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Overview

Students curious to discover how our living world works and how they can improve it — from the smallest microbe to ecosystem-wide weather patterns — will find a home in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. Students explore global questions in these five CALS areas of study:

  • Health and nutrition
  • Food and agriculture
  • Biological sciences
  • Sustainability, natural resources, and the environment
  • Business, communication, and society

CALS brings together students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds to create an enriching and welcoming culture that produces socially aware graduates who will make an impact locally and globally.

CALS students are passionate about using science to improve the world, and CALS programs encourage students to pursue their passions in the classroom and beyond.  

CALS students gain critical thinking, research, and communication skills that lead them to careers in a wide variety of industries and public service — including biotechnology, healthcare, food, and agriculture — and prepare them well for graduate and professional studies at top-ranked institutions.

Students in all majors graduate on average in four years.

CALS faculty are involved in all aspects of student education, including teaching in classrooms, hosting research opportunities in labs, leading study abroad experiences, and providing professional mentorship to students.

CALS promotes working across disciplines; half of CALS students double-major or complete at least one certificate (similar to a minor).

As evidence of a strong community, CALS awards over $1.2 million in scholarships supported by alumni and friends eager to give new students the same positive experiences they enjoyed. These awards are in addition to university scholarships, grants, and loans.

CALS Signature Experiences reflect the core values of a CALS education and offer a variety of options for students in all majors:

Learn through hands-on, real-world experience

All CALS majors include a senior-level capstone course that integrates interdisciplinary knowledge to address a problem of societal relevance and also helps prepare students for their future careers. Additionally, most students complete independent research under the guidance of internationally-recognized faculty researchers. 

Build community and networks

With more than 40 CALS-sponsored student organizations, students can build their professional networks early and enhance their leadership skills. Students also engage with faculty mentors, often for exploration of majors and career pathways.

Customize a path of study

More than half of CALS students double-major or complete at least one certificate (similar to a minor) to meet their goals and interests. To augment bachelor of science degrees for top students, CALS offers honors programs in research and in select majors.

Make a strong start

All CALS students take a First-Year Seminar to explore different areas of study, learn about how to access student services, and build community. There are several seminars to choose from, including QuickStart, an online course that allows students to begin their college career the summer before they arrive on campus.

Gain global perspective

Because CALS disciplines have global reach, students take at least one course with a purposeful international comparison focus, and many students choose to study abroad. CALS offers ~30 abroad programs specifically designed to fulfill CALS students’ academic, professional and personal goals. In total, CALS students can choose from more than 300 UW–Madison study abroad programs in 80+ countries.

CALS students are growing the future through a better understanding of living things. Explore our majors and certificates to learn more.

Degrees/Majors/Certificates

Admission

CALS offers majors in a variety of topics within the life sciences and agriculture.  Students who know they are interested in CALS academic interest areas but are uncertain about a specific major may choose “undeclared major” in CALS to take advantage of all that CALS has to offer students while they explore life science and agricultural science options.

First-Year Admission

Admissions for incoming first-year students are made centrally through the UW-Madison Office of Admissions and Recruitment. Through this process students will be directly admitted into CALS if they choose a first choice major in CALS, including the undeclared CALS major.  CALS majors do not have enrollment caps. Prospective students can connect with the College and learn more in a variety of other ways, including attending a CALS information session, taking a CALS tour, and connecting with a CALS student ambassador.

Transfer Students to UW-Madison

For students transferring from another university or college, students apply to UW-Madison using the Universities of Wisconsin Application, and transfer credits are evaluated by the UW-Madison Registrar's Office after acceptance. Through this process, transfer students are admitted directly to CALS if they select a CALS major as their first choice on the application. Students applying to or admitted to biology or environmental sciences (majors shared with Letters & Sciences) can contact CALS to join the College. Transfer students must complete all CALS degree requirements, including earning at least 30 credits at UW-Madison.

Transfer student admissions decisions are made by the Office of Admissions and Recruitment.  Transfer Admissions Counselors are available to meet with students to speak about the application process.

For those looking for Pre-Transfer Advising, including discussing specific programs that CALS offers and selecting courses to be best prepared for their intended program, they can meet with a CALS Transfer Advisor.

Prospective transfer students can connect with the College and learn more in a variety of other ways, including attending a CALS information session, taking a CALS tour, and connecting with a CALS student ambassador.

Internal Transfer Students

Students may also transfer to the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences from other schools and colleges at UW-Madison. For more information, contact the academic advisor in your intended major or the CALS Office of Academic Affairs (academicaffairs@cals.wisc.edu), or visit the CALS transfer information page.

All students, including incoming first-year and transfer students, with questions about study in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences are encouraged to contact the CALS Office of Academic Affairs at academicaffairs@cals.wisc.edu.

Wisconsin Experience

Opportunities to apply classroom learning to real-world settings are at the core of a CALS education. We offer a variety of CALS Signature Experiences for students in all majors to live the Wisconsin idea and fulfill the Wisconsin Experience.

These opportunities fall into five major categories: make a strong start; learn through hands-on, real-world experience; build community and networks; customize a path of study; and gain global perspective.

We want our students to make a strong start, and every CALS first-year student can achieve that through a CALS First-Year seminar to explore different areas of study, learn about how to take advantage of campus resources, and build community. There are several seminars to choose from, including QuickStart, which allows students to begin their college career the summer before they arrive on campus.

CALS students learn through hands-on, real world experiences.  A majority of CALS students earn credit for research experiences in labs and internships.

Through student organizations, peer advising and mentoring, and residential learning communities, students build their community and networks.

Students gain a global perspective by taking courses with an international focus and many students choose to study abroad. CALS offers ~30 abroad programs, and students may choose from over 300 UW–Madison study abroad opportunities.

Finally, many CALS students take advantage of the ability to customize their path of study by participating in an honors program, pursuing certificates or second majors, and choosing elective courses that match their interests and meet their goals.

Policies and Regulations

Policies may be found on the Office of Academic Affairs KnowledgeBase.

University Requirements

All undergraduate students must complete both the following Core General Education (Core GenEd) and University Degree and Quality of Work requirements. The requirements below apply to students whose first term at UW-Madison or whose earliest post-high school college attendance at any institution is Summer 2026 or later. 

Students whose first term at UW-Madison or whose earliest post-high school college attendance at any institution occurred before Summer 2026 should refer to the archived Guide for the requirements that apply to them.

Core General Education (Core GenEd) Requirements

Civics & Perspectives 3 credits of Civics & Perspectives coursework.
Communication & Literacy 6 credits of Communication & Literacy coursework. This requirement may be partially satisfied by a qualifying placement test score. For more information see this tiny url: https://go.wisc.edu/qualifyingenglishplacement
Humanities & Arts 6 credits of Humanities & Arts coursework.
Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning 6 credits of Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning coursework. This requirement may be partially satisfied by a qualifying placement test score. For more information see this tiny url: https://go.wisc.edu/qualifyingmathplacement
Natural Science & Wellness Complete both:
  • 6 credits of Natural Science & Wellness or Natural Science & Wellness + Laboratory coursework.
  • one course must be in Natural Science & Wellness + Laboratory coursework.
Social & Behavioral Science 3 credits of Social & Behavioral Science coursework.
Total Credits 30 credits.

For more information see the policy.

University Degree and Quality of Work Requirements

All undergraduate degree recipients must complete the following minimum requirements. Requirements for some programs will exceed these requirements; see program requirements for additional information.

Total Degree 120 degree credits.
Residency Complete 30 credits in residence. A course is considered “in residence” if it is taken when in undergraduate degree-seeking status and:
  • is offered by UW-Madison and completed on the UW-Madison campus or at an approved off-site location, or
  • is offered by UW-Madison in an online or distance format, or is completed during participation in a UW-Madison study abroad/study away program.
Quality of Work Achieve at least the minimum grade point average specified by the school, college, and/or academic program.
Math Demonstrate minimal mathematics competence by:
English Language If required to take the UW-Madison English as a Second Language Assessment Test (MSN-ESLAT), demonstrate minimal English language competence by:
  • earning credit for ESL 118 at UW-Madison, or
  • achieving a qualifying MSN-ESLAT placement test score.
Language Complete one:
  • 2 high school units of a single language other than English, or
  • one course with the second semester Language designation.
Major Declaration Declare and complete the requirements for at least one major.

College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Requirements

In addition to the university's general requirements, all undergraduate students in CALS must satisfy a set of college and major requirements. Courses may not double count within university requirements, CALS college requirements, or major requirements.  A course may count toward university requirements and a college and/or a major requirement; similarly, a course counted toward college requirements may also be used to satisfy a university and/or a major requirement.

Students are advised to complete introductory and basic course requirements (i.e., biological and physical sciences, chemistry, mathematics, communications, etc.) early in their academic programs. Students must also satisfy a minimum of 15 credits in the selected major that are not double counted with CALS or general education requirements.

CALS Graduation Requirements

Cumulative Credits
  • Students must earn 120 degree credits.
  • Students declared in Biological Systems Engineering BS must earn 125 degree credits.
Quality of Work Students must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.000 to remain in good standing and be eligible for graduation.
Residency Students must complete 30 degree credits in residence at UW–Madison after earning 86 credits toward their undergraduate degree.

CALS College Requirements

CALS First-Year Seminar 1 credit. See the full list of eligible courses below or use this link: https://go.wisc.edu/calsfirstyearseminars
Ethnic Studies 3 credits with the Ethnic Studies designation.
Communication A Complete either:
  • one course with the Communication A designation, or
  • satisfaction of Communication A based on UW Placement Test.
Quantitative Reasoning A Complete either:
  • one course with the Quantitative Reasoning A designation, or
  • satisfaction of Quantitative Reasoning A based on UW Placement Test.
Introductory Chemistry Complete one:
CALS International Comparisons 3 credits. See the full list of eligible courses below or use this link: https://go.wisc.edu/calsinternationalcomparisons
Communication B One course with the Communication B designation.
Quantitative Reasoning B One course with the Quantitative Reasoning B designation.
Biological Science 5 credits with the Biological Science designation.
Additional Science 3 credits with the Biological, Physical, or Natural Science designations.
Science Breadth 3 credits with the Biological, Physical, Natural, or Social Science designations.
Humanities 6 credits with the Humanities or Literature designation.
Social Sciences 3 credits with the Social Sciences designation.
Capstone Learning Experience Each major articulates the required capstone learning experience.

CALS First-Year Seminar Requirement

The CALS First-Year Seminar gives students a strong start to their undergraduate experience. Courses that meet the CALS First-Year Seminar requirement provide an introduction to the opportunities and resources available at UW-Madison. They foster connections, community, and positive relationships through small-group discussions. Students collaborate with instructors and peers to explore complex questions and develop important academic and personal skills. Students can meet the CALS First-Year Seminar requirement through a variety of courses, which have been approved by the college. 

To provide a consistent experience for all first-year students in CALS, courses approved to meet the CALS First-Year Seminar requirement must include the learning outcomes below, either as written or with minor modifications to represent the specific content of the course. Courses can also include additional learning outcomes to reflect the skills and knowledge unique to a particular course. 

Learning Outcomes:

  1. Identify resources and services available through CALS and UW-Madison. 
  2. Describe the skills of a successful college student.
  3. Reflect on academic, career, and personal goals.
  4. Discuss complex issues with peers and instructors, considering multiple evidence-based perspectives.

Instructors interested in developing a CALS First-Year Seminar course can find more about course design requirements and the approval process here. 

Approved CALS First-Year Seminar Courses

AN SCI 135Grand Challenges and Career Opportunities in Animal and Dairy Sciences1
BIOCHEM 100Biochemistry First-Year Seminar1
COUN PSY 125The Wisconsin Experience Seminar1
F&W ECOL 101Orientation to Wildlife Ecology1
F&W ECOL 105Environment, Pollutants, and You3
GENETICS 155Freshman Seminar in Genetics1
INTEGSCI 100Exploring Biology2
INTEGSCI 140Exploring Service in STEM1
INTER-AG 155Issues in Agriculture, Environment, and Life Sciences1
LSC 155First-Year Seminar in Science Communication1
MICROBIO 150Microbiomes and Microbiology - First-Year Seminar1
PLANTSCI/​AGROECOL  100First-Year Seminar in Agroecology and Plant Science1
PL PATH 155Food Frontlines: Security, Sustainability, and Survival1
SOIL SCI 155First-year Seminar in Soil and Environmental Sciences1
Learning Community/Student Group Courses
The following learning community/student group courses are approved as CALS First-Year Seminars.
COUN PSY 117PEOPLE First Year Seminar1
INTEGSCI 110BioHouse Seminar: Biology for the 21st Century1
INTER-AG 117GreenHouse Roots Seminar1
INTER-AG 140CALS QuickStart: Foundations1
INTER-AG 175WISE Seminar1

CALS International Comparisons Requirement

The CALS International Comparisons requirement is designed to ensure that students in all CALS majors situate scientific and sociological knowledge within the larger context of current international issues. It prepares CALS students to engage global challenges with openness, curiosity, and respect.

Courses explore global questions through one or more of the following five themes:

  1. Improving Human and Animal Health
    1. Focus: Nutrition, disease prevention, genetics, and population health
  2. Feeding the World Sustainably
    1. Focus: Agriculture, food systems, plant and animal production
  3. Understanding Life and Living Systems
    1. Focus: Biological discovery, life sciences, and biotechnology
  4. Protecting the Planet
    1. Focus: Environmental science, conservation, climate resilience, bioenergy
  5. Connecting Science and Society
    1. Focus: Science communication, development economics, community sociology

​Learning Outcomes

Courses fulfilling the CALS International Comparisons requirement must enable students to:

  • Analyze complex international challenges related to one or more of the themes listed above, drawing on scientific and sociocultural perspectives to understand causes, impacts, and how to mitigate those challenges.
  • Compare and contrast a variety of approaches to global issues with openness and respect.
  • Discuss international issues with peers, academic audiences, and/or broader populations from the countries or regions covered.

Instructors interested in developing a CALS International Comparisons course can find more about course design requirements and the approval process here. 

Approved International Comparisons Courses (Effective Fall 2019 unless otherwise noted)

The 3 credit requirement may be fulfilled as either a stand-alone 3 credit course or as a set of courses as listed below.
A A E/​ENVIR ST  244The Environment and the Global Economy4
A A E 319The International Agricultural Economy3
A A E/​NUTR SCI  350World Hunger and Malnutrition3
A A E 352Global Health: Economics, Natural Systems, and Policy (approved for enrollments Summer 2021 and later)4
A A E/​INTL ST  373Globalization, Poverty and Development3
A A E/​INTL ST  374The Growth and Development of Nations in the Global Economy3
A A E/​ECON  473Economic Growth and Development in Southeast Asia3
A A E/​ECON  474Economic Problems of Developing Areas3
A A E/​ECON/​INTL BUS  462Latin American Economic Development3
A A E/​ECON  477Agricultural and Economic Development in Africa3
AGROECOL 377Global Food Production and Health3
AN SCI/​DY SCI  370Livestock Production and Health in Agricultural Development3
ASIAN/​HISTORY/​POLI SCI  255Introduction to East Asian Civilizations (approved for enrollments Summer 2021 and later)3-4
C&E SOC/​SOC  341Labor in Global Food Systems (approved for enrollments Summer 2020 and later)3
C&E SOC/​ENVIR ST/​SOC  540Sociology of International Development, Environment, and Sustainability3
CSCS 500Global Health and Communities: From Research to Praxis3
DY SCI 471Food Production Systems and Sustainability3
ENTOM/​ENVIR ST  201Insects and Human Culture-a Survey Course in Entomology3
ENTOM/​ENVIR ST  205Our Planet, Our Health (approved for enrollments Fall 2026 and later)3
ENTOM/​ZOOLOGY  371Medical Entomology: Biology of Vector and Vector-borne Diseases3
F&W ECOL/​ENVIR ST  100Forests of the World (approved for enrollments Summer 2020 and later)3
F&W ECOL/​ENVIR ST/​ZOOLOGY  360Extinction of Species3
LSC 251Science, Media and Society (approved for enrollments Summer 2020 and later)3
PL PATH/​BOTANY  123Plants, Parasites, and People3
PL PATH 311Global Food Security3
PLANTSCI 370World Vegetable Crops3
The following study abroad courses fulfill the CALS International Comparisons requirement. Only the specific course numbers and titles listed, including Topics titles (in parentheses), are approved to meet the CALS International Comparisons requirement.
BIOCHEM 307Study Abroad: Introduction to Biological Sciences Research in Japan (approved for enrollments Fall 2026 and later)3
NUTR SCI/​INTER-AG  421Global Health Field Experience (UW Mobile Clinics and Health Care in Uganda)3
INTER-AG 321
& INTER-AG/​NUTR SCI  421		Study Abroad Pre-Departure Seminar
and Global Health Field Experience (UW Global Health Community Health and Asset-Based Community Development in Sri Lanka)		3
INTER-AG 321
& INTER-AG/​NUTR SCI  421		Study Abroad Pre-Departure Seminar
and Global Health Field Experience (UW Agriculture, Health and Nutrition in Uganda)		3
INTER-AG/​NUTR SCI  421Global Health Field Experience (UW Health, Education and Tanzanian Culture)3

CALS Capstone Learning Experience Requirement

A CALS capstone is a course in which students are required to integrate diverse bodies of knowledge to solve a problem or formulate a policy of societal importance with the intent of facilitating the transition to post-baccalaureate life. Capstone courses are approved by the college for each major.

A capstone experience should:

  • Develop problem solving skills
  • Expose the student to multidisciplinary approach
  • Develop teamwork and interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate effectively to multiple audiences
  • Develop skills in accessing and using information resources (e.g., electronic databases, library resources, national repositories)
  • Address societal, economic, ethical, scientific, and professional issues
  • Communicate and extend the capstone experience via written, oral, and/or multimedia reports by each student

The capstone experience will normally be completed during the student's final 2 or 3 semesters. The intent is to have the student utilize and integrate their undergraduate learning into a culminating, or capstone, experience. Students should consult with their departmental faculty advisors for specific information regarding this requirement. Where appropriate, students should submit a copy of the final project materials to the campus library (via Minds@UW or similar).

Degrees Offered

The College of Agricultural and Life Sciences offers four bachelor of science (BS) degree programs:

BS Degree
BS–Agricultural Business Management
BS–Biological Systems Engineering
BS– Nutrition and Dietetics

Three of the college’s majors have specialized BS degree programs, as listed above.  The general BS degree program provides a broad and general foundation for the other majors in the college.

Multiple Degrees or Majors

Under certain circumstances it may be possible for a student to earn more than one undergraduate major or degree. It is expected that the programs be significantly different from each other and that approval for simultaneous majors or degrees be received prior to the student having earned 86 credits. More information is available below and through CALS policies and procedures. 

Earning Two Undergraduate Majors Simultaneously

CALS permits undergraduates to pursue two CALS majors simultaneously. Both majors must be in the same degree program; two degrees must follow the policy outlined below. The following policies and procedures have been established for this program:

  1. The student must complete an application form and have approval in advance from their CALS major advisor, the advisor of their desired second major, and the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs in the Office of Academic Affairs in CALS. This approval must be granted before the student has earned 86 credits.
  2. The student must satisfy all requirements of both majors.  The student must meet all CALS general course requirements and the degree program requirements, as well as all major field requirements.

The diploma awarded will be based on the certification of completion of the degree. The transcript will note the completion of requirements for two or more majors.

Earning a non-CALS Major while Completing a Degree Program in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences

The College of Letters & Science (L&S) and the School of Education permit undergraduates currently enrolled in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences to complete certain additional undergraduate majors offered by L&S or the School of Education and have this noted on the transcript.
The following policies have been established for this program:

  1. The student must complete an application form and have advance approval from their CALS major advisor, their non-CALS major advisor, and the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs in the Office of Academic Affairs in CALS. This approval must be granted before the student has earned 86 credits.
  2. The non-CALS major is not to substitute for any major in CALS.
  3. The student must satisfy all requirements of the non-CALS major, both the requirements established by the department (i.e., certain courses) and those established by the other school/college (e.g. for L&S, 15 credits of advanced work in the major in residence at UW–Madison), but is not required to complete the other school/college’s degree requirements. The student must meet all CALS general course requirements and the degree program requirements, as well as all major field requirements for the CALS major.

Earning a Global Health Additional Major or Biochemistry Additional Major while Completing a Degree Program in Another School/College at UW-Madison

Students in another school/college at UW-Madison are eligible to declare a Global Health major or Biochemistry major if they have fewer than 86 credits toward graduation, receive permission from their home school/college, and maintain a primary major in the home school/college.  The process for obtaining special permission to declare one of these majors is dependent on the student’s home school/college.  Students must also contact the major advising unit about the steps required to declare an additional major and fulfill all the major requirements.

Earning Two Undergraduate Degrees Simultaneously

A student who wishes to earn two undergraduate degrees simultaneously (in contrast to earning two undergraduate majors simultaneously) should consult with the CALS Office of Academic Affairs as early as possible in their academic career regarding feasibility.
If the two degrees to be earned are within the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, at least 30 additional credits and all course and grade point requirements must be completed. Thus, a minimum of 150 credits (for most majors) would be required. Some courses may satisfy requirements for both degrees; however, students must complete 15 unique credits in each major. A student must have an advisor in both major fields. To work on two degrees simultaneously within the college, a student should seek permission as early as possible to ensure that it is feasible to complete both degrees.
If the two degrees to be earned are from two different colleges (one degree in Agricultural and Life Sciences and one degree in another school or college on this campus), the academic dean in both colleges must approve the student's plan. Note that not all colleges will allow dual degrees. Where allowed, the following academic policies shall be followed (additional policies may exist):

  1. Admission into the other college or school shall be based on that particular college or school admission criteria.
  2. A student may seek two baccalaureate degrees simultaneously (in contrast to two majors), each from a different college, provided that the two degree programs differ sufficiently so that the combined total requirements for the two degrees are at least 150 credits and that the student's program is approved by both colleges before the student has earned 86 credits. The degrees from each college will be awarded simultaneously.

Applications and additional information pertaining to the earning of two undergraduate degrees simultaneously are in CALS policy and procedures and available from the Office of Academic Affairs, 116 Agricultural Hall.

Second Bachelor of Science Degree Requirements

Students with a bachelor of science (BS) or bachelor of arts (BA) degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison or other accredited institution may, if eligible, pursue a second bachelor's degree from the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.
Students who have been out of school for one semester or more must apply for admission (or readmission) with the regular undergraduate application. Continuing UW–Madison students do not need to submit this form. All candidates need an academic dean's permission from the Office of Academic Affairs to work toward a second bachelor's degree. A minimum of a 2.0 GPA is required. Several college majors require a higher GPA.

The following requirements for the second bachelor's degree must be met:

  • Students must complete a minimum of 30 credits in residence, of which 15 or more must be in the major field as specified by the major department. These credits are in addition to credits earned for the first degree.
  • Candidates must complete all university, college, major, and curricular degree program requirements. Credits earned for the first degree will apply toward appropriate requirements for the second. However, students must take at least 30 additional credits, as noted above. Students with their first BS degree from the college must select a new major or degree program.

All second-degree candidates must be accepted by the department offering their program of interest and have their program approved by the college before beginning the program.

Resources

Student Services

Regardless of major, CALS professionals can help students navigate their UW–Madison educational experience. As the academic dean’s office for CALS, the Office of Academic Affairs assists all CALS and CALS-interested students with questions or concerns around academics, major exploration, careers, scholarships, study abroad, or other areas of student life. Individual advising is tailored to fit students’ specific needs and circumstances.

Academic Advising

Every student has an assigned academic advisor, and students are encouraged to consult with them regularly. In CALS, all students declared in a major are assigned an advisor who specializes in that program. Students who are undecided and exploring majors in CALS are assigned to a college advisor who helps them find the right major for their academic and career goals. Academic advisors assist students with choosing courses to match their interests and fulfill all requirements for graduation. Advisors also talk with students about achieving their educational objectives, engaging in the full Wisconsin Experience, and planning for the future. CALS has a network of advisors for academics, career exploration, study abroad, and more, all of whom work together to support students across their UW–Madison experience.

Students are also encouraged to seek advice from other university faculty and staff. There are many people on campus who are willing and able to help students who proactively seek advice.

Career Services

CALS Career Services provides resources and guidance for students to explore career interests and develop skills as they seek employment, internships, or admission to graduate or professional programs. Academic advisors and faculty in every CALS major also provide specialized career and pre-professional advising. CALS students and alumni have access to Handshake, an online job and internship posting tool that includes thousands of listings. The Center for Pre-Health Advising is an excellent resource for CALS students interested in exploring professional careers in medicine, including human health and veterinary medicine.

Dean on Call

“Dean on call” is a scheduled or drop-in service that provides the opportunity for all CALS students to have a one-on-one session with an academic affairs professional to discuss an academic policy or problem, seek advice about a personal issue, or receive assistance when confronted with a special situation. See the CALS Office of Academic Affairs website for more information.

Scholarships and Financial Resources

CALS has an extensive scholarship program with more than $1.2 million in awards available to CALS students annually, including first-year students. This is in addition to university scholarships, grants, loans, and employment available at the Office of Student Financial Aid.  One yearly application allows students to be considered for any scholarships administered by the college. Scholarships that are awarded based on financial need require a current Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file with the university.

Study Abroad

Today's college graduates must be prepared for the international community in which they will live and work. Study, intern, and research abroad programs offer students unique opportunities to enrich their education by experiencing other cultures and broadening their understanding of agricultural and life sciences outside the United States. CALS Study Abroad offers ~30 short- and long-term programs in more than 20 countries. In total, CALS students can choose from more than 300 UW–Madison study abroad programs in 80+ countries. All approved programs carry UW–Madison in-residence academic credit, and many fulfill academic and major requirements. CALS offers scholarships to CALS students for study abroad to reduce financial barriers to participation.

Honors

The CALS Honors Program allows highly motivated students to continue challenging themselves through research and coursework. The objective of the Honors Program is to help students develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities and to provide students the challenge of designing, conducting, and reporting research in collaboration with faculty from one of the world’s leading research institutions.

Student Engagement & Involvement

CALS students are encouraged to take advantage of resources and programs that will heighten their engagement and sense of belonging. Students can get involved in many ways in CALS and around campus, such as through undergraduate research, study abroad, jobs and internships, and student organizations. Student organizations provide a vehicle for students to gain leadership experience, develop professional skills, and build on personal interests. CALS sponsors more than 40 organizations that help students meet their professional and personal interests.

The CALS Student Engagement team is available for consultation with faculty and staff to discuss student experiences. They are also available to meet with students to help them navigate finding community and creating a well-rounded college experience

On This Page

Honors

The CALS honors program allows students to continue challenging themselves through research and coursework. The objective of the honors program is to help students develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities through specialized courses and to provide students the challenge of designing, conducting, and reporting research in collaboration with faculty from one of the world’s leading research institutions.

Honors

CALS has two different avenues to earn an honors degree designation. Students may complete either based on their interests and goals. Students are not allowed to complete both types of honors. In either option, a student must successfully complete a senior honors thesis approved by the research mentor or committee.

Honors in Research

Students engage in the university’s great research tradition through the completion of two research projects: an introductory project and a senior thesis project. Students identify a faculty mentor to oversee their research efforts and support their progression through the program. In addition to the hands-on research experience, students are required to enroll in coursework directed at furthering their knowledge in quality and ethical scientific discovery. Students who successfully complete Honors in Research will receive an honors designation on their diploma.

Honors in the Major

Students complete a specified number of honors credits in a designated set of courses to gain advanced knowledge and inquiry within their major field of interest. A limited number of CALS majors offer this program option; more information is located on the requirements tab for the major. Students who successfully complete honors in the major will receive an honors designation on their transcript and diploma. A list of majors that offer this option can be found here.

For complete information contact the Office of Academic Affairs.

Dean's List

Students who achieve at a high level academically are recognized by the dean. Selections to the dean's list are announced at the close of each semester. The student's achievement for only the single semester is considered and is noted on the transcript. To be placed on the dean's list, a student must have achieved at least a 3.5 GPA or above for the semester's study load of not less than 12 credits, on a regular grade basis (A, AB, B, BC, C, D, F), regardless of overall grade point average, and must not have received a grade of F or an Incomplete for any course, or a U (for a pass/fail course) or an N (for Credit/No Credit graded course that was not passed).

Graduation with Distinction or Highest Distinction

Students who graduate with a cumulative GPA that places them in the top 20 percent of the graduating class in the college will graduate with "distinction"; those in the upper 5 percent, with "highest distinction." These students must have at least 60 credits on the UW–Madison campus. The notations on the student's transcript will read "graduated with distinction" or "graduated with highest distinction" in the “degrees awarded” section of the transcript. The registrar makes these calculations and updates final transcripts approximately 45 days after the grading deadline for each semester.

Distinctive Scholastic Achievement

A preliminary list of those degree candidates who may be eligible for graduation with distinction is prepared by the registrar prior to commencement. These students are eligible to wear a cardinal stole with their caps and gowns at commencement. Inclusion on the distinctive scholastic achievement list does not guarantee graduation with distinction, which is determined after final grades are awarded.