The soil science concentration is designed to provide students with the basic training needed to understand and manage soils as fundamental environmental resources. In addition to the college requirements, a student with a concentration in soil science is expected to complete the following courses:
a. At least 18 credits of soil science selected from the following courses, or the equivalent:
Soil Science (CSS 260 or EAS 260)
Soil and Water Management (CSS 321)
Soil Morphology (CSS 362)
Soil Genesis, Classification, and Survey (CSS 363)
Environmental Chemistry: Soil, Air, and Water (CSS 365)
The Soil Ecosystem (CSS 366)
Hydrology and the Environment (CSS 371 or ABEN 371 or GEOL 204)
Soil Fertility Management (CSS 372)
Biogeochemical Cycles, Agriculture, and the Environment (EAS 385)
Properties and Appraisal of Soils of the Tropics (CSS 471)
Environmental Biophysics (CSS 483 or EAS 483)
b. At least 6 credits of applied crop science selected from the following courses, or the equivalent:
Grains and Nutriceuticals (CSS 311)
Forage Crops (CSS 312)
Tropical Cropping Systems: Biodiversity, Social, and Environmental Impacts (CSS 314 or INTAG 314)
Weed Science (CSS 315)
Seed Science and Technology (CSS 317)
Introductory Horticulture (HORT 101 or 102)
Vegetable Production (HORT 225)
Turfgrass Management (HORT 330)
c. At least 12 credits of chemistry, including one course in organic or biochemistry.
d. At least 9 credits of biology, botany, or microbiology.
e. At least 9 credits of college mathematics (can include 3 credits of computer programming).
f. At least 6 credits of physics.
g. At least 3 credits of statistics.
h. At least 3 credits of speech.
i. At least 3 credits of technical writing.
j. At least 3 credits of economics or agricultural economics.
k. At least 3 credits of engineering.
l. At least 3 credits of geology.
These courses meet the minimum core requirements for certification as a Soil Scientist by ARCPACS, the American Registry of Certified Professionals in Agronomy, Crops, and Soils.