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Environmental Soil Science

College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences


 

QUICK JUMP
  Environmental Soil Science
  Requirements and Core Courses
  Careers in Environmental Soil Science
  Salaries
  Scholarships and Financial Aid
  Related Fields of Study That May Interest You
  Contact Information

Environmental Soil Science

Environmental soil science, an option in the soil science major, emphasizes the basic principles of soils as they relate to the quality of the environment and in their role as a component of agricultural and natural ecosystems.

• Offered at WSU: Bachelor of science in soil science with an option in environmental soil science, minor in soil science
• Available at: Pullman

Requirements and Core Courses

—Bachelor of Science in Crop Science with an option in Environmental Soil Science

DEPARTMENTAL CORE REQUIREMENTS
SoilS 201—Soil: Living System
SoilS 412—Seminar (undergrad)
SoilS 413—Soil Physics
     or SoilS 431—Soil Microbiology
SoilS 421—Soil Chemistry
     or Soils 441—Soil Fertility
SoilS 442—Soil Analysis
Biol 103—Introductory Biology
Biol 104—Introductory Biology
     or Biol 120—Introduction to Botany
Chem 105—Principles of Chemistry I
Chem 106—Principles of Chemistry II
Phys 101—General Physics
     or Phys 201—Physics for Scientists and Engineers
Geol 102—Intro Geology
Stat 212—Intro to Statistical Methods
     or Stat 412—Biometry

OPTION REQUIREMENTS:
Biol 372—General Ecology
Chem 240—Organic Chemistry
ES/RP 311—Natural Resource Economics
ES/RP 400-level course elective
ES/RP 444—Environmental Assessment
ES/RP 486—Intro to Geographic Information Systems
SoilS 414 & 415—Environmental Biophysics & Lab
Electives

NOTE: Students should consult the General Catalog for course planning and must meet course requirements as outlined in the General Catalog in order to graduate.

Careers in Environmental Soil Science

Environmental soil science is for students interested in becoming a natural resource conservationist, environmental consultant, environmental policy advisor, or environmental researcher by specializing in the application of basic soil principles to soils and environmental stewardship.
Employment is available in government and commercial agencies such as Agricultural Research Extension, Agricultural Research Service, Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Ecology, and the Natural Resource Conservation Service; and in private consulting firms and commercial companies dealing with farm products, waste management, and research.

Opportunities also exist for further study and employment in international development. Teaching, research, and extension careers are available in community colleges and universities for graduates with advanced degrees.

Soil scientists are concerned with the physical, chemical, and biological processes that govern natural and agricultural ecosystems. The study of soil science stresses an understanding of these fundamental processes as they apply to crop production, soil development, and environmental quality. Some of the areas of active interest include identification and transfer of best management practices for crop production, erosion control, and environmental protections; reclamation of contaminated soils; transport of pesticides through soils; bioremediation of hazardous wastes; soil-landscape development processes use of microbes to control weeds and plant diseases; surface chemistry of soil minerals; modeling of cropping systems; remote sensing of soils and vegetation; strategies in precision farming; and global change.

Salaries

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, beginning salary offers in 2005 for graduates with a bachelor’s degree in plant sciences averaged $31,226 a year; and in other agricultural sciences, $33,850 a year.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Standards reports that the median annual earnings of agricultural scientists and food scientists were $48,670 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $35,770 and $65,990. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $28,750, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $85,460.

Washington state agricultural technician positions have a salary range between $26,600 and $42,900 in 2005.

The average salary for federal employees in agronomy in 2003 was $68,846.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Soil science students may be eligible for Department of Crop and Soil Science scholarships as well as scholarships from the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences.

Students may also qualify for state, federal, and University-level scholarships and financial assistance. For more information contact the WSU Office of Scholarship Services.

Related Fields of Study That May Interest You

• Crop science/biotechnology
• Crop science business and industry
• Cropping systems
• Precision farming
• Soil management
• Sustainable agriculture
• Turf management

Contact Information
Department of Crop and Soil Sciences
Washington State University
PO Box 646420
Pullman, WA 99164-6420
Fax: 509-335-8674
hillary@cahnrs.wsu.edu
509-335-2615
 

Strengths of the Program

  • WSU provides the state’s only four-year program in crop and soil sciences.
  • Learn skills that can help solve environmental and food problems or create enjoyable living conditions.
  • Study under faculty members who are among the field’s most productive and creative in the nation, several of whom are members of the National Academy of Science.
  • Pursue direct research in such areas as organic crop production systems, plant breeding, biotechnology, groundwater contamination prevention, and turf and golf course management.
  • Work with faculty who obtain research funding from the National Science Foundation, Department of Energy, Environmental Protection Agency, and Department of Agriculture.
  • Receive top-quality classroom, field, and laboratory experiences required for well-paying careers in industry, government, and farming.
  • You can join a math, science, and engineering community residence hall at WSU Pullman—share classes with your neighbors, study together, get free tutoring, and use the hall’s computer lab.
Office of Enrollment Management, PO Box 641067, Washington State University, Pullman WA 99164-1067, 888-GO TO WSU (888-468-6978), Contact Us