Plant pathology is the study of plants and their pathogens, the process of disease, and how plant health and disease are influenced by factors such as the weather, nonpathogenic microorganisms, and plant nutrition. It encompasses fundamental biology as well as applied agricultural sciences.
Plant pathology involves the study of plants and pathogens at the genetic, biochemical, physiological, cellular, population, and community levels, and how the knowledge derived is integrated and put into agricultural practice. Prerequisite to effective research, teaching, and extension in plant pathology is a breadth of interdisciplinary interest and knowledge, in a department and in its individual members, reaching from ecology to microbiology, from meteorology to applied mathematics, and from molecular biology to communication skills.
Learn through real-world, hands-on experiences
Plant Pathology students learn in many field and lab courses, including classes that focus on economics of plant disease, interactions between plants and people, fungi, organic agriculture, and global food security. They can also take part in a summer field course, numerous internships, and research opportunities.
Build community and networks
Plant pathology is a field that thrives in, and makes its greatest contribution to, comprehensive institutions like the University of Wisconsin–Madison where the proximity and complementarity of basic sciences and the other applied agricultural sciences are exceptionally strong. Please visit the department's Extension and Outreach overview page for additional details on the department's outreach activities, public education programs, and student organizations.
Customize a path of study
Undergraduates in Plant Pathology can choose between two tracks. The plant–microbe biology track has courses in basic math and sciences, including biology, chemistry, and physics, along with upper-level courses in plant pathology, biochemistry, and microbiology. This track is geared toward students who have an interest in receiving a broad education in the basic sciences or plan to pursue a graduate or professional degree.
The plant health and industry track includes some courses in basic math and sciences, as well as additional courses in agriculture and economics/management and upper-level courses in plant pathology, entomology, and other agricultural sciences. This track is designed for students who intend to work in industry after receiving their undergraduate degree.
Students are also able to explore double majors and a multitude of undergraduate certificates based on their unique educational and professional interests. More information about careers in plant pathology is available from the department.
Make a strong start
All first-year students in CALS participate in a CALS First-Year Seminar. These courses help new students understand academic programs, access student services, and develop time management and study skills. First-year students are also encouraged to participate in a First-Year Interest Group (FIG). Topics of interest to Plant Pathology students include global food security, plants and human well-being, and many other fascinating options. Students will discuss all of these options with advisors at orientation.
Gain global perspective
The Plant Pathology program is a great choice for students who wish to participate in a study abroad experience. Students can choose from a multitude of destinations worldwide and can travel abroad during summer, spring, or fall terms. Students can explore studying abroad as a Plant Pathology major by utilizing the Plant Pathology 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 the major (unless specifically noted otherwise), but courses counted toward the major requirements may also be used to satisfy a university requirement and/or a college requirement. A minimum of 15 credits must be completed in the major that are not used to complete university or college requirements.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Mathematics | ||
| Complete one of the following (or may be satisfied by placement exam): | 5-6 | |
| College Algebra and Trigonometry | ||
| Precalculus | ||
| Core Chemistry | ||
| Complete one of the following: | 5-9 | |
| General Chemistry I and General Chemistry II | ||
| Advanced General Chemistry | ||
| Introductory Biology | ||
| Complete one of the following options: | 10 | |
| Option 1 (preferred): | ||
| Introductory Biology and Introductory Biology | ||
| Option 2: | ||
| Animal Biology and Animal Biology Laboratory and General Botany | ||
| Option 3: | ||
| Evolution, Ecology, and Genetics and Evolution, Ecology, and Genetics Laboratory and Cellular Biology and Cellular Biology Laboratory | ||
| Core Physics | ||
| Complete one of the following: | 4-5 | |
| General Physics | ||
| General Physics | ||
| General Physics | ||
| Plant Pathology Core | ||
| PL PATH 300 | Introduction to Plant Pathology | 4 |
| PL PATH/BOTANY 332 | Fungi | 4 |
| Another PL PATH course numbered 300 and above. Cannot include PL PATH 375, PL PATH 299, PL PATH 399, PL PATH 590, PL PATH 681, PL PATH 682, or PL PATH 699. | 3 | |
| Capstone | ||
| PL PATH 590 | Capstone in Plant Pathology | 3 |
| Focus Areas | ||
| Complete one of the following: | 29-39 | |
Plant-Microbe Biology Focus | ||
Plant Health and Industry Focus | ||
| Total Credits | 67-83 | |
Focus Areas
Plant–Microbe Biology Focus
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Additional Mathematics and Statistics | ||
| Complete one of the following: | 5 | |
| Survey of Calculus 1 | ||
| Calculus and Analytic Geometry 1 | ||
| Complete one of the following: | 3-4 | |
| Calculus and Analytic Geometry 2 | ||
| Introduction to Statistical Methods | ||
| Introductory Applied Statistics for the Life Sciences | ||
| Additional Chemistry | ||
| Complete one of the following options: | 4-8 | |
| Organic Chemistry I and Introductory Organic Chemistry Laboratory and Organic Chemistry II | ||
| Elementary Organic Chemistry and Elementary Organic Chemistry Laboratory | ||
| Biology | ||
| Complete one of the following options: | 5-8 | |
| Option 1: | ||
| Biology of Microorganisms and Biology of Microorganisms Laboratory | ||
| Principles of Genetics | ||
| Option 2: | ||
Complete two of the following: | ||
| Principles of Physiology | ||
| Principles of Physiology Laboratory | ||
| Biological Interactions | ||
| Additional Physics | ||
| Complete one of the following: | 4-5 | |
| General Physics | ||
| General Physics | ||
| General Physics | ||
| Plant Physiology | ||
| BOTANY 500 | Plant Physiology | 3-4 |
| Plant-Microbe Electives | ||
| Complete 5 credits from the following: | 5 | |
| Introduction to Biochemistry | ||
| Plant Anatomy | ||
| Plant Systematics | ||
or BOTANY 401 | Vascular Flora of Wisconsin | |
| General Ecology | ||
| Introduction to Entomology | ||
Any PL PATH course numbered 300 and above | ||
| Total Credits | 29-39 | |
Plant Health and Industry Focus
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Biology | ||
| GENETICS 466 | Principles of Genetics | 3 |
| Core | ||
| PL PATH 559 | Diseases of Economic Plants | 3-4 |
| or BOTANY 500 | Plant Physiology | |
| Plant Health and Industry Electives | ||
| Complete 24 credits from at least two different subject listings from the following: | 24 | |
| Introductory Ecology | ||
| Plant Anatomy | ||
| The Vegetation of Wisconsin | ||
| BOTANY/ZOOLOGY 460 | General Ecology | 4 |
| Plant Physiology | ||
| Introduction to Biochemistry | ||
| Introduction to Community and Environmental Sociology | ||
| Food, Culture, and Society | ||
| Poverty and Place | ||
| Sociology of Agriculture | ||
| Insects and Human Culture-a Survey Course in Entomology | ||
| Introduction to Entomology | ||
| Forests of the World | ||
| Extinction of Species | ||
| Forest Ecology | ||
| General Microbiology | ||
| General Microbiology Laboratory | ||
| Biology of Microorganisms | ||
| Biology of Microorganisms Laboratory | ||
| Nutrition Today | ||
| Comparative Animal Nutrition | ||
| Human Nutritional Needs | ||
| World Hunger and Malnutrition | ||
| Nutritional Biochemistry and Metabolism | ||
| Community Nutrition and Health Equity | ||
| Introduction to Plant Science and Technology | ||
| Sustainable Turfgrass Use and Management | ||
| Woody Landscape Plant Identification, Culture, and Use | ||
| Cropping Systems | ||
| Forage Management and Utilization | ||
| Environment of Cultivated Plants | ||
| Water and People | ||
| Soil: Ecosystem and Resource | ||
| General Soil Science | ||
| Soils and Environmental Quality | ||
| Plant Nutrition Management | ||
Any PL PATH course numbered 300 and above not already taken for another category | ||
| Human/Animal Relationships: Biological and Philosophical Issues | ||
| Business | ||
| Complete 6 credits from the following: | 6 | |
| Introductory Financial Accounting | ||
| Introductory Managerial Accounting | ||
| Accounting Principles | ||
| Financial Reporting I | ||
| Financial Reporting II | ||
| Taxation: Concepts for Business and Personal Planning | ||
| Agricultural Systems Management | ||
| Introduction to Agricultural and Applied Economics | ||
| Commodity Markets | ||
| Cooperatives and Alternative Forms of Enterprise Ownership | ||
| Agricultural Finance | ||
| Economic Decision Analysis | ||
| Economic Problems of Developing Areas | ||
| Principles of Microeconomics | ||
| Principles of Macroeconomics | ||
| Marketing Communication for the Sciences | ||
| Managing Organizations | ||
| Human Resource Management | ||
| Total Credits | 40-41 | |
Learning Outcomes
- Define and explain major concepts in the biological sciences including Plant Pathology.
- Appropriately use biological instrumentation and laboratory techniques.
- Explain and apply the scientific method including designing and conducting experiments and testing hypotheses.
- Recognize the relationship between structure and function at all levels: molecular, cellular, organismal, and ecological.
- Demonstrate a style appropriate for communicating scientific results in written and oral form.
- Integrate math, physical sciences, and technology to answer biological questions using the scientific method.
Four-Year Plan
This Sample Four-Year Plan is a tool to assist students and their advisor(s). Students should use it—along with their DARS report, the Degree Planner, and Course Search & Enroll tools—to make their own four-year plan based on their placement scores, credit for transferred courses and approved examinations, and individual interests.
Students must complete at least 120 total credits to be eligible for graduation.
Sample Plant Pathology Four-Year Plan—Plant-Microbe Biology Focus Area
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CHEM 103 | 4 | CHEM 104 | 5 |
| MATH 221 | 5 | General Education | 3 |
| First Year Seminar | 1 | MATH 222 | 4 |
| General Education or Elective | 3 | Electives | 3 |
| 13 | 15 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CHEM 343 | 3 | ZOOLOGY/BIOLOGY/BOTANY 152 | 5 |
| ZOOLOGY/BIOLOGY/BOTANY 151 | 5 | CHEM 344 | 2 |
| General Education | 6 | CHEM 345 | 3 |
| General Education | 3 | ||
| 14 | 13 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| PL PATH 300 | 4 | PHYSICS 104 | 4 |
| PHYSICS 103 | 4 | PL PATH/BOTANY 332 | 4 |
| Electives | 6 | GENETICS 466 | 3 |
| CALS International Comparisons Course | 3 | Electives | 6 |
| 17 | 17 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| MICROBIO 303 | 3 | BOTANY 500 | 3 |
| MICROBIO 304 | 2 | PL PATH 590 | 3 |
| Plant Pathology Core Elective | 3 | Plant Microbe Electives | 5 |
| Electives | 6 | Electives | 6 |
| 14 | 17 | ||
| Total Credits 120 | |||
Sample Plant Pathology Four-Year Plan—Plant-Health and Industry Focus Area
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| BIOLOGY/BOTANY/ZOOLOGY 151 | 5 | MATH 113 | 3 |
| MATH 112 | 3 | BIOLOGY/BOTANY/ZOOLOGY 152 | 5 |
| First Year Seminar | 1 | General Education | 3 |
| General Education | 3 | Electives | 3-4 |
| Elective | 3 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CHEM 103 | 4 | CHEM 104 | 5 |
| General Education | 6 | General Education | 3 |
| Plant Health and Industry Elective | 3-5 | BOTANY 500 | 3 |
| Business Course | 3-4 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| PL PATH 300 | 4 | PL PATH/BOTANY 332 | 4 |
| PHYSICS 103 | 4 | GENETICS 466 | 3 |
| Elective | 1 | Electives | 2 |
| Plant Health and Industry Elective | 3 | Plant Health and Industry Elective | 6 |
| CALS International Comparisons Course | 3 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Plant Health and Industry Electives | 6 | PL PATH 590 | 3 |
| Electives | 6 | Plant Health and Industry Electives | 6 |
| Business Course | 3 | Electives | 6 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits 120 | |||
Advising and Careers
Advising
Students in plant pathology are assigned to a professional staff advisor who helps guide them throughout their undergraduate career. Academic advisors can address questions and concerns, provide advice, help create a four-year degree plan that meets academic and professional goals, and connect students to resources. Students in Plant Pathology are also assigned a faculty mentor when they declare the major. The faculty mentor helps students dive deeper into the field of plant pathology and learn about research, graduate school, and careers in the field.
Career Opportunities
Please visit our Internship & Job Resources page for information on career opportunities available to plant pathology students.
Plant Pathologists from all educational levels are able to seek employment in a variety of areas. Some examples include:
- colleges and universities
- biotechnology companies
- state and federal agencies
- international agricultural research centers
- nurseries, greenhouses, and garden centers
- non-governmental organizations
- golf courses, public parks, and landscape maintenance companies
- diagnostic laboratories
- seed, plant production, and tissue culture companies
- a variety of private consulting firms
If you would like to know more about what is Plant Pathology and how an undergraduate education in Plant Pathology can help you make an impact on the world around you, please check out the “Plant Pathology: taking you further than you ever imagined” video from the American Phytopathological Society.
Career Advising
Students are encouraged to begin the career exploration process early in their UW–Madison journey by working with advisors, faculty, and CALS Career Services. These resources can help students reflect on their values, identify career goals, and outline strategies to achieve them. CALS Career Services advisors can help students one-on-one with their career goals, resume and cover letter help, interview prep, and more.
Wisconsin Experience
Undergraduates majoring in plant pathology at UW–Madison will find an inclusive, welcoming community where professors know their students and are able to provide guidance based on students’ specific academic and career goals. There are numerous opportunities to conduct research with internationally prominent faculty and to take part in the Wisconsin Idea, whereby faculty and students extend the knowledge developed at the university to stakeholders in Wisconsin and beyond for the betterment of society.
Internships
Plant Pathology offers paid research internships during summer term, as well as paid or credit-earning research opportunities year-round. Undergraduates get a firsthand view of how research is conducted and what it means to be a professional scientist. For more information on internship opportunities available to plant pathology students, please visit our Internship & Job Resources page.
Research Experience
Nearly all Plant Pathology undergraduates participate in field- or lab-based research with a professor. Research in the department has a long tradition of supporting grower needs. Many faculty are using the plethora of research tools available, including molecular biology and systematics, to answer questions that are directly applicable to grower groups. Please visit the department's Research page for additional details on research activities in Plant Pathology.
Student Organizations
By joining the Plant Pathology Undergraduate Club, majors get to know their fellow students outside the classroom. The department provides resources for students to meet experts who lead discussions on a range of topics including cutting-edge research and technology, career options, and how to apply and compete for jobs.
Undergraduate students are also welcome to join What's Eating My Plants (WEMP). This organization, founded in 2010 by Plant Pathology graduate students, is dedicated to bridging the gap between the University and the greater Madison community. The students visit Family Science Nights at schools, community centers, and Saturday Science at the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery (WID) throughout the year.
Global Engagement
Plant Pathology students interested in studying issues on a global scale are encouraged to enroll in Plant Path 311: Global Food Security, which explores drivers of food insecurity: barriers to food production (pests, land availability, climate), barriers to food availability (politics, price, biofuels), and a greater need due to population growth. The Plant Pathology program is an excellent choice for students wishing to participate in a study abroad experience. Students can find more information about study abroad on the CALS study abroad advising page.
Community Engagement and Volunteering
The UW–Madison Division of Extension provides statewide access to the resources and research of the University of Wisconsin, other universities, and the United States Department of Agriculture so that the people of Wisconsin can learn, grow, and succeed at all stages of life. The UW–Madison Division of Extension carries out the tradition of the Wisconsin Idea – extending the boundaries of the university to the boundaries of the state. UW–Madison Extension and outreach activities support educational programs for farmers, businesses, communities, families, and youth. More details can be found on the department Extension & Outreach page.
On campus, the Morgridge Center for Public Service provides resources to help students connect with volunteer opportunities based on their interests and goals.
Resources and Scholarships
Department scholarships are available to Plant Pathology students and fellowships are available to support research work with a professor. Students across the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences receive more than $1.25 million in scholarships annually. Learn more about college scholarships here.