Soil Science Degree Online

What is Soil Science?

If you stop and think about all that soil does for us, you will quickly see why it becomes a major in and of itself. Students who major in Soil Science study all the sciences to find the answers to questions such as: which soils work best with which plants; how to prevent erosion; and which fertilizers work best with which soils. Expect to study biology, ecology, microbiology, chemistry, and physics.

Is Soil Science a Good Major / Degree for Me?

Do you love science? Are you a hands-on learner? Are you a critical thinker? Do you like spending lots of time outside? Do you like solving problems? Are you okay with getting your hands dirty? If so, then Soil Science might be the major for you!

High School Classes Needed for a Soil Science in College:

• 4 English Credits
• 4 Math Credits
• Earth Science
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• 3 Social Studies Credits
• 2 Foreign Language Credits
• If your high school offers the following courses, take advantage!
  • AP Biology
  • AP Chemistry
  • AP Environmental Science
• If your high school or community offers the following co-curricular activities, take advantage!
  • Environmental Club
  • Student Government

Common Soil Science Courses in College:

• Fertilizers and Plant Nutrition
• Geomorphology
• Rocks and Minerals
• Soil and Water Chemistry
• Soil Erosion and Water Conservation
• Soil Microbiology and Biochemistry
• Soil Morphology
• Soil Physics
• Soil Plant Relationships

Similar Degree Programs You Might Want to Explore:

• Agriculture: the science and business of producing crops and raising livestock
• Agronomy and Crop Science: the science of soil and crop production
• Environmental Science: a course of study that combines all of the sciences to study and solve environmental problems
• Food Science: a course of study that explores the planting and harvesting, the raising and slaughtering, and the processing, packaging, and shipping of foods
• Geology: the study of the origin, history, and structure of the earth
• Horticulture: the science of cultivating fruits, vegetables, or flowers
• Microbiology: the scientific study of microorganisms
• Sustainable Agriculture: a branch of agriculture study that focuses on conserving and protecting natural resources while producing healthy food

Soil Science Careers:

Most states require one to be licensed before he or she can work as a certified soil scientist, and most colleges do not offer the number of credits necessary for such a license. So, it can require several years of experience in the field before one can sit for a license.

Soil science majors have many options. Some go into agriculture, but many do not. Some go to work for the government, and some go to work for environmental agencies. Wherever there is soil, there could well be an opportunity for a soil scientist.