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Academics

Explore Our Majors Through Your Academic Interest Areas

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Agriculture

Agricultural and Applied Economics: Learn how to use economic data to understand agricultural issues, including world hunger, climate change, globalization and trade, and more.

Agricultural Business Management: Students will take courses in Agricultural and Applied Economics as well as courses in the School of Business to learn how to make business decisions in the agricultural and food sectors.

Agronomy: Learn about the plants that feed and benefit humankind and implement solutions to problems in crop production.

Animal and Veterinary Biosciences: Study the biology of domesticated animals to better understand their health. Address important issues related to animal health and welfare, biomedical advancements, food safety, precision livestock farming, and land and water stewardship.

Dairy Science: Focus on the technology and science behind the production of milk and milk products.

Food Science: Learn how to maintain and improve a safe and nutritious food supply by applying science and engineering to the production, processing, distribution, preparation, and evaluation of food.

Horticulture: Focus on applied plant science of edible and ornamental plants, plant biology, plant and landscape ecology, plant biotechnology, and crop production.

Plant Pathology: Focus on 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.

Soil Science: Examine the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil to optimize and preserve land. Areas of emphasis include soil ecology, soil erosion and tillage management, soil fertility and plant nutrition, waste management, and more.

Undeclared Major in Agriculture: Passionate about agriculture but not sure exactly what you want to major in? You can apply as an undecided student in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. You’ll work with the CALS advisors to sample courses and find the right major for you.

Animal and Veterinary Sciences

Animal and Veterinary Biosciences: Study the biology of domesticated animals to better understand their health. Address important issues related to animal health and welfare, biomedical advancements, food safety, precision livestock farming, and land and water stewardship.

Biology: Study a broad range of biological sciences and participate in research to prepare for a career as a health professional, scientist, consultant, analyst, or manager. The Biology major is offered in both the College of Agricultural & Life Sciences (CALS) and the College of Letters & Science (L&S).

Dairy Science: Focus on the technology and science behind the production of milk and milk products.

Entomology: Study insects, including their relationships with other animals, their environments, and human beings.

Wildlife Ecology: Apply science to manage and conserve wildlife populations and their habitats. Choose between two tracks: natural sciences or natural resources.

Zoology: Study the biology and behavior of animals, with the option to specialize in a number of areas of biology through courses and research opportunities.

Anthropology and Cultural Studies

African American Studies: Study aspects of African American culture, history, and society, including the arts, inter-group relations, and Black Women’s studies.

African Cultural Studies: Learn about African literature, film and media studies, music, and art while expanding your understanding of cultural, historical, political, and social issues through coursework and the opportunity to study one of six department-offered African languages.

Anthropology: Combine the studies of archeology, biological evolution, and the influence of society, politics, and culture on human diversity and changes throughout history and across the world.

Asian Languages and Cultures: Learn how to recognize and critically analyze the realities of past and present “Asia” as a region that is crucial to the global flows of people, materials, and ideas.

Chicana/o and Latina/o Studies: Study the history, cultural production, politics, and social life of people of Latin American descent in the United States from interdisciplinary perspectives while developing critical thinking, research, and writing skills.

Chinese: Courses and activities that impart an understanding of the culture and civilization of China.

Gender and Women’s Studies: Study gender, sexuality, and other aspects of inequality in the United States and abroad via interdisciplinary, feminist, and social justice lenses.

German: Develop your ability to communicate effectively in German and deepen your knowledge of important cultural, historical, social, and political contexts in the German-speaking world.

International Studies: Learn about international and transnational political, social, economic, commercial, and environmental affairs, with three tracks in the major: Global Security, Politics & Policy in the Global Economy, and Culture in the Age of Globalization.

Japanese: Courses and activities that enhance students’ intercultural and transcultural competencies through study of the Japanese language, history, and culture.

Jewish Studies: Study and interpret Jewish and ancient Israelite history, society, culture, and more, as well as establish proficiency in the Hebrew language.

Latin American, Caribbean, and Iberian Studies: Learn about the culture and civilizations of Latin America, the Caribbean, Spain, and Portugal, and gain the skills to speak conversational Spanish or Portuguese.

Religious Studies: Analyze religious phenomena worldwide and understand how it affects human life, looking at the relationship between religion, society, and culture, and using history to see how religion has developed and influenced people over time.

Scandinavian Studies: Study the cultures and societies of the Nordic countries and gain the skills to speak Norwegian or another Scandinavian language.

Art and Design

Art: The Bachelor of Science in Art degree offers specialized areas such as ceramics, drawing, glass and neon, graphic design, papermaking, performance, or photography. The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art degree is often selected by students wishing to develop a refined visual art portfolio in preparation for a career as a professional artist and/or for graduate study.

Art Education: Become certified to teach in both elementary and secondary schools. A perfect choice for those who love making art, viewing and engaging in lively discussions about art, and working in creative environments.

Art History: Learn how art in its various forms has impacted history, with a focus on images, objects, artifacts, and using analytical skills to become a critical thinker.

Interior Architecture: Combine your passion for art and aesthetics with social and physical sciences to design human-centered spaces in the built environment through the integration of design, sustainability and business principles.

Landscape Architecture: Learn to influence the design and management of cities, parks, and open spaces while learning principles of design theory to gain technical skills in construction technology, planting design, and graphic communication.

Textiles and Fashion Design: Combine your creative and artistic talents in fashion and textiles with sustainability practices to launch a thriving career in the global fashion industry.

Business

Accounting: Learn to help organizations manage money and materials in order to monitor and report on organizations’ financial well-being.

Actuarial Science: Use mathematics and statistics to assess the liabilities and risks a company faces when it offers an insurance product or pension plan.

Agricultural Business Management: Learn how to make business decisions in the agricultural and food sectors by taking courses in Agricultural and Applied Economics as well as courses in the School of Business.

Community and Nonprofit Leadership: Transform your passions for community development and social change into a thriving career that makes a positive difference in the world.

Consumer Behavior and Marketplace Studies: Leverage the principles of marketing, entrepreneurship, merchandising, and product development to enhance the global consumer experience.

Economics: Gain a greater understanding of how people, businesses, and governments respond to their economic environments.

Finance, Investment, and Banking: Manage organizations’ financial resources, weighing the risks and returns associated with financial products and institutions.

Information Systems: Use a blend of business acumen, knowledge of industry standards, and practical information technology (IT) skills to help organizations maximize technology’s full potential.

International Business: Focus on the business practices, languages, and cultures of a global region.

Management and Human Resources: Choose from any combination of three specialties: management (organizational structure and function), human resources (attracting, developing, and retaining people), or entrepreneurship (bringing new ideas to market).

Marketing: Learn about traditional marketing areas, like sales and research, as well as learning to understand and strategize consumer motivations.

Operations and Technology Management: Focus on the design, production, and delivery of products and services to meet customer needs.

Personal Finance: Develop the expertise to help individuals and families become financially secure, manage wealth and investments, and navigate complex financial decisions.

Real Estate: Appraise property values for investors and the government, broker transactions, oversee development programs, manage properties, and plan and regulate communities.

Risk Management and Insurance: Identify, analyze, and manage risks that are inherent in the operation of profit and not-for-profit institutions.

Supply Chain Management: Manage the integrated challenges of organizing people, technology, and materials as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible while meeting customers’ needs in the delivery of products and services.

Undeclared Major in Business: Passionate about business but not sure exactly what you want to major in? You can apply as an undecided student in the Wisconsin School of Business. You’ll work with the Business advisors to sample courses and find the right major for you.

Communications and Journalism

Communication Arts: Communication is a central component of our everyday lives. Become skilled, critical consumers and producers of communication with two tracks in the major: Radio-Television-Film, and Communication Science & Rhetorical Studies.

English: Enhance communication skills, creativity, and learn to understand different cultures and perspectives, with three options in the major: Creative Writing, Language & Linguistics, or Literature.

Information Science: Explore how people interact with information, data and technology and learn to develop equitable information and data systems.

Journalism: Study mass communication while tying in social sciences and humanities courses, with two tracks in the major: Strategic Communication and Reporting.

Life Sciences Communication: Develop communication and strategy skills to be applied as a professional communicator in health, agricultural, biological, and technical fields.

Linguistics: Scientific approach to the study of human language, including how languages are structured, how people learn and use language, and the diversity of languages across the world.

Computer and Information Sciences

Cartography and Geographic Information Systems: Study and develop digital technology and the theory behind it to help people work with geographic information.

Computer Engineering: Learn how to design, develop, and manage systems that have an electronic “brain,” such as computers, networks, digital systems, and more.

Computer Sciences: Go beyond computer programming by gaining skills in machine learning, hardware design, robotics, and software engineering.

Data Science: A fast-growing discipline that uses math, statistics, and programming skills to solve data rich problems, develop data science tools, and produce meaningful insights from data to deepen your understanding of the world.

Information Science: Explore how people interact with information, data and technology and learn to develop equitable information and data systems.

Information Systems: Use a blend of business acumen, knowledge of industry standards, and practical information technology (IT) skills to help organizations maximize technology’s full potential.

Mathematics: Mathematics is about understanding the world through studies of quantity, structure, pattern, and change to create logical solutions that make life more meaningful and more beautiful.

Operations and Technology Management: Focus on the design, production, and delivery of products and services to meet customer needs.

Education

Art Education: Become certified to teach in both elementary and secondary schools. A perfect choice for those who love making art, viewing and engaging in lively discussions about art, and working in creative environments.

Education Studies: Engage critically in issues related to education policy and practice, including education-related social disparities and the interconnections between education and other major social institutions.

Elementary Education: Prepare to teach in preschool, elementary, and middle schools by engaging in supervised fieldwork, community field experiences, self-examination of teaching practice, and development of multicultural classroom activities.

Elementary Education and Special Education: Gain valuable insight and experience in promoting equity, inclusivity and accessibility in both general and special education classrooms. The program is a unique opportunity to pursue licensure in both Elementary Education and Special Education.

Music Education: Earn certification to teach general music and also vocal or instrumental music in elementary and secondary schools.

Physical Education: Prepare for physical education teaching positions, as well as other careers in fitness and healthcare through kinesiology coursework and education coursework.

Special Education: Prepare to work effectively across disability categories in elementary, middle, and high schools with students who have a wide range of abilities.

Undeclared Major in Education: Passionate about education but not sure exactly what you want to major in? You can apply as an undecided student in the School of Education. You’ll work with the Education advisors to sample courses and find the right major for you.

Engineering

Applied Mathematics, Engineering, and Physics: Gain a strong theoretical foundation in related areas of engineering sciences, mathematics, and physics for professional work in the field of industrial research and technology.

Biological Systems Engineering: Design systems and equipment for food, fiber, and biological materials. Choose from three tracks: Machinery Systems, Natural Resources & Environment, or Food & Bioprocess.

Biomedical Engineering: Gain the engineering skills to solve problems in biology and medicine, such as designing medical instruments or repairing the human body.

Chemical Engineering: Create products and deal with problems involving chemical, biological, and physical phenomena.

Civil Engineering: Apply engineering tools to human environment needs in order to build the streets, bridges, and water systems that make up our world.

Computer Engineering: Learn how to design, develop, and manage systems that have an electronic “brain,” such as computers, networks, digital systems, and more.

Electrical Engineering: Focus on creating and innovating electrical and electronic components and systems, from robotics to transistors.

Engineering Mechanics: Work with physical laws to design nuclear reactors, aircraft, and other mechanical systems.

Engineering Physics: Participate in original research in emerging technologies. Select from focus areas in nanoengineering, plasma science & engineering, or scientific computation.

Geological Engineering: Learn how to find the best ways to use Earth’s resources to solve technical problems while protecting the environment.

Industrial Engineering: Learn to design, analyze, and improve complex human and resource systems in manufacturing and beyond.

Materials Science and Engineering: Focus on creating new materials and improving existing materials to suit the needs of everyday life, and work with materials of all kinds, such as metals, ceramics, and polymers.

Mechanical Engineering: Learn the science and engineering principles of designing and building machines, structures, engines, and more.

Nuclear Engineering: Study the use of nuclear energy to produce electricity and its uses in medicine, science, and industry. The program also offers a Radiation Sciences track, which explores the non-electric applications of nuclear energy.

Undeclared Major in Engineering: Passionate about engineering but not sure exactly what you want to major in? You can apply as an undecided student in the College of Engineering. You’ll work with the Engineering advisors to sample courses and find the right major for you.

English, Literature, and Writing

English: Enhance communication skills, creativity, and learn to understand different cultures and perspectives, with three options in the major: Creative Writing, Language & Linguistics, or Literature.

Journalism and Mass Communication: Study mass communication while tying in social sciences and humanities courses, with two tracks in the major: Strategic Communication and Reporting.

Linguistics: Scientific approach to the study of human language, including how languages are structured, how people learn and use language, and the diversity of languages across the world.

Environmental and Earth Science

Astronomy–Physics: Study the solar system, stars, and galaxies, and join a field that has made groundbreaking research in recent decades.

Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences: Develop an understanding of the ocean and atmosphere—how they relate to each other and how they interact with space.

Botany: Study plants, algae, fungi and bacteria—all living organisms except animals—and lay the foundation for a career in fields such as environmental studies, ecology, or agriculture.

Cartography and Geographic Information Systems: Study and develop digital technology and the theory behind it to help people work with geographic information.

Community and Environmental Sociology: Learn about the relationship between people and their natural environment and the community they live in.

Conservation Biology: Focus on biology, ecology, and natural history in relation to conservation to create a foundation for a career in environmental education or policy, natural resource management, endangered species research, and more.

Environmental Sciences: Develop critical thinking and environmental problem-solving skills in preparation for a career in a wide range of fields including natural resource management, environmental planning and monitoring, or ecological restoration. This major is offered in both the College of Agricultural & Life Sciences (CALS) and the College of Letters & Science (L&S).

Environmental Studies: Cover all disciplines that relate to the environment, such as biological, physical, and social sciences, while incorporating the humanities, history, and modern culture.

Forest Science: Learn to manage forests toward sustainable ecological, social, and economic outcomes. Choose from three tracks: forest conservation, forests and the environment, or forest management.

Geography: Study the Earth’s surface and natural resources and how people around the world interact with their environments.

Geological Engineering: Learn how to find the best ways to use Earth’s resources to solve technical problems while protecting the environment.

Geology and Geophysics: Study the Earth’s past and present natural environment and explore the structure of the Earth from crust to core.

Global Health: Study human health and well-being through population-level and planetary health perspectives, and learn how public health across the world is influenced by multiple interconnected systems like climate change, food systems, disease ecology, environmental health, economic development, and healthcare access.

Landscape and Urban Studies: Gain the knowledge and skills needed to recognize and address current and future urban and regional challenges, such as sustainable and equitable land use, social and spatial inequalities, and the conservation, management, and restoration of natural and cultural systems.

Wildlife Ecology: Apply science to manage and conserve wildlife populations and their habitats. Choose between two tracks: natural sciences or natural resources.

Finance and Economics

Accounting: Learn to help organizations manage money and materials in order to monitor and report on organizations’ financial well-being.

Agricultural and Applied Economics: Learn how to use economic data to understand agricultural issues, including world hunger, climate change, globalization and trade, and more.

Economics: Gain a greater understanding of how people, businesses, and governments respond to their economic environments.

Finance, Investment, and Banking: Manage organizations’ financial resources, weighing the risks and returns associated with financial products and institutions.

Personal Finance: Develop the expertise to help individuals and families become financially secure, manage wealth and investments, and navigate complex financial decisions.

Fitness, Wellness, and Nutrition

Food Science: Learn how to maintain and improve a safe and nutritious food supply by applying science and engineering to the production, processing, distribution, preparation, and evaluation of food.

Kinesiology: Examine how the body responds to physical activity, the role of physiological and psychological factors in exercise, mechanics driving movement, and how movement is controlled, learned, and developed over the lifespan.

Nutritional Sciences: Discover the physiological and biochemical mechanisms underlying nutrition and their implications for health and disease.

Nutritional Sciences: Nutrition and Dietetics: Learn to promote a healthy lifestyle through the integration of biochemical, physiological, social, and managerial concepts within the science of nutrition.

Physical Education: Prepare for physical education teaching positions, as well as other careers in fitness and healthcare through kinesiology coursework and education coursework.

Rehabilitation Psychology: Learn how to promote and support the independence and full inclusion of people with disabilities in employment and the community.

Foreign/World Language

African Cultural Studies: Learn about African literature, film and media studies, music, and art while expanding your understanding of cultural, historical, political, and social issues through coursework and the opportunity to study one of six department-offered African languages.

Asian Languages and Cultures: Learn how to recognize and critically analyze the realities of past and present “Asia” as a region that is crucial to the global flows of people, materials, and ideas.

Chinese: Courses and activities that impart an understanding of the culture and civilization of China.

French: Study French language, culture, literature, phonetics, film, professional communication and selected French topics from beginner to advanced level, gaining an understanding of civilization in France and other French-speaking countries while learning to speak conversationally.

German: Develop your ability to communicate effectively in German and deepen your knowledge of important cultural, historical, social, and political contexts in the German-speaking world.

Italian: Study Italian language, culture, literature, art, architecture, gastronomy, film, and history from the Middle Ages to the present, through beginner-to-advanced conversational speaking and through immersive events.

Japanese: Courses and activities that enhance students’ intercultural and transcultural competencies through study of the Japanese language, history, and culture.

Latin American, Caribbean, and Iberian Studies: Learn about the culture and civilizations of Latin America, the Caribbean, Spain, and Portugal, and gain the skills to speak conversational Spanish or Portuguese.

Linguistics: Scientific approach to the study of human language, including how languages are structured, how people learn and use language, and the diversity of languages across the world.

Polish: Learn about the culture and civilization of Poland and gain the language skills to speak conversationally.

Portuguese: Gain an understanding of how people communicate and how language works and varies across the Portuguese-speaking world.

Russian: Learn about the culture and civilization of Russia and gain the language skills to speak conversationally.

Scandinavian Studies: Study the cultures and societies of the Nordic countries and gain the skills to speak Norwegian or another Scandinavian language.

Spanish: Study at all levels in the language, literature, linguistics, film, and cultures of Latin America and Spain.

Health and Medical Professions

Biology: Study a broad range of biological sciences and participate in research to prepare for a career as a health professional, scientist, consultant, analyst, or manager. The Biology major is offered in both the College of Agricultural & Life Sciences (CALS) and the College of Letters & Science (L&S).

Biomedical Engineering: Gain the engineering skills to solve problems in biology and medicine, such as designing medical instruments or repairing the human body.

Communication Sciences and Disorders: Support others’ abilities to communicate effectively through the study of speech, hearing, and language.

Genetics and Genomics: Study how genes shape life, from fundamental cellular functions to population dynamics.

Global Health: Study human health and well-being through population-level and planetary health perspectives, and learn how public health across the world is influenced by multiple interconnected systems like climate change, food systems, disease ecology, environmental health, economic development, and healthcare access.

Health Promotion and Health Equity: Prepare for a career as a health educator in a variety of settings. Special emphasis is placed on equity as you develop the skills to work with diverse, underrepresented, and underserved populations.

Human Development and Family Studies: Examine development across the lifespan and prepare for a meaningful future in areas such as psychology, education, health, research, social work, business, and counseling.

Microbiology: Focus on the broad aspects of microorganisms and dive deeper into topics such as environmental microbiology, food microbiology, genetics, and immunology.

Molecular and Cell Biology: Explore the properties and functions of the molecules that make up living cells, and prepare for careers in research, medicine, or biotechnology.

Neurobiology: Study of the brain and nervous systems and build a foundation for continuing studies in a range of health, academic and industry-related careers, like physician, veterinarian, speech-language pathologist, professor, scientist.

Nursing: Participate in interactive simulations and provide hands-on care in this two-year course sequence that builds on a foundation of pre-nursing study.

Nutritional Sciences: Discover the physiological and biochemical mechanisms underlying nutrition and their implications for health and disease.

Nutritional Sciences: Nutrition and Dietetics: Learn to promote a healthy lifestyle through the integration of biochemical, physiological, social, and managerial concepts within the science of nutrition.

Pharmacology and Toxicology: Learn about the mechanisms of drug action as well as the adverse effects of chemicals on humans and animals through this multidisciplinary biomedical science program.

Pharmacy (Intended Doctor of Pharmacy): Know you want to become a pharmacist and plan to pursue your Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree? Fast track into pharmacy school. A bachelor’s degree is not required to apply to the PharmD program at UW–Madison. The pre-pharmacy fast track gives the opportunity to earn both a Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences and a Doctor of Pharmacy degree in as little as six years.

Zoology: Study the biology and behavior of animals, with the option to specialize in a number of areas of biology through courses and research opportunities.

History

Anthropology: Combine the studies of archeology, biological evolution, and the influence of society, politics, and culture on human diversity and changes throughout history and across the world.

Art History: Learn how art in its various forms has impacted history, with a focus on images, objects, artifacts, and using analytical skills to become a critical thinker.

Chicana/o and Latina/o Studies: Study the history, cultural production, politics, and social life of people of Latin American descent in the United States from interdisciplinary perspectives while developing critical thinking, research, and writing skills.

Classical Humanities: Study the literature, civilization, and cultures of Greece, Rome, and the Ancient Near East and choose to learn one of three languages: Ancient Greek, Latin, or Biblical Hebrew.

Classics: Achieve language proficiency in both Greek and Latin and develop analytical and critical thinking skills by studying ancient writers in their native language.

History: Grapple with complex questions and dilemmas by examining how the past has shaped—and continues to shape—global, national, and local relationships between societies and people.

Latin: Achieve a high level of competency in the language of ancient Rome through reading works by famous authors like Vergil, Ovid, and Julius Caesar, and span genres such as lyric, satire, and drama.

Horticulture and Plant Sciences

Agronomy: Learn about the plants that feed and benefit humankind and implement solutions to problems in crop production.

Botany: Study plants, algae, fungi and bacteria—all living organisms except animals—and lay the foundation for a career in fields such as environmental studies, ecology, or agriculture.

Forest Science: Learn to manage forests toward sustainable ecological, social, and economic outcomes. Choose from three tracks: forest conservation, forests and the environment, or forest management.

Horticulture: Focus on applied plant science of edible and ornamental plants, plant biology, plant and landscape ecology, plant biotechnology, and crop production.

Landscape Architecture: Learn to influence the design and management of cities, parks, and open spaces while learning principles of design theory to gain technical skills in construction technology, planting design, and graphic communication.

Plant Pathology: Focus on 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.

Soil Science: Examine the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil to optimize and preserve land. Areas of emphasis include soil ecology, soil erosion and tillage management, soil fertility and plant nutrition, waste management, and more.

Lab Sciences

Astronomy–Physics: Study the solar system, stars, and galaxies, and join a field that has made groundbreaking research in recent decades.

Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences: Develop an understanding of the ocean and atmosphere—how they relate to each other and how they interact with space.

Biochemistry: Focus on the chemistry of life at the molecular and cellular levels and gain knowledge for understanding disease and improving food and fuel production. This major is offered in both the College of Agricultural & Life Sciences (CALS) and the College of Letters & Science (L&S).

Biological Systems Engineering: Design systems and equipment for food, fiber, and biological materials. Choose from three tracks: Machinery Systems, Natural Resources & Environment, or Food & Bioprocess.

Biology: Study a broad range of biological sciences and participate in research to prepare for a career as a health professional, scientist, consultant, analyst, or manager. The Biology major is offered in both the College of Agricultural & Life Sciences (CALS) and the College of Letters & Science (L&S).

Chemical Engineering: Create products and deal with problems involving chemical, biological, and physical phenomena.

Chemistry: Explore fundamental physical and structural properties of matter at the smallest scale to allow for scientific breakthroughs that protect the environment, solve energy challenges, enable more efficient food production, produce new medicines, and create sustainable new technologies.

Conservation Biology: Focus on biology, ecology, and natural history in relation to conservation to create a foundation for a career in environmental education or policy, natural resource management, endangered species research, and more.

Genetics and Genomics: Study how genes shape life, from fundamental cellular functions to population dynamics.

Geology and Geophysics: Study the Earth’s past and present natural environment and explore the structure of the Earth from crust to core.

Microbiology: Focus on the broad aspects of microorganisms and dive deeper into topics such as environmental microbiology, food microbiology, genetics, and immunology.

Molecular and Cell Biology: Explore the properties and functions of the molecules that make up living cells, and prepare for careers in research, medicine, or biotechnology.

Neurobiology: Study of the brain and nervous systems and build a foundation for continuing studies in a range of health, academic and industry-related careers, like physician, veterinarian, speech-language pathologist, professor, scientist.

Pharmacology and Toxicology: Learn about the mechanisms of drug action as well as the adverse effects of chemicals on humans and animals through this multidisciplinary biomedical science program.

Pharmacy (Intended Doctor of Pharmacy): Know you want to become a pharmacist and plan to pursue your Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree? Fast track into pharmacy school. A bachelor’s degree is not required to apply to the PharmD program at UW-Madison. The pre-pharmacy fast track gives the opportunity to earn both a Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences and a Doctor of Pharmacy degree in as little as six years.

Physics: Study energy, matter, and radiation in all forms, and focus on unravelling the mysteries of how the universe works.

Law and Politics

Community and Nonprofit Leadership: Transform your passions for community development and social change into a thriving career that makes a positive difference in the world.

History: Grapple with complex questions and dilemmas by examining how the past has shaped—and continues to shape—global, national, and local relationships between societies and people.

International Studies: Learn about international and transnational political, social, economic, commercial, and environmental affairs, with three tracks in the major: Global Security, Politics & Policy in the Global Economy, and Culture in the Age of Globalization.

Legal Studies: Provides a liberal education across traditional disciplines, focusing on the theory and operation of law and legal institutions.

Political Science: Become an informed and active citizen through the study of how politics affects human behavior and world events.

Russian: Learn about the culture and civilization of Russia and gain the language skills to speak conversationally.

Marketing and Advertising

Communication Arts: Communication is a central component of our everyday lives. Become skilled, critical consumers and producers of communication with two tracks in the major: Radio-Television-Film, and Communication Science & Rhetorical Studies.

Consumer Behavior and Marketplace Studies: Leverage the principles of marketing, entrepreneurship, merchandising, and product development to enhance the global consumer experience.

Journalism: Study mass communication while tying in social sciences and humanities courses, with two tracks in the major: Strategic Communication and Reporting.

Life Sciences Communication: Develop communication and strategy skills to be applied as a professional communicator in health, agricultural, biological, and technical fields.

Marketing: Learn about traditional marketing areas, like sales and research, as well as learning to understand and strategize consumer motivations.

Mathematics and Statistics

Actuarial Science: Use mathematics and statistics to assess the liabilities and risks a company faces when it offers an insurance product or pension plan.

Applied Mathematics, Engineering, and Physics: Gain a strong theoretical foundation in related areas of engineering sciences, mathematics, and physics for professional work in the field of industrial research and technology.

Data Science: A fast-growing discipline that uses math, statistics, and programming skills to solve data rich problems, develop data science tools, and produce meaningful insights from data to deepen your understanding of the world.

Mathematics: Mathematics is about understanding the world through studies of quantity, structure, pattern, and change to create logical solutions that make life more meaningful and more beautiful.

Personal Finance: Develop the expertise to help individuals and families become financially secure, manage wealth and investments, and navigate complex financial decisions.

Statistics: Learn to collect and analyze sample data in order to make assumptions and answer questions about the natural variation and data patterns found in every industry.

Nonprofit and Social Justice

Community and Nonprofit Leadership: Transform your passions for community development and social change into a thriving career that makes a positive difference in the world.

Gender and Women’s Studies: Study gender, sexuality, and other aspects of inequality in the United States and abroad via interdisciplinary, feminist, and social justice lenses.

Health Promotion and Health Equity: Prepare for a career as a health educator in a variety of settings. Special emphasis is placed on equity as you develop the skills to work with diverse, underrepresented, and underserved populations.

Landscape and Urban Studies: Gain the knowledge and skills needed to recognize and address current and future urban and regional challenges, such as sustainable and equitable land use, social and spatial inequalities, and the conservation, management, and restoration of natural and cultural systems.

Legal Studies: Provides a liberal education across traditional disciplines, focusing on the theory and operation of law and legal institutions.

Political Science: Become an informed and active citizen through the study of how politics affects human behavior and world events.

Social Welfare: Gain an overview of current social problems and understand social welfare in its broad social, economic, and political contexts.

Sociology: Scientifically study social life through a broad array of topics including intimate relationships, friendship groups, families, education, politics, economic arrangements, crime, inequality, illness, and much more.

Performing Arts

Dance: The Bachelor of Science in Dance degree was designed for students who wish to prepare for graduate work in theoretical areas of dance or who wish to combine their interest in dance with other fields of study. The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance degree is for students with a strong interest and aptitude in dance and/or professional dance theater.

Music: Combine course work and involvement in organizations, then apply to a specific area of study after the first year. Choose from one of four concentrations: performance, history, theory, or an individualized curriculum, such as composition or jazz studies.

Music Education: Earn certification to teach general music and also vocal or instrumental music in elementary and secondary schools.

Music Performance: Designed for students with an interest in professional concertizing, studio teaching, or commercial music performance.

Theatre and Drama: Prepare for a career in all aspects of the entertainment industry. Select from areas of emphasis such as design, stage management, directing, acting, or theatre technology.

Philosophy and Classics

Classical Humanities: Study the literature, civilization, and cultures of Greece, Rome, and the Ancient Near East and choose to learn one of three languages: Ancient Greek, Latin, or Biblical Hebrew.

Classics: Achieve language proficiency in both Greek and Latin and develop analytical and critical thinking skills by studying ancient writers in their native language.

Latin: Achieve a high level of competency in the language of ancient Rome through reading works by famous authors like Vergil, Ovid, and Julius Caesar, and span genres such as lyric, satire, and drama.

Philosophy: Focus on the nature of knowledge and the basic concept of human understanding and values.

Psychology and Sociology

Community and Environmental Sociology: Learn about the relationship between people and their natural environment and the community they live in.

Human Development and Family Studies: Examine child/adolescent development and family relationships and prepare for a meaningful future in areas such as education, family therapy, occupational therapy, social services, and human resources.

Life Sciences Communication: Develop communication and strategy skills to be applied as a professional communicator in health, agricultural, biological, and technical fields.

Psychology: Learn about the multiple content areas of scientific psychology by focusing on biological psychology, clinical cognitive psychology & cognitive neuroscience, developmental psychology, and social & personality psychology.

Rehabilitation Psychology: Learn how to promote and support the independence and full inclusion of people with disabilities in employment and the community.

Social Welfare: Gain an overview of current social problems and understand social welfare in its broad social, economic, and political contexts.

Social Work: Prepare to be a beginning-level professional social worker by taking courses in a variety of social sciences in order to view social welfare in its broad social, economic, and political contexts.

Sociology: Scientifically study social life through a broad array of topics including intimate relationships, friendship groups, families, education, politics, economic arrangements, crime, inequality, illness, and much more.

Religious Studies

Jewish Studies: Study and interpret Jewish and ancient Israelite history, society, culture, and more, as well as establish proficiency in the Hebrew language.

Religious Studies: Analyze religious phenomena worldwide and understand how it affects human life, looking at the relationship between religion, society, and culture, and using history to see how religion has developed and influenced people over time.

Social Work and Counseling

Human Development and Family Studies: Examine child/adolescent development and family relationships and prepare for a meaningful future in areas such as education, family therapy, occupational therapy, social services, and human resources.

Psychology: Learn about the multiple content areas of scientific psychology by focusing on biological psychology, clinical cognitive psychology & cognitive neuroscience, developmental psychology, and social & personality psychology.

Social Welfare: Gain an overview of current social problems and understand social welfare in its broad social, economic, and political contexts.

Social Work: Prepare to be a beginning-level professional social worker by taking courses in a variety of social sciences in order to view social welfare in its broad social, economic, and political contexts.

Special Education and Communication Disorders

Communication Sciences and Disorders: Support others’ abilities to communicate effectively through the study of speech, hearing, and language.

Elementary Education and Special Education: Gain valuable insight and experience in promoting equity, inclusivity and accessibility in both general and special education classrooms. The program is a unique opportunity to pursue licensure in both Elementary Education and Special Education.

Special Education: Prepare to work effectively across disability categories in elementary, middle, and high schools with students who have a wide range of abilities.

FAQs About Majors

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What is a major?

Your major is the primary focus of your degree. Each major has different coursework required that provides you with specialized knowledge in that field.

What if I want to double major?

Double majors are declared as a current student and should be discussed with your advisor at SOAR or during your time as a student at UW–Madison.

How do majors work at UW–Madison?

You’ll apply with an intended major. Students are admitted to the university with an intent to pursue their major, which they formally declare as a current student. Those who apply with an interest in a major in the College of Engineering, the Wisconsin School of Business, or a major in music or dance may be directly admitted as an incoming first-year student. You may also apply as an undecided student within most of our colleges, if you know the area you wish to study, but aren’t sure of the specific program. Undecided students who are not sure of the school or college they wish to pursue a degree in should apply as Undeclared in the College of Letters and Science.

What if I want to minor in something?

At UW–Madison, we offer certificates. They are similar to minors that you may find at other schools.  Certificates allow for a secondary specialization to make you even more marketable.

What if I don't find my major?

Majors and programs are called different things at different schools. Maybe you know what you want to do, but not what major will get you there. Our office can help you find what program(s) we have that offer what you are looking for.

We also encourage you to explore the Academic Interest Areas that can help you find majors based on what you want to study.

What if I don't know what I want to study?

That’s okay. You don’t have to know what you want to study to apply to or start at UW–Madison. Many students change their major—before they start college, and during. We offer numerous resources, including major exploration fairs and advisors who specialize in working with undecided students to help you find your focus.

All students are initially admitted into the university and not into specific programs and majors, with the exception of our Direct Entry programs. Admission to the university does not guarantee admission into a specific major program or college.

To learn more about the admission expectations, requirements, and procedures for the major of interest to you, consult our Entrance Requirements for Undergraduate Majors

Transfer students interested in professional programs in  the Schools of Business, Education, Nursing, and Pharmacy are required to apply for admission to those programs. You may be eligible to apply to a professional program when you apply to the university if you have met that program’s course prerequisites. Please consult our schools and colleges websites  for course prerequisites, GPA requirements, and application procedures and deadlines.

In addition, the Graduate School offers Master’s and Doctoral degrees in many disciplines. The three professional schools are the Law School, the School of Medicine and Public Health, and the School of Veterinary Medicine.

Our faculty and staff provide a world-class educational experience. With an astounding legacy of learning and discovery, you can choose from over 4,700 classes in nearly any subject and take time to explore the major that’s right for you.

Our students know that learning is a lifelong journey, and they study with people who also embrace spirited discussion and debate. Research is a critical component of the work our undergraduates produce, and regardless of your field, you will be challenged to think critically.

Get ready to be enriched by your classmates, inspired by your professors, and supported in your desire to learn.