About CALS

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We’re growing the future

Located at the heart of the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus, the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) is one of the oldest and most prestigious colleges devoted to the study of our living world.

Established in 1889, CALS carries out UW-Madison’s mission as a land-grant public university through excellence in teaching, research and public outreach across 15 academic departments. By encouraging collaboration and innovation across these fields, the college is working to address society’s grand challenges in the areas of food systems; ecosystems; climate change; bioenergy and bioproducts; economic and community development; and health and wellness.

CALS Mission

To advance and share knowledge, discover solutions, and promote opportunities in food and agriculture, bioenergy, health, the environment, and human well-being

Vision

To lead in science, innovation, and collaboration that improves life and sustains the natural world

“When students come to us, they’re not coming here to learn just traditional agriculture…they’re coming so that they are lifelong learners and can solve the problems they’re going to encounter in those careers.”

Glenda Gillaspy, Dean and Director

academic excellence

CALS programs promote critical thinking and emphasize problem-solving to improve life and sustain the natural world.

Many CALS undergraduate students continue their education in graduate school or enter professional schools in medicine or veterinary medicine. Others pursue careers in biotechnology, conservation and recreation, communications, agriculture, human nutrition, animal health or public service.

advancing research

Researchers collaborate across disciplines and partner with communities, industry, nonprofit groups and others to discover solutions for the complex problems facing society.

The majority of CALS research is focused on sustainable agriculture; environmental conservation and climate resilience; bioenergy and bioproducts; basic life sciences and human health; rural development and community resilience.

Extension & outreach impacts

Several dozen CALS faculty and staff are jointly funded with the Division of Extension, placing them in positions to work closely with Wisconsin communities. The college offers a wide array of outreach opportunities, from the Wisconsin Master Cheesemaker program at its Center for Dairy Research to summer field days at its 11 agricultural research stations.

While much of the college’s outreach efforts take place within the boundaries of Wisconsin, CALS also maintains a strong international program housed in CALS Global.

Sustain Our Success