About the Soil Science Graduate Programs
Whether you pursue a Ph.D. or masters degree, you’ll graduate with the necessary tools to conduct rigorous scientific research on pressing issues in soil science.
The Ph.D. program allows graduate students to conduct robust research on major questions related to soil science. This program requires 72 credit hours (at least 12 from soil science), which may include credits earned during a master’s degree program that are approved by the student's graduate committee.
The M.S. program is geared toward teaching graduate students the tools necessary to conduct robust soil science research. The program requires 30 credit hours, of which at least 12 should be in soil science.
For your application to the soil science graduate program to be considered, you must contact a faculty advisor who then agrees to mentor you.
Ph.D. Requirements
In addition to the minimum Ph.D. credit requirements, the program requires a research
proposal, a written and an oral examination given by the graduate committee, a research-based
written dissertation, a final public presentation and a successful oral defense of
the dissertation.
M.S. Requirements
In addition to the minimum M.S. credit requirements, candidates pursuing the thesis track M.S. are required to complete a research proposal, a research-based written thesis,
a final public presentation and a successful oral defense of the thesis. Candidates
pursuing the non-thesis track M.S. must complete the university's minimum degree requirements and an oral defense
of their research paper(s).
What can you do with a soil science degree?
UW soil science graduates are prepared to solve complex environmental issues and answer important research questions regarding soil science. Many of our graduates pursue careers as researchers, scientists and/or educators.
Soil science grads have achieved a variety of job titles, including:
- Environmental planner
- Soil scientist
- Agriculture Software Product Manager
- Agronomist
- Professor
- Oklahoma State University
- West Virginia University
- Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
- Horrocks
- Compass Minerals
- Agworld
- Trimble Inc.
Yes! In addition to the M.S. and Ph.D. programs in soil science, the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management provides the following the graduate programs:
While there isn't a bachelor's degree dedicated to soil science, the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management does offer an undergraduate soil science minor!
