The UW-Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences got approval to launch graduate programs in plant science and technology.
The new master’s and PhD programs dive into the cutting-edge technologies behind growing the world’s food, fuel, and fiber. It prepares students to lead the future of sustainable agriculture. Students are beginning programs now.
In 2023, the Departments of Agronomy and Horticulture merged to become the Department of Plant and Agroecosystem Sciences or PAS. The new plant science and technology graduate programs will replace previous MS and PhD programs in agronomy and horticulture.
“Our new plant science and technology programs are thoughtfully designed to open doors for students and equip them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their careers,” says Amaya Atucha, professor, extension specialist, and chair of PAS.
These newly integrated programs explore how plants function and interact with their environments, from the cellular level to entire ecosystems. Students will discover how agricultural plants contribute to food, fuel, fiber, aesthetic value, and human well-being, while gaining hands-on experience with the latest technologies in agronomy, horticulture, crop production, physiology, and pest and weed management. The dynamic, interdisciplinary approach aims to prepare future leaders in plant science.
“We’re working to ensure that our academic programs are meeting the needs of industry and innovations in technology,” says Atucha. “Our coursework is designed to reflect the dynamic intersection of crop production and technology innovation.”
The new plant science and technology programs aim to stand out to both students and employers. Projections show agricultural and food science careers will grow faster than average over the next decade. Whether pursuing research, outreach, non-profit work, or consulting, students can make contributions in both the public and private sectors. Career paths may include roles such as crop consultant, research scientist, agronomist, greenhouse manager, climate-smart agriculture advisor, or precision agriculture specialist.
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