Career Exploration Center (CEC)
Explore the next steps in your academic and career journey

Horticulture

Horticulture, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
During the National Science Olympiad Tournament, Jennifer Curtis with Juan Zalapa (left), professor of horticulture inside the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery (WID). (Photo by Bryce Richter / UW-Madison)

Advisor: Kathryn Jones (608-807-7391, kjones26@wisc.edu) Schedule an appointment.

Field of Study: The study of the genetics development, production, growth, distribution, and use of fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants.

Possible Careers: Research scientist; sales representative for seed and nursery industry; urban forester; plant breeder/geneticist; greenhouse manager; fruit/vegetable grower; horticultural therapist; agricultural research technician; arboriculturist; vineyard manager; plant propagator; agricultural educator; nursery inspector.

Special Opportunities & Additional Information

  • UW Madison Horticulture Society, Badger Turf and Grounds Club and Pi Alpha Xi (national society for floriculture and ornamental horticulture).
  • Field trips to various locations in the U.S.
  • Nationally prominent faculty with proven record of mentoring students
  • Opportunities to get involved with research or work in faculty labs early in your undergraduate career
  • Study Abroad Opportunities – a course on Tropical Horticulture in Costa Rica, a course on Organic Agriculture in Costa Rica, a semester abroad in Wageningen, and much more via CALS or UW-Madison International Academic Programs (IAP)
  • Graduate studies available in plant breeding, genetics, ecology, physiology and biotechnology.
  • Undergraduate students are encouraged to gain lab, field and internship experience, as well as attend and present research papers at professional society meetings. Limited funds are available to support these activities. Advisors with industry tieshelp place students in summer internships and jobs.
  • Employment opportunities available with the B.S. degree.
  • Graduate studies available in plant breeding, genetics, ecology, physiology and biotechnology.
Selected Required Courses for the B.S. Degree:
  • Intro Biology: Biology 151-152; or Botany 130 and Zoology 101-102 (preferred) ; or Biocore
  • Calculus: Optional (1 course from: Math 210, 211, 217, 221, 222; Stats 301, 371; Comp Sci 302)
  • General Chemistry: Chem 103-104; or Chem 109
  • Organic Chemistry: None
  • Physics: None
  • Statistics: Optional (1 course from: Math 210, 211, 217, 221, 222; Stats 301, 371; Comp Sci 302)