soil and water conservation, wildlife ecology, forestry, economics, landscape analysis, design and planning, park and wildlife management, and planning and management of public lands for conservation and recreation.
Students who plan to seek admission to schools of medicine or veterinary medicine must enroll in a conventional degree program and major. Those considering one of these careers can enroll in any major; pre-medicine or pre-veterinary medicine are not majors. CALS students often select majors in the Natural Sciences degree program which provides a strong science background.
The needs of a burgeoning world population have increased the demand for people with the knowledge needed to produce and distribute food products. Students in CALS can gain the knowledge for careers in dairy, livestock, poultry, and many areas of plant agriculture and horticulture. In conjunction with formal course work, they can gain practical experience raising a wide variety of agronomic or horticultural crops and livestock. The college boasts extensive facilities for hands-on research in these areas.
The development of new food products and sources is more critical than ever and is a key part of the training for students in food science, dairy science, animal science, and agronomy. Knowing how new products affect human nutrition and general health is a growing concern. Understanding how to protect food safety and prevent disease is a skill that many students develop as part of their education in the college.
As the world population increases and searches for improved human and animal nutrition for better health, the need for individuals who understand the most basic of biological functions grows increasingly important. Many students in the basic biological sciences such as biochemistry, bacteriology, and genetics, along with nutritional sciences and dietetics, find these challenges stimulating.
An interest in business and industry can lead to a position in processing and marketing of agricultural products; supplying the inputs needed by farmers; or working in the areas of farm management, agricultural credit, insurance, and engineering. It is also possible to develop skills in the administration and management of scientific enterprises such as biotechnology or pharmaceuticals.
An interest in education can lead to jobs in agribusiness, the Cooperative Extension Service, community colleges and technical schools, secondary schools, agricultural agencies and organizations, foundations, and government. There are also opportunities to teach outside the United States through organizations such as the Peace Corps.
The ability to express professional, scientific, and technical information demands experience, knowledge, and communication skills. Advertising and public relations firms, and other organizations offer students the chance to disseminate information through a variety of methods—everything from the Internet, to magazines, newspapers, and videos to interactive multimedia presentations.
For those considering a career in technical and professional services, educational opportunities exist in animal health, food inspection and grading, landscape planning and design, quality control, dietetics, and agricultural engineering.
Careers and opportunities in international research, education, communication, conservation, production, service, business, and industry are available to CALS graduates. Students can apply their classroom knowledge of agriculture and natural and environmental systems throughout the world via research centers and organizations. International groups such as the Peace Corps and World Wildlife Fund offer graduates the chance to work abroad. For more information see www.cals.wisc.edu/IP/.
Degree programs in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences provide education suited to hundreds of occupations in food production, nutrition, biological systems management, education, research, agribusiness, conservation, and other areas. Students should keep in mind, however, that employment is affected by many factors beyond the control of the college. Students' individual characteristics, the state of the economy, the balance between supply and demand in a field, and numerous other factors directly affect each person's employment opportunities. Employability is also affected by the choices students make during college. Pursuing out of class experiences, such as internships, research, student organization involvement, study abroad, job shadowing and volunteering, can have a significant positive impact on a student's employability. Students should visit with the college's Career Services staff to learn about employment, internship opportunities and experiences of past graduates. Academic advisors can also provide valuable information. The college cannot guarantee employment for students completing degrees.