This program explores how genetic material shapes life — from the cellular level to the population level — and prepares students to solve some of society’s most pressing challenges in the fields of medicine, biotechnology, biomedical research, and agriculture. Genetics and genomics are at the heart of many important issues of the day, including genetic testing, genetic therapies, genome sequencing, evolution, and the genetic engineering of humans, plants, and animals.
Students who major in genetics and genomics take courses in biology, chemistry, physics, statistics, and introductory genetics, and then delve into specialized genetics topics focused on humans, plants, populations, cancer, biological development, neurology, and epigenetics. They gain laboratory research experiences by taking laboratory courses and conducting independent research projects in faculty labs.
The genetics and genomics major provides a solid foundation for careers in medicine, public health, research, life sciences, agriculture, biotechnology, education, law, and science communication — in the private, public, and non-profit sectors. Many students choose to pursue graduate and professional studies, including research-focused PhD programs, medical school, veterinary school, and law school. Alumni go on to be physicians, medical directors, genetic counselors, epidemiologists, research scientists, data analysts, plant breeders, veterinarians, professors, teachers, attorneys, and science writers.
Learn through hands-on, real-world experiences
All genetics and genomics majors participate in hands-on research, which equips them with real-world skills valued by graduate and professional schools and employers. In addition to laboratory coursework, students have numerous opportunities to conduct independent research in faculty labs, where they receive mentoring from faculty, staff, and graduate students.
Build community and networks
Students get to know faculty and instructors through small classes, and they can grow their networks by getting involved in student organizations or participating in undergraduate research experiences mentored by faculty. The Undergraduate Genetics Association, a club for students interested in genetics and genomics, provides professional development, volunteer, and social opportunities for members. The Pre-Genetic Counseling Organization, a club for students interested in genetic counseling, specializes in bringing counseling opportunities and information to undergraduates. Students can also participate in the Genetics and Genomics Peer Mentorship Program, which connects incoming students with those further along in their college careers.
Make a strong start
The department offers a first-year seminar in genetics which introduces new majors to faculty researchers and fellow classmates and allows them to make campus connections. It also prepares them to work in research labs, teaches study skills needed to succeed in college, and provides peer networking opportunities.
Customize a path of study
Students have many options to pursue coursework that meets their career goals. They also may pursue honors in research, an option that includes conducting hands-on research in campus labs.
Gain global perspective
Majors can choose from a variety of study abroad programs including short-term field experiences, summer research opportunities, and semester-long exchange programs at top universities around the world. A study abroad program in Costa Rica specifically tailored for genetics and genomics majors is typically offered each spring and is led by genetics program faculty from UW–Madison. Students can explore studying abroad as a genetics and genomics major by utilizing the Genetics and Genomics Major Advising Page. Students work with their advisor and the CALS study abroad office to identify appropriate programs.
How to Get in
| Requirements | Details |
|---|---|
| How to get in | No application required. All students who meet the requirements listed below are eligible to declare. For information on how to declare, visit Advising & Careers. |
| Courses required to get in | None |
| GPA requirements to get in | None |
| Credits required to get in | Must have fewer than 86 credits. |
| Other | Students who do not meet the requirements above or are not in good academic standing should schedule a meeting with CALS Dean on Call (https://go.wisc.edu/g85h79) to discuss exceptions. |
Prospective UW-Madison Students
All prospective UW–Madison students must apply through the Office of Admissions and Recruitment.
Students interested in this major should select it as the first choice major on their UW–Madison application. Admitted students who enroll at UW-Madison and attend Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration (SOAR) with the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences have the option to declare this major at SOAR.
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:
|
| 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:
|
| 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:
|
| Language | Complete one:
|
| Major Declaration | Declare and complete the requirements for at least one major. |
College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Requirements
CALS Graduation Requirements
| Cumulative 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. |
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.
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:
|
| Quantitative Reasoning A | Complete either:
|
| 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 | 1 course with the Communication B designation. |
| Quantitative Reasoning B | 1 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 Seminars
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AN SCI 135 | Grand Challenges and Career Opportunities in Animal and Dairy Sciences | 1 |
| BIOCHEM 100 | Biochemistry First-Year Seminar | 1 |
| COUN PSY 125 | The Wisconsin Experience Seminar | 1 |
| F&W ECOL 101 | Orientation to Wildlife Ecology | 1 |
| F&W ECOL 105 | Environment, Pollutants, and You | 3 |
| GENETICS 155 | Freshman Seminar in Genetics | 1 |
| INTEGSCI 100 | Exploring Biology | 2 |
| INTEGSCI 140 | Exploring Service in STEM | 1 |
| INTER-AG 155 | Issues in Agriculture, Environment, and Life Sciences | 1 |
| LSC 155 | First-Year Seminar in Science Communication | 1 |
| MICROBIO 150 | Microbiomes and Microbiology - First-Year Seminar | 1 |
| PLANTSCI/AGROECOL 100 | First-Year Seminar in Agroecology and Plant Science | 1 |
| PL PATH 155 | Food Frontlines: Security, Sustainability, and Survival | 1 |
| SOIL SCI 155 | First-year Seminar in Soil and Environmental Sciences | 1 |
| Learning Community/Student Group Courses | ||
| The following learning community/student group courses are approved as CALS First-Year Seminars. | ||
| COUN PSY 117 | PEOPLE First Year Seminar | 1 |
| INTEGSCI 110 | BioHouse Seminar: Biology for the 21st Century | 1 |
| INTER-AG 117 | GreenHouse Roots Seminar | 1 |
| INTER-AG 140 | CALS QuickStart: Foundations | 1 |
| INTER-AG 175 | WISE Seminar | 1 |
CALS International Comparisons
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 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 244 | The Environment and the Global Economy | 4 |
| A A E 319 | The International Agricultural Economy | 3 |
| A A E/NUTR SCI 350 | World Hunger and Malnutrition | 3 |
| A A E 352 | Global Health: Economics, Natural Systems, and Policy (approved for enrollments Summer 2021 and later) | 4 |
| A A E/INTL ST 373 | Globalization, Poverty and Development | 3 |
| A A E/INTL ST 374 | The Growth and Development of Nations in the Global Economy | 3 |
| A A E/ECON 473 | Economic Growth and Development in Southeast Asia | 3 |
| A A E/ECON 474 | Economic Problems of Developing Areas | 3 |
| A A E/ECON/INTL BUS 462 | Latin American Economic Development | 3 |
| A A E/ECON 477 | Agricultural and Economic Development in Africa | 3 |
| AGROECOL 377 | Global Food Production and Health | 3 |
| AN SCI/DY SCI 370 | Livestock Production and Health in Agricultural Development | 3 |
| ASIAN/HISTORY/POLI SCI 255 | Introduction to East Asian Civilizations (approved for enrollments Summer 2021 and later) | 3-4 |
| C&E SOC/SOC 341 | Labor in Global Food Systems (approved for enrollments Summer 2020 and later) | 3 |
| C&E SOC/ENVIR ST/SOC 540 | Sociology of International Development, Environment, and Sustainability | 3 |
| CSCS 500 | Global Health and Communities: From Research to Praxis | 3 |
| DY SCI 471 | Food Production Systems and Sustainability | 3 |
| ENTOM/ENVIR ST 201 | Insects and Human Culture-a Survey Course in Entomology | 3 |
| ENTOM/ENVIR ST 205 | Our Planet, Our Health (approved for enrollments Fall 2026 and later) | 3 |
| ENTOM/ZOOLOGY 371 | Medical Entomology: Biology of Vector and Vector-borne Diseases | 3 |
| F&W ECOL/ENVIR ST 100 | Forests of the World (approved for enrollments Summer 2020 and later) | 3 |
| F&W ECOL/ENVIR ST/ZOOLOGY 360 | Extinction of Species | 3 |
| LSC 251 | Science, Media and Society (approved for enrollments Summer 2020 and later) | 3 |
| PL PATH/BOTANY 123 | Plants, Parasites, and People | 3 |
| PL PATH 311 | Global Food Security | 3 |
| PLANTSCI 370 | World Vegetable Crops | 3 |
| 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 307 | Study Abroad: Introduction to Biological Sciences Research in Japan (approved for enrollments Fall 2026 and later) | 3 |
| NUTR SCI/INTER-AG 421 | Global 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 421 | Global Health Field Experience (UW Health, Education and Tanzanian Culture) | 3 |
Major Requirements
Courses may not double count within major requirements. Courses counted toward major requirements may also be used to satisfy a university and/or a college requirement.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics and Statistics | ||
| Mathematics: | 5 | |
| Calculus and Analytic Geometry 1 | ||
| Statistics: Complete one of the following options | 3-4 | |
| Introductory Applied Statistics for the Life Sciences | ||
| Introduction to Statistical Methods | ||
| Data Science Modeling I | ||
| Chemistry | ||
| Introductory Chemistry: Complete one of the following options | 5-9 | |
| General Chemistry I and General Chemistry II | ||
| Advanced General Chemistry | ||
| Chemical Principles I and Chemical Principles II | ||
| Organic Chemistry: Complete one of the following options | 3 | |
| Elementary Organic Chemistry | ||
| Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry II (Must complete both courses. CHEM 345 will count toward Genetics Breadth.) | ||
| Physics | ||
| Complete one of the following options | 10 | |
| General Physics and General Physics (recommended) | ||
| General Physics and General Physics | ||
| General Physics and General Physics (recommended) | ||
| Biology | ||
| Complete one of the following options | 10 | |
| Option 1 (Recommended) | ||
| Introductory Biology and Introductory Biology | ||
| Option 2 | ||
| General Botany | ||
| Animal Biology and Animal Biology Laboratory | ||
| Option 3 | ||
| Evolution, Ecology, and Genetics and Cellular Biology | ||
Select two of the following labs: | ||
| Evolution, Ecology, and Genetics Laboratory | ||
| Cellular Biology Laboratory | ||
| Principles of Physiology Laboratory | ||
| Core Requirements | ||
| Biochemistry: Complete one of the following options | 3 | |
| Introduction to Biochemistry | ||
| General Biochemistry I and General Biochemistry II (Must complete both courses. BIOCHEM 508 will count toward Genetics Breadth.) | ||
| Introductory Genetics: Complete one of the following options | 6 | |
| Option 1 (Recommended) | ||
| General Genetics 1 and General Genetics 2 | ||
| Option 2 | ||
| Principles of Genetics | ||
Additional 3 credit Genetics Depth course (see course list below) | ||
| Genetics Lab: Complete at least 2 credits from the following options | 2 | |
| Genetics Laboratory | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| Special Problems | ||
| Senior Honors Thesis | ||
| Senior Honors Thesis | ||
| Coordinative Internship/Cooperative Education | ||
| Genetics Depth | 9 | |
| See course list below | ||
| Genetics Breadth | 6 | |
| See course list below | ||
| Capstone | ||
| Complete one of the following options | 3-6 | |
| Option 1 | ||
| Communicating Evolutionary Biology (Three-credit version only) | ||
| Option 2 | ||
| Developmental Genetics for Conservation and Regeneration (offered in fall semester) | ||
| Option 3 | ||
| Advanced Genetics (offered in spring semester) | ||
| Option 4 | ||
| Genomics and Proteomics (offered in spring semester) | ||
| Option 5 (must be taken concurrently) | ||
| Special Problems (offered in fall semester) | ||
| Companion Research Seminar (offered in fall semester) | ||
| Option 6 (must be taken concurrently) | ||
| Senior Honors Thesis | ||
| Senior Honors Thesis | ||
| Companion Research Seminar (offered in fall semester) | ||
| Total Credits | 65-73 | |
Genetics Depth & Breadth Courses
Depth
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GENETICS 520 | Neurogenetics | 3 |
| GENETICS/BIOLOGY 522 | Communicating Evolutionary Biology | 2-3 |
| GENETICS 525 | Epigenetics | 3 |
| GENETICS 527 | Developmental Genetics for Conservation and Regeneration | 3 |
| GENETICS 528 | Study Abroad: International Field Study in Animal Biodiversity | 1 |
| GENETICS 548 | The Genomic Revolution | 3 |
| PLANTSCI 550 | Molecular Approaches for Crop Improvement | 3 |
| GENETICS 564 | Genomics and Proteomics | 3 |
| GENETICS/MD GENET 565 | Human Genetics | 3 |
| GENETICS 566 | Advanced Genetics | 3 |
| GENETICS 588 | Immunogenetics | 3 |
| GENETICS 605 | Clinical Cases in Medical Genetics | 3 |
| GENETICS/BIOCHEM/MICROBIO 612 | Prokaryotic Molecular Biology | 3 |
| GENETICS/PLANTSCI 615 | Genetic Mapping | 3 |
| GENETICS/BIOCHEM/MD GENET 620 | Eukaryotic Molecular Biology | 3 |
| GENETICS/CHEM 626 | Genomic Science | 2 |
| GENETICS 627 | Animal Developmental Genetics | 3 |
| GENETICS/BIOCHEM 631 | Plant Genetics and Development | 3 |
| GENETICS 633 | Population Genetics | 3 |
| GENETICS/NEURODPT 650 | Functional Genomics of Brain Disorders | 3 |
| GENETICS/BOTANY/M M & I/PL PATH 655 | Biology and Genetics of Fungi | 3 |
| GENETICS/MD GENET 662 | Cancer Genetics | 3 |
| GENETICS/MD GENET 677 | Advanced Topics in Genetics | 1-3 |
Breadth
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Science: | ||
| BIOCHEM 508 | General Biochemistry II | 3-4 |
| BIOCHEM/NUTR SCI 560 | Principles of Human Disease and Biotechnology | 2 |
| CHEM 344 | Introductory Organic Chemistry Laboratory | 2 |
| CHEM 345 | Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
| Integrative Biology: | ||
| BIOCHEM/M M & I 575 | Biology of Viruses | 2 |
| BIOCORE 485 | Principles of Physiology | 3 |
| BIOCORE 587 | Biological Interactions | 3 |
| BOTANY/ANTHRO/ZOOLOGY 410 | Evolutionary Biology | 3 |
| BOTANY/PL PATH 563 | Phylogenetic Analysis of Molecular Data | 3 |
| ENTOM/GENETICS/ZOOLOGY 624 | Molecular Ecology | 3 |
| MICROBIO 303 | Biology of Microorganisms | 3 |
| MICROBIO 304 | Biology of Microorganisms Laboratory | 2 |
| MICROBIO 470 | Microbial Genetics & Molecular Machines | 3 |
| MICROBIO/ONCOLOGY 545 | Topics in Biotechnology | 1 |
| M M & I 341 | Immunology | 3 |
| M M & I/PATH-BIO 528 | Immunology | 3 |
| PHM SCI 490 | Selected Topics in Pharmaceutical Sciences | 1-4 |
| PL PATH 622 | Plant-Bacterial Interactions | 2-3 |
| PL PATH/M M & I/ONCOLOGY 640 | General Virology-Multiplication of Viruses | 3 |
| ZOOLOGY/ENVIR ST/F&W ECOL 360 | Extinction of Species | 3 |
| ZOOLOGY 415 | Genetics of Human History | 3 |
| ZOOLOGY 425 | Behavioral Ecology | 3 |
| ZOOLOGY 470 | Introduction to Animal Development | 3 |
| ZOOLOGY 555 | Laboratory in Developmental Biology | 3 |
| ZOOLOGY 570 | Cell Biology | 3 |
| POP HLTH/GENETICS/MD GENET 636 | Public Health Genomics | 1 |
| POP HLTH/AN SCI/GENETICS 849 | Genomic Epidemiology | 2 |
| Agricultural Ecosystems: | ||
| AN SCI 361 | Breeding and Genetics of Livestock and Companion Animals | 3 |
| AN SCI 362 | Veterinary Genetics | 3 |
| AN SCI/DY SCI 363 | Principles of Animal Breeding | 2 |
| PL PATH/BOTANY/ENTOM 505 | Plant-Microbe Interactions: Molecular and Ecological Aspects | 3 |
| PLANTSCI 338 | Plant Breeding and Biotechnology | 3 |
| PLANTSCI 340 | Plant Genome Engineering and Editing | 3 |
| PLANTSCI 360 | Genetically Modified Crops: Science, Regulation & Controversy | 2 |
| PLANTSCI 501 | Principles of Plant Breeding | 3 |
| Computational Biology: | ||
| B M I/COMP SCI 576 | Introduction to Bioinformatics | 3 |
Learning Outcomes
- Analyze the transmission of genes and chromosomes between cells during cell division and within pedigrees over generations.
- Demonstrate a deep understanding of how information encoded in DNA can be mutated, epigenetically modified, transcribed into RNA, and translated for protein production, enabling this information to orchestrate the activities of cells singly or collectively throughout development in multicellular organisms.
- Predict the impact of the forces of mutation, natural selection, chance, and genetic recombination on the amount of genetic variation in populations at the DNA and phenotypic levels using quantitative models.
- Formulate research questions about the genetic control of biological processes and design experiments to answer these questions using appropriate genetic tools including model organisms.
- Demonstrate team-work, interpersonal and problem-solving skills to address societal, ethical and scientific issues related to genetics, and communicate their findings through written, oral and multi-media reports.
Four-Year Plan
Four-Year Plan
The sample four-year plan demonstrates one way to complete the Genetics and Genomics major within four years. It is a tool to assist you and your advisor in planning your academic career. Use it along with your DARS report and Course Search & Enroll. Your specific plan could, and probably will, look different. You should customize your own four-year plan to fit your unique path at UW–Madison. Consult with your advisor about the best path for you.
Sample Genetics and Genomics Four-Year Plan
Students must complete at least 120 total credits to be eligible for graduation.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CHEM 103 or 109 | 4-5 | CHEM 104 | 5 |
| MATH 221 | 5 | Elective | 5 |
| GENETICS 155 (CALS First Year Seminar) | 1 | General Education | 6 |
| General Education | 3 | ||
| 14 | 16 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CHEM 343 or 341 | 3 | CHEM 345 (if CHEM 343 completed) | 3 |
| ZOOLOGY/BIOLOGY/BOTANY 151 | 5 | ZOOLOGY/BIOLOGY/BOTANY 152 | 5 |
| STAT 371 or 301 | 3 | GENETICS 299 (Independent Research) | 1-3 |
| General Education | 3 | Electives | 5 |
| 14 | 16 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| PHYSICS 103, 207, or 201 | 4-5 | PHYSICS 104, 208, or 202 | 4-5 |
| GENETICS 467 | 3 | GENETICS 468 | 3 |
| BIOCHEM 501 or 507 | 3 | BIOCHEM 508 (or elective) | 3-4 |
| CALS International Comparisons | 3 | Genetics Depth/Breadth | 3 |
| 14 | 15 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Genetics Depth/Breadth | 6 | Genetics Depth/Breadth | 3 |
| Elective (research or thesis recommended) | 2-3 | Elective (research or thesis recommended) | 2-3 |
| General Education | 3 | Genetics Capstone | 3 |
| Electives | 4 | Electives | 6 |
| 16 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits 120 | |||
Notes:
- First-year students are recommended to take GENETICS 155 to fulfill the CALS first year seminar requirement.
- Study abroad is an enriching experience. Check with your advisor on how you can fulfill your curriculum and study abroad.
Advising and Careers
Advising
Each student is assigned a professional academic advisor who works to understand student goals and helps to craft a path that best suits their needs. Additionally, students receive professional and scientific mentorship through interactions with faculty, staff, and graduate students.
Career Opportunities
Alumni go on to a wide variety of careers in medicine, public health, research, life sciences, biotechnology, education, law, and science communication — in the private, public, and non-profit sectors. They hold professional positions as physicians, medical directors, genetic counselors, epidemiologists, research scientists, data analysts, plant breeders, veterinarians, professors, teachers, attorneys, and science writers.
Wisconsin Experience
Research Experience
Many genetics and genomics majors conduct research in a faculty-led research lab where they receive direct mentorship from faculty, staff, and graduate students. With hundreds of faculty members on campus using genetic strategies in their labs, students have many research options.
Student Organizations
The Undergraduate Genetics Association, a club for all students interested in genetics and genomics, brings in guest speakers to discuss their research and career paths; provides guidance on finding campus research and internship opportunities; holds informational sessions on jobs and careers; and hosts networking, volunteer, and social events. The Pre-Genetic Counseling Organization, for students interested in genetic counseling, hosts talks by genetic counselors, clinicians, and ethicists; informs students of advocacy opportunities; provides training in practical counseling skills; and offers networking, volunteer, outreach, and social events.
Global Engagement
Genetics and genomics majors participate in study abroad programs in countries around the world, including in China, Costa Rica, England, Germany, Mexico, New Zealand, and Uganda. Students can find more information on the CALS study abroad advising page.
Community Engagement and Volunteering
Students have opportunities to engage in volunteer activities through the Undergraduate Genetics Association, including participating in campus’ annual Darwin Day science outreach event. The Pre-Genetic Counseling Organization also offers outreach opportunities.
Internships
Majors are encouraged to participate in internships. With a large biotech industry presence in the Madison area, there are many opportunities for students to participate in genetically-relevant internship experiences. Students can use these internship opportunities to complete the research requirement for the genetics and genomics major.
A Rich History of Genetics and Genomics
Established in 1910, the UW–Madison Department of Genetics is among the oldest genetics departments in the nation and is highly regarded for its research contributions in diverse areas of the field. Many of the greatest discoveries in Genetics and Genomics took place at UW–Madison, including cracking the genetic code, sequencing one of the first bacterial genomes, synthesizing the first gene, and developing targeted gene knockout methods in mice.
Resources and Scholarships
Scholarships
Students in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences receive more than $1.25 million in scholarships annually. Learn more about college scholarships.
The genetics department offers a Genetics and Genomics Excellence in Research Award of up to $6,000 to support undergraduate research in genetics- and genomics-related areas. There are also scholarships available for students who participate in certain genetics-focused study abroad programs.
Resources
The Center for Pre-Health Advising provides information about health careers including pre-med, pre-nursing, pre-vet, and pre-physical therapy, and offers course suggestions.