The Department of Plant and Agroecosystem Sciences (PAS) in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences recently received approval from the UW Board of Regents to launch a new undergraduate major in plant science and technology. The major, which students can declare starting in fall 2025, will combine the latest in technology with the basic principles of the biology of plants.

In 2023, the Departments of Agronomy and Horticulture merged to form PAS. The plant sciences and technology major is a reimagining of the agronomy and horticulture majors previously offered and will complement the department’s agroecology major, launched last year. The cutting-edge program will attract students who would have previously chosen agronomy or horticulture majors as well as new students interested in the technological side of crop production.

“The plant sciences and technology major is for students who want deep scientific fundamentals to build on and who want to be at the forefront of technological innovations for food systems,” says Kathryn Jones, academic advising manager in PAS.

Students in the major will have a strong foundation in math and science and will study the processes of how plants work. They will also learn how to apply technological solutions, such as drones, gene editing, automation and artificial intelligence, to challenges facing society, including food distribution, resource management and crop responses to climate change. Coursework will introduce not only plant fundamentals but also help students understand the complex social and economic systems in which the bioeconomy operates.

The program does not require prior knowledge of farms or food systems and is accessible to students from many areas of interest. Once enrolled, they will have the opportunity to work with faculty and staff committed to mentoring and supporting student development through hands-on work at facilities such as on-campus greenhouses, UW’s Agricultural Research Stations or the Wisconsin Crop Innovation Center.

“There is a real interest among people in the program to work individually with students and cultivate student success,” says Irwin Goldman, a professor in PAS. “There will be opportunities for internships, independent study and more. Faculty and staff want to connect with students and show them how research works.”

For years, the demand for plant scientists has exceeded the number of students trained in these fields. Graduates of the program will address that need and could go on to graduate school or find careers in crop production systems, consulting, precision agriculture, biotechnology, business, agricultural policy and more.