\n
Agri-food Resources Microbiology \u2013 an introduction to the general biology of microorganisms highlighting those that are important to agri-food, economics, and the environment \n
Mathematics for Life Science \u2013 the fundamentals of mathematical modeling for use in the life sciences \n
Principles of Plant Ecology \u2013 ecosystems and the impacts of agricultural practices on them \n
Environmental Soil Science \u2013 the influence of the environment on soil formation, soils as a critical component in environmental change brought on by human activity \n
Land Resource Economics \u2013 natural resource and environmental economics, issues in urban and rural land use and conservation \n
Grassland Soils and Vegetation \u2013 a field course to study landscapes, soils, and vegetation; soil and vegetation classification and sampling \n
Earth Systems \u2013 the interrelationships between the Earth\u2019s landmasses, atmosphere, oceans, and biosphere, and the role of humans in their interaction \n
Statistical Methods \u2013 statistical methods and their application to experiments, data analysis functions of spreadsheet software \n
Soil Genesis and Classification \u2013 soil development and soil classification, the factors that influence soil formation and how soils respond to altered environments \n
Soil Fertility and Fertilizers \u2013 plant nutrients in soils, soil fertility evaluation methods, development of fertilizers, nutrient management \n
Environmental Soil Chemistry \u2013 the structural and chemical properties of soil components, environmentally relevant chemical reactions \n
Environmental Soil Physics \u2013 the solid, liquid, and gases phases of soil; the interactions between the phases; the movement of water, chemicals, air, and heat in soils; related effects on plant growth and the environment \n
Agronomic Soil Microbiology \u2013 the principles of soil microbiology in agroecosystems; bacteria, fungi, and other organisms that live in soil and their roles in agroecosystems \n
Terrestrial Restoration \u2013 ecological theories and technologies relating to the restoration and remediation of terrestrial systems such as landscapes, mine sites, forests, grasslands, and wetlands \n
Soil Ecology \u2013 the roles of soil organisms in the decomposition of organic matter for plant nutrition \n
Forest Soils \u2013 forest soil development, forest land capability; the effect of harvesting, fertilization, and site preparation on soil properties; natural occurrences such as fire and nutrient and carbon cycling \n
Introduction to Field Crops \u2013 resource availability, management of the crop life cycle and field environment \n\n
Master\u2019s Degree in Soil Science \u2013 Two Year Duration
\nAt the master\u2019s level students take some required courses but can design their program in consultation with a faculty member, to focus on their particular area of interest. The master\u2019s program\u2019s culminating requirement is typically a thesis based on original research. Some schools may offer a non-thesis or project option.
\n
Doctoral Degree in Soil Science \u2013 Four Year Duration
\nThe master\u2019s program involves a lot of taught courses. It emphasizes the transition from pure subject learning to independent research. On the other hand, the doctoral degree is like a very long dissertation project. Ph.D. students have a great deal of independence. They have the benefit of supervision from a faculty advisor and may complete some taught classes, but their focus is on their independent research, on contributing original \u2013 new \u2013 knowledge to the field of soil science. The Doctoral Degree in Soil Science is targeted at students who aspire to a career as an independent researcher or university professor.
\n
The courses taken by individual master\u2019s degree and Ph.D. candidates will vary, depending on the focus of their thesis or dissertation. The aim of all courses, however, is to promote excellence in research. Here are some examples of taught courses that may be compulsory for soil science graduate students:
\n
\n- Introduction to Ethics and Integrity
\n- Ethics and Integrity in Animal Research
\n- Soil Science Field Studies
\n- Physical, Chemical, and Biological Characterization of Soils
\n- Experimental Design in Soil Sciences
\n
\n
Areas of research may include:
\n
\n- Applied pedology \u2013 the science that studies soil formation and evolution and potential uses of soil resources
\n- Nutrient cycling and management
\n- Environmental soil science
\n- Soil remediation and reclamation
\n- Soil biology
\n- Soil chemistry
\n- Soil fertility
\n- Soil physics and hydrology
\n- Soil-plant interactions
\n
", "display_order": 2, "created_at": "2019-08-29T17:56:37.319734-07:00", "updated_at": "2021-12-01T11:34:38.281115-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 7, "page": 1, "title": "Degrees Similar to Soil Science", "summary_markdown": "**[Agriculture](/degrees/agriculture-degree/)** \r\nDegree programs in this discipline teach students about one or more aspects of general agriculture. Coursework may cover topics like farm management, crop science, animal husbandry, agriculture technology, soil science, and food distribution. \r\n\r\n**[Agronomy](/degrees/agronomy-degree/)** \r\nDegree programs in this field teach students how to investigate the growth and behavior of crops, the development of new plants, the soils and nutrients that nourish them, and the control of pests and diseases. \r\n\r\n**[Botany](/degrees/botany-degree/)** \r\nBotany is the study of the physiology, structure, genetics, ecology, distribution, classification, and economic importance of plants. Degree programs in the field include courses in biochemistry, microbiology, photosynthesis, and plant evolution. \r\n\r\n**[Environmental Science](/degrees/environmental-science-degree/)** \r\nThe basis of this discipline is that all natural things interact. Individuals who earn a degree in environmental science develop plans to prevent, control, or find solutions to environmental issues, such as pollution. \r\n\r\n**[Forestry](/degrees/forestry-degree/)** \r\nForestry degree programs teach students how to conserve and manage forests through sustainable practices. This means the curriculum covers both preserving biodiversity, as well as producing wood products in ecologically responsible ways. Classes also address contemporary issues like climate change, carbon management, and how to plan and manage urban forests or green spaces in metropolitan areas.", "content_markdown": "**[Geology](/degrees/geology-degree/)** \r\nGeology, also known as geoscience and Earth science, is the study of the Earth. Students of the discipline learn about the processes that act upon the Earth, such as floods, landslides, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions; the materials of which the Earth is made, such as water, oil, metals, and rocks; and the history, evolution, and past climates of the Earth. \r\n\r\n**[Horticulture](/degrees/horticulture-degree/)** \r\nDegree programs in this field teach the science and art of cultivating fruits, vegetables, flowers, and/or ornamental plants. Horticulture students learn about plant biology and nutrition, soil science, and greenhouse and nursery management. \r\n\r\n**[Hydrology](/degrees/hydrology-degree/)** \r\nHydrology is about the active nature of water, the movement of precipitation. Hydrologists study surface waters like rivers, lakes, and streams and examine how rainfall and snowfall cause erosion, generate caves, and permeate soil and rock to become groundwater or flow to oceans and seas. Students of hydrology study these and other aspects of the field. They learn about water management methods, land use, environmental issues, and how to collect water data, interpret statistics, conduct computer modeling, and use geographic information systems (GIS) and the global positioning system (GPS).", "content_html": "
Geology
\nGeology, also known as geoscience and Earth science, is the study of the Earth. Students of the discipline learn about the processes that act upon the Earth, such as floods, landslides, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions; the materials of which the Earth is made, such as water, oil, metals, and rocks; and the history, evolution, and past climates of the Earth.
\n
Horticulture
\nDegree programs in this field teach the science and art of cultivating fruits, vegetables, flowers, and/or ornamental plants. Horticulture students learn about plant biology and nutrition, soil science, and greenhouse and nursery management.
\n
Hydrology
\nHydrology is about the active nature of water, the movement of precipitation. Hydrologists study surface waters like rivers, lakes, and streams and examine how rainfall and snowfall cause erosion, generate caves, and permeate soil and rock to become groundwater or flow to oceans and seas. Students of hydrology study these and other aspects of the field. They learn about water management methods, land use, environmental issues, and how to collect water data, interpret statistics, conduct computer modeling, and use geographic information systems (GIS) and the global positioning system (GPS).
", "display_order": 3, "created_at": "2019-08-29T17:56:37.321815-07:00", "updated_at": "2021-12-01T11:36:00.753670-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 7, "page": 1, "title": "Skills You’ll Learn", "summary_markdown": "- Ability to communicate findings and results using models, graphs, and charts \r\n- Ability to consider problems with a scientific approach / problem-solving \r\n- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team \r\n- Attention to detail \r\n- Capacity to work in physically demanding environments and conduct fieldwork \r\n- Critical analysis and evaluation / systems analysis \r\n- Decision-making \r\n- Environmental sensitivity \r\n- Geographic Information Systems (GIS) \r\n- Logical thinking \r\n- Observation, research, and data collection \r\n- Oral and written communication / report writing \r\n- Patience \r\n- Project management", "content_markdown": "", "content_html": "", "display_order": 4, "created_at": "2019-08-29T17:56:37.324138-07:00", "updated_at": "2021-11-26T10:28:15.786365-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 7, "page": 1, "title": "What Can You Do with a Soil Science Degree?", "summary_markdown": "Agricultural and environmental opportunities for soil science graduates exist in both the private and public sectors and international development work. Below are some examples of specific positions. Working in some of these roles may require further education and/or on-the-job training. \r\n\r\n- Agricultural Agent \r\n- Agricultural Producer \r\n- Conservation Planner \r\n- Conservationist \r\n- [Crop Consultant](/careers/certified-crop-advisor/) \r\n- Crop Production Specialist \r\n- Ecologist \r\n- Educator \r\n- [Environmental Consultant](/careers/environmental-consultant/) \r\n- [Environmental Technician](/careers/environmental-technician/) \r\n- [Farmer](/careers/farmer/) \r\n- Field Researcher \r\n- [Forester](/careers/forester/) \r\n- Hazardous and Non-Hazardous Waste Specialist \r\n- [Hydrologist](/careers/hydrologist/) \r\n- Laboratory Manager \r\n- Laboratory Researcher \r\n- Laboratory Technician \r\n- Land Appraiser \r\n- Land Reclamation Specialist \r\n- [Landscaper](/careers/landscaper/) \r\n- Research Scientist \r\n- Research Technician \r\n- Soil and Water Quality Specialist \r\n- [Soil Conservationist](/careers/soil-and-water-conservationist/) \r\n- [Surveyor](/careers/surveyor/) \r\n- University Professor \r\n- USDA (US Department of Agriculture) Soil Scientist \r\n- Watershed Technician \r\n- Wetlands Specialist", "content_markdown": "", "content_html": "", "display_order": 5, "created_at": "2019-08-29T17:56:37.326563-07:00", "updated_at": "2021-11-26T10:28:15.807988-08:00"}], "degree_specializations": []}">
