Soil Science
Overview
Programs in soil science teach people the properties of soil and how plants and soils interact.Soil science programs teach students about a variety of topics.
Soil science programs include topics such as:
- Ecology
- Hydrology
- Soil physics
- Plant nutrition
Concentrations
In soil science programs, students may be able to specialize in:
- Soil science and agronomy
- Soil chemistry and physics
- Soil microbiology
Schools
Very few schools offer associate degrees in soil science. An associate degree usually takes two years to complete. After earning an associate degree students can transfer to a college or university for further study.
Several colleges and universities offer bachelor’s degrees in soil science. In some cases, soil science is part of a agronomy, agriculture, ecology, or biology department. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.
Several universities offer graduate degrees in soil science. A master’s degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor’s degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master’s degree.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
- Agricultural and Extension Education Services
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Agriculture, General
- Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture
- Agronomy and Crop Science
- Environmental Science
- Environmental Studies
- Food Science
- Horticultural Science
- Pest Management
- Plant Pathology
- Plant Science
- Range Science and Management
- Viticulture and Enology
Related Careers
Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study
Other Careers Related to this Program of Study
- Agricultural Engineers
- Biologists
- Conservation Scientists
- Environmental Scientists
- Farmers and Farm Managers
- Foresters
- Forestry Technicians
- Natural Sciences Managers
- Precision Agriculture Technicians
- Science Technicians
- Sustainability Specialists
Program Admission
You can prepare for this program of study by getting your high school diploma or GED.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Agriculture Science
- Algebra
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Environmental Science
- Geology
Graduate Admissions
Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree, good grades, and good test scores.
Additional requirements at some schools include:
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE) Biochemistry, Biology, or Chemistry
- Undergraduate degree or significant course work in soil science or a related field
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
Typical Course Work
Program Courses
This program typically includes courses in the following subjects:
- Crop Science
- Fertilizers, Pesticides, and Herbicides
- Horticulture
- Hydrology
- Nutrient Management
- Plant Pathology
- Plant Science
- Soil and Land Use
- Soil Biology
- Soil Chemistry
- Soil Mineralogy
- Statistics
- Urban Soils
- Water management
- Weed Science
Graduate Program Courses
Graduate study in soil sciences typically includes:
- Required courses
- Thesis (master's degree)
- Preliminary exams (doctoral degree only)
- Dissertation and dissertation defense (doctoral degree)
Many programs require extensive field study. You may even participate in a practicum, in which you study and evaluate soils under the supervision of an instructor. You determine the chemical and mineral make up of soils and what must be done to increase their health. You may also monitor crops.
Things to Know
Majoring in soil science does not always have an agricultural focus. Keeping healthy soils is important for wastewater disposal, water quality, ecosystems for animals, and land use.
Schools
East Side Area
Washington State University - Pullman
- Soil Science