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Academics

Soil Science

College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences


 

QUICK JUMP
  Soil Science
  Study Options
  Requirements and Core Courses
  Careers in Soil Science
  Salaries
  Scholarships and Financial Aid
  Graduate Programs in Crop and Soil Sciences
  Contact Information

Soil Science

Soil science is a natural resource science devoted to studying the thin layer of the earth's lithosphere (crust) responsible for supporting life. Soil science includes the basic biological, chemical, geological, and physical characteristics of the world's soils and their management to produce food and protect the environment.

• Offered at WSU: Bachelor of science, minor
• Available at: Pullman

Study Options

Options
You can deepen your knowledge by choosing one of these specialization options:

• Environmental Soil Science
Soils are an essential component of agricultural and natural ecosystems. The Environmental Soil Science option emphasizes the basic principles of soils as they relate to environmental quality.

• Soil Management
Soil management is the cornerstone of agricultural systems. The Soil Management option is for students interested in studying factors of the soil-plant environment important to crop production.

• Sustainable Agriculture
Human existence is dependent on the evolution of sustainable agriculture systems. The Sustainable Agriculture option is for students interested in integrating concepts of biodiversity, cropping systems, farm management, soil quality, and agroecology.

Emphasis areas
You can further develop your knowledge within your major by pursuing a focus in:

• Precision Farming
Precision farming has been called the greatest technological advancement in agriculture since the invention of the tractor. In this emphasis area, you study how to integrate knowledge of site-specific soil-plant processes, geo-positioning, geographical information systems, crop and soil mapping, and computerized farm machinery for improved resource use, environmental protection, and optimization of farm productivity.

Requirements and Core Courses

—Bachelor of Science in Soil Science

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

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

Careers in Soil Science

• Agronomic or environmental consultants
• Biotechnologists
• Crop advisors
• Farm managers
• Corporate or academic researchers
• Turfgrass/golf course managers
• Soil surveyors
• Soil conservationists
• Land-use managers
• Soil fertility specialists
• Research technologists
• Global information systems specialists

Employment is available in government and commercial agencies such as the state Cooperative Extension Service, Agricultural Research Service, Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Ecology, and Natural Resource Conservation Service; as well as in private consulting firms, 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 areas of active interest include identification and transfer of best management practices for crop production, erosion control, and environmental protection; 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

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

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

Graduate Programs in Crop and Soil Sciences

For information about requirements, courses, and faculty research, visit the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences Web site. Students must meet course requirements outlined in the General Catalog to graduate.

Contact Information
Department of Crop and Soil Sciences
College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences
Washington State University
201 Johnson Hall
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.
  • Develop skills that can help solve environmental and food problems or create enjoyable living conditions.
  • Study under professors who are among the nation’s most productive and creative in the field.
  • Several faculty members belong to the National Academy of Science, American Society of Agronomy, and Soil Science Society of America.
  • Pursue research in such areas as organic crop production systems, plant breeding, biotechnology, groundwater contamination prevention, and turf and golf course management.
  • Work with faculty on research funded by the National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and U.S. Department of Agriculture.
  • Gain top-quality classroom, field, and laboratory experiences required for well-paying careers in industry, government, and farms.
  • 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