MS, Soil Science

The Master of Science degree in Soil Science is designed to prepare students for non-academic careers in areas of soil and environmental sciences, and in food, feed, fiber, bioenergy, shelter, and aesthetic-space plant production. Students complete discipline specific courses and high impact learning experiences designed to provide the knowledge and skills for positions in industry, local-state-national governmental agencies, and non-government organizations dealing with soil science and environmental sciences.

Graduates are employed by state departments of agriculture and other related environmental agencies, Natural Resource Conservation Service, private companies, crop consulting firms, state agricultural experiment stations, cooperative extension service, USDA-ARS, and farmer cooperatives. Graduates are often employed with organizations dealing with environmental issues such as sediment loss and surface and ground water contamination. The expected increase in global population and global climate change mandate the proper use of soil, water, and atmospheric resources. Graduates in Soil Science are prepared to meet this challenge through their understanding of the physical, chemical, and microbiological aspects of soil and water.