College of Agricultural and Life Sciences – University of Wisconsin-Madison

Learn about life

CALS students explore the living world through practical, hands-on learning.

Practical solutions that improve our world

We are at the center of issues that affect our lives and the future of our planet.

Acting globally

We are respected around the world for our expertise.

Stay connected

A tradition of sharing and giving is at the core of CALS continuing success.

In the lab.
In the field.
By your side.

We produce knowledge that generates social benefits for the communities we work with.

CALS NEWS »

A warmer world favors bark beetles over trees

Trees and the insects that eat them wage constant war. Insects burrow … Read more »
Wisconsin Center for Dairy Research reaches $16 million fundrais...
Wisconsin Agricultural Economic Outlook Forum takes place on Jan...
Researchers: Online science news needs careful study
Sign up now for the Jan. 23 Wisconsin Agricultural Economic Outl...

Soil scientists study the physical, chemical and biological properties of soils. Our graduates go on to map and classify soils, work as farm field consultants, manage golf courses and clean up polluted soil sites.

Life Sciences Communication

LSC students take hands-on classes in marketing, science writing, digital photography, social media, web design and video production. Faculty members are respected around the globe for cutting-edge communication research.

Bacteriology

Microbiologists study all kinds of microbes—including bacteria, archaea, viruses and fungi—in the context of biofuels and bioenergy, infectious disease and epidemics, bioterrorism, biotechnology, food safety and environmental biology.

Animal Sciences

Students in the CALS animal sciences department learn and research the best ways to raise beef, horses, pigs, sheep, chicken and fish--key animals for food and recreation.

Landscape Architecture

Landscape architects are involved in a wide variety of projects, from the design of large multi-unit housing developments to the restoration and management of natural ecosystems.