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Soils are our most important natural resource. They provide the food, fiber,
and foundation of our existence. Soil Science is the study of the soil as a
component of natural and man-made systems. Soil Science is at the forefront
of environmental and natural resource issues such as land use, soil contamination,
ground water quality, and waste disposal.
Career Opportunities
Graduates in Soil Science obtain positions in production agriculture, conservation, consulting, research, teaching, extension, and natural resource management. Agencies and businesses that hire Soil Science graduates include soil and plant testing labs, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Colleges of Agriculture, the Cooperative Extension Service, the Forest Service, Agricultural Experiment Stations, the Bureau of Land Management, Departments of Health, the Public Service Commission, Departments of Natural Resources and a variety of other agri-business companies.
The bachelor of Science degree also prepares students for advanced training. Master of Science and doctor of Philosophy degrees can be obtained in the department. Starting salaries with the bachelor's degree range from $25,000 to $30,000.
The Curriculum
Soil Science is a natural science that emphasizes the study of biology, chemistry, and mathematics along with communication skills. Each program of study in Soil Science is personally designed based on the student's abilities, interests, and career goals. Graduates of Soil Science gain an appreciation of agricultural production, environmental concerns, and natural resource issues. Sample Curriculum
In addition, an Earth Science option is available for students in the College of Science and Mathematics. Interested students should contact the Department of Geosciences.
Financial Assistance
The Department of Soil Science presently provides seven scholarships each year. These scholarships range from $150 to $2100 each. Part-time employment during the school year and summer employment are available. An internship program leading to full-time employment is available with the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Loans and grants may be obtained through the NDSU Financial Aid Office. Other scholarship opportunities are possible through the College of Agriculture.
Graduate Study
Graduate study leading to the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees is offered in the Department of Soil Science. The instruction and research programs emphasize an understanding of soil-plant-atmosphere interactions and their applications to soil and water resource management. Students may pursue degrees with emphasis in agricultural climatology and meteorology, soil chemistry, soil fertility, soil genesis and morphology, soil management, soil physics, environmental modeling, water quality, soil salinity, plant nutrition, soil conservation, soil reclamation, soil mineralogy, or soil microbiology. A M.S. program in natural resource management with emphasis in soil science is also available.
North Dakota's diversity of soils and agricultural practices provides an exceptional field setting to study soil science. The department is well equipped for field and laboratory investigations.
The Department of Soil Science graduate program is open to all qualified graduates of universities and colleges of recognized standing. To be admitted with full status to the program, the applicant must:
1) Hold a baccalaureate degree from an educational institution of recognized standing.
2) Have adequate preparation in soil science or related areas and must show potential to undertake advanced study and research as evidenced by academic performance and experience.
3)At the baccalaureate level, have earned a cumulative grade point average in all courses at least 3.0 or equivalent.
4) Complete the Graduate Records Exam (GRE) with minimum scores of 450 in the quantitative and analytical sections.
A limited number of research assistantships are available. The stipend for the M.S. is $10,500 per year and $11,000 per year for the Ph.D. with fees waived. Applicants are considered on the basis of scholarship, potential to undertake advanced study and research, as well as financial need. To be considered for an assistantship, a complete application must be submitted to the Graduate School.
Faculty
The Department of Soil Science has 12 faculty involved in teaching, research, and extension. They provide expertise in the following specialized areas:
Student learning is enhanced by incorporation of current research into classroom learning.
For Further Information
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