Ecosystem Science and Management
Agriculture Building 2013
Department #3354
1000 E. University Ave.
Laramie, WY 82071
Phone: (307) 766-2263
Email: esm@uwyo.edu
Soil Science is the field that examines the formation, distribution, functioning, and management of soils. Wyoming is an important natural resources state with many energy extraction, mining, and wildland management issues. As a result, there are many interesting soil-related research questions in the state with significant socio-economic impacts.
Most of our students pursue careers with federal land management or conservation agencies
(i.e., Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Natural Resources Conservation Society),
state and federal regulatory agencies (i.e., Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality),
mining and oil companies, environmental consulting companies, or scientific research
organizations.
Students admitted year round on grant funded Graduate Assistantships. Students applying for the state funded Graduate Assistantships or the ESM Merit Fellowship are required to have a GRE of 317 (1330), and are required apply to ESM by January 31.
The M.S. program is geared toward teaching graduate students the tools necessary to conduct robust scientific research. This program requires 30 credit hours (at least 12 from Soil Science) approved by the student's graduate advisory committee and an approved research plan.
The Ph.D. program allows graduate students to use the research-oriented tools learned during a master's program to conduct research on a major question surrounding rangeland ecology and watershed management. This program requires 72 credit hours (at least 12 from Soil Science) that includes credits earned during a Masters degree that are approved by the student's graduate advisory committee and an approved research plan.
Soil is an important natural resource that supports plants and animals, large and small. Soil processes such as water retention and nutrient cycling play key roles in the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems. Without soil, plants would have nowhere to root, farmers would have no crop to harvest, and every rain event would result in a flood. Soils may take a long time to form and preservation of the soil resource through careful management is of critical importance. Soil systems are generally complex with many interacting physical, biological, and chemical processes. Soil Science is the field that examines the formation, distribution, functioning, and management of soils. In the past, soils were primarily studied within the context of food production. Nowadays, soils are seen as an integral part of natural and managed ecosystems with important linkages to the atmosphere, groundwater, and surface water.
The soil science graduate program at the University of Wyoming offers both MS and PhD degrees. The graduate program is supported by faculty specializing in soil classification, soil physics, soil chemistry, soil microbiology, and soil fertility. Campus wide, faculty in the fields of rangeland ecology and management, watershed management, plant science, ecology, hydrology, geology, and engineering also contribute to the soil science graduate program. Facilities include on-campus research laboratories, a soil testing laboratory, and four agricultural experiment stations. Wyoming is an important natural resources state with many energy extraction, mining, and wildland management issues. As a result, there are many interesting soil-related research questions in the state with significant socio-economic impacts. Research is also conducted outside Wyoming on topics related to food security, water quality, and climate change.
Students who complete the soil science graduate program at the University of Wyoming generally pursue careers at state and federal land management and regulatory agencies, energy and mining companies, environmental consulting companies, and scientific research organizations.
Most of our students pursue careers with federal land management or conservation agencies (i.e., Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Natural Resources Conservation Society), state and federal regulatory agencies (i.e., Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality), mining and oil companies, environmental consulting companies, or scientific research organizations.
For both the M.S. and Ph.D. Soil Science degree programs, students will be required to complete the necessary course and research credit hours, determined by the student's graduate committee and approved by the University of Wyoming Graduate School.
Ecosystem Science and Management
Agriculture Building 2013
Department #3354
1000 E. University Ave.
Laramie, WY 82071
Phone: (307) 766-2263
Email: esm@uwyo.edu