Soil Science - MS, PhD

About This Degree

USU is the only university in the state that offers degrees in soil science.

The graduate programs in soil science are concerned with the chemical, physical, and biological aspects of the soil. This program is particularly strong in water-related issues, especially regional issues involving water and irrigation in the West. In particular, USU boasts unique and renown areas concentrating on digital soil mapping which aids in flood prediction, land restoration, using state-of-the-art environmental sensors to monitor greenhouse gas emissions, and tracking contaminant transport through soils caused by mountain snowmelt.

Students are able to focus their research on solving current issues and problems in areas including soil and water chemistry/biogeochemistry, soil biology and ecology, soils and nutrient bioavailability, environmental soil physics, soil and water management, soil genesis, morphology, and classification, and sustainable agroecosystems. Soil scientists fill the gap between engineers, geologists, and ecologists, and play a major role in ensuring that high-quality soil and water are available to current and future generations.

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At a Glance

College: College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences

Department: Plants, Soils and Climate Department

USU Locations:

Logan campus

Program Requirements

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Career And Outcomes

Career Opportunities

Graduates in soil science can pursue the following careers:

Soil scientists with government agencies
Conservation
Land management
Soil testing
Soil fertility research
Fertilizer development
Monitoring and remedying environmental pollution in soil and water
Environmental consultants
Fertilizer retail
Irrigation system design
Waste management
Mine land reclamation

Job Outlook

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION AND ADVISING

Advising

Jeanette Norton

Professor, PSC Graduate Program Advisor
Email: jeanette.norton@usu.edu
Office: AGRS 344
Phone: (435) 797-2166

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I have not applied or been admitted, even if I've taken a USU Concurrent Enrollment course

I am a current USU student

I have been admitted and plan to attend, or continue attending USU

USU Locations

LOGAN CAMPUS

Admission

Admission Requirements

Students without an undergraduate or graduate degree in plants, soils, biometeorology, or a closely related field may be required to complete selected undergraduate courses prior to admission.

Application Requirements:

Complete the online application
Pay the $55 application fee
Score at or above the 40th percentile on the GRE
Have a 3.0 or higher GPA on your last 60 semester or 90 quarter credits
Provide transcripts of all college/university credits
Provide three contacts for letters of recommendation

International students have additional admissions requirements.

Deadlines

Applications for graduate programs are accepted year-round. However, chances for acceptance are best if students apply between October and January of each academic year. The time it takes to process an application is primarily dependent on the speed with which the School of Graduate Studies receives letters of recommendation, transcripts, and test scores. For most students, this process may take six to eight weeks. Applicants should plan accordingly.

Program Requirements

PhD Qualifying Exams:

Each student must undergo some sort of qualifying experience. Depending on the student’s particular research and their faculty committee, the exam can either be a traditional oral and written exam, a scholarly proposal, or another option best suited to the student’s individual situation.

Plan Options

Students can receive the MS by pursuing one of two options:

In the Plan A option, students complete graduate-level coursework and must write a thesis.
The Plan B option requires the production of a paper or creative work of art and is expected to reflect equivalent scholarship standards as a thesis.

Students are encouraged to pursue the Plan A option.