About the Soil Science Minor
Understand our environment in a whole new way! The soil science minor is a 15-credit-hour
program. It’s an excellent complement to a variety of majors at UW, including those
related to agriculture, natural resources and environmental sciences.
When you study soil science, you get access to small class sizes, exciting lab experiments,
field trips and supportive faculty. Adding this program to your degree is an excellent
way to specialize your expertise and boost your resume.
This program is reserved for those pursuing an undergraduate degree at the University of Wyoming.
What can you do with a soil science minor?
Studying soil science is a great way to strengthen your job prospects. Our soil science grads are prepared for careers in research, agriculture, land management and conservation. Previous students have pursued careers with federal land management agencies, conservation agencies, energy companies, research organizations and more!
Soil science grads pursue a variety of jobs, including:
- Environmental Planner
- Soil Scientist
- Agriculture Software Product Manager
- Agronomist
- Professor
Here are some of the places our soil science graduates are leaving their mark:
- US Department of Agriculture
- Oklahoma State University
- West Virginia University
- Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
- Horrocks
- Compass Minerals
- Agworld
- Trimble Inc.
Yes, soil science is a great minor for students interested in sustainability. It provides a deeper understanding of how soil health affects ecosystems, agriculture and climate—core components of sustainable practices. With this background, you can pursue careers in environmental consulting, sustainable agriculture, land reclamation, conservation, natural resource management or ecological restoration. It also complements roles in science and research, including work with government agencies, nonprofits or private industry focused on sustainability and environmental impact.
Wyoming’s diverse natural landscape—ranging from high plains to mountain rangelands—makes it an ideal place to study soil science. Students gain hands-on experience with real-world challenges like dryland farming, land reclamation and soil health in arid environments. With access to unique research opportunities and natural resources, Wyoming offers a dynamic setting for exploring sustainable land use, conservation and ecological restoration.
Soil Science Research Rooted in Wyoming’s Landscape
Join Assistant Professor Linda Van Diepen in this video as she takes you into the field and under the microscope to explore the vital soil microbes that support Wyoming’s sagebrush ecosystems. This hands-on research is made possible through Wyoming EPSCoR, a National Science Foundation–funded program that strengthens STEM opportunities and research across the state.
