Program Overview

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Master of Science in Soil Science (MSc)

The Master of Science in Soil Science (MSc) is a graduate degree program offered by the University of British Columbia. This program is a collaboration between the Faculty of Land and Food Systems and the Faculty of Forestry, providing opportunities for advanced study and research leading to MSc and PhD degrees.

Overview

The inter-faculty Soil Science Graduate Program offers areas of study including biometeorology, forest nutrition and nutrient cycling, mycorrhizal ecology, soil biology, soil quality and fertility, soil-plant interactions, ecosystem services, and land and water systems.

What makes the program unique?

The inter-faculty MSc and PhD programs provide a breadth and depth of learning, advanced study, and research that is unique among universities.

Quick Facts

• Faculty: Faculty of Land and Food Systems
• Academic Unit: Faculty of Land and Food Systems
• Specialization: Soil Science
• Mode of delivery: In person at UBC Vancouver
• Program Components: Coursework + Thesis required
• Tuition (First Year):
  • Domestic: $5,626.02
  • International: $9,883.98
• Median Funding: 50% of students receive $27,560 or more funding per year in the first 2 years, before tuition and fees

Admission Information & Requirements

Program Instructions

Before applying, ensure you meet the admission requirements and have a confirmed supervisor.

Minimum Academic Requirements

The Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies establishes minimum admission requirements, usually a minimum overall average in the B+ range (76% at UBC).

English Language Test

Applicants from universities outside Canada where English is not the primary language of instruction must provide English language proficiency examination results.

Minimum Requirements for English Language Proficiency Tests

• TOEFL: Overall score requirement of 90, with minimum scores of 22 in Reading, 21 in Writing, 21 in Speaking, and 22 in Listening.
• IELTS: Overall score requirement of 6.5, with minimum scores of 6.0 in Reading, 6.0 in Writing, 6.0 in Speaking, and 6.0 in Listening.

Prior Degree Requirements

A Bachelor of Science degree or equivalent is required.

Deadlines

• Canadian Applicant Deadline for September 2026 intake: January 10, 2026
• International Applicant Deadline for September 2026 intake: January 10, 2026
• Canadian Applicant Deadline for January 2027 intake: June 1, 2026
• International Applicant Deadline for January 2027 intake: June 1, 2026
• Canadian Applicant Deadline for May 2027 intake: September 1, 2026
• International Applicant Deadline for May 2027 intake: September 1, 2026

Research Information

Research Focus

Areas of study include biometeorology, forest nutrition and nutrient cycling, mycorrhizal ecology, soil biology, soil quality and fertility, soil-plant interactions, ecosystem services, and land and water systems.

Tuition & Financial Support

Tuition

• Application Fee: $118.50 for Canadian citizens, permanent residents, refugees, and diplomats; $168.25 for international students
• Tuition per year:
  • Canadian citizens, permanent residents, refugees, and diplomats: $5,626.02
  • International students: $9,883.98
• International Tuition Award (ITA) per year (if eligible): $3,200.00
• Other fees and costs:
  • Student fees (yearly): approximately $1,144.10
  • Costs of living: estimate using the interactive tool

Financial Support

Applicants have access to various funding options, including merit-based and need-based opportunities.

Career Options

Graduates of the soil science degree program often obtain positions with government or the private sector. Some graduates continue in research and academia with various universities and colleges.

Enrolment, Duration & Other Stats

• Applications: 5 (2023), 5 (2022), 5 (2021), 4 (2020), 10 (2019)
• Offers: 2 (2023), 3 (2022), 2 (2021), 0 (2020), 5 (2019)
• New Enrolment: 2 (2023), 3 (2022), 2 (2021), 0 (2020), 5 (2019)
• Total Enrolment: 11 (2023), 9 (2022), 8 (2021), 12 (2020), 12 (2019)
• Graduation rate: 94% based on 16 students admitted between 2015-2018
• Average years to completion: 2.94 years

Research Supervisors

Students in research-based programs usually require a faculty member to function as their thesis supervisor. All applicants need a firm commitment from a supervisor prior to applying.

Sample Thesis Submissions

• Soil carbon management in Okanagan apple (Malus domestica) orchards
• Effects of a low soil biochar application rate on nutrient dynamics in a coarse textured agricultural soil
• Field and modeling evaluation of varying durations of short-term grassland set-asides in Delta, British Columbia
• Effects of soil compaction and organic matter removal on selected soil properties and tree growth in a boreal ecosystem of northeastern British Columbia
• Pig grazing as a regenerative alternative to tillage in market crop production: comparing cover crop growth and soil health indicators

Related Programs

• Doctor of Philosophy in Soil Science (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Animal Biology (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Food Science (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Human Nutrition (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Integrated Studies in Land and Food Systems (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Plant Science (PhD)
• Graduate Certificate in Aquaculture (GCAQUA)
• Master of Food and Resource Economics (MFRE)
• Master of Food Science (MFS)
• Master of Land and Water Systems (MLWS)
• Master of Science in Applied Animal Biology (MSc)
• Master of Science in Food Science (MSc)
• Master of Science in Human Nutrition (MSc)
• Master of Science in Integrated Studies in Land and Food Systems (MSc)
• Master of Science in Plant Science (MSc)

Further Information

• Specialization: Soil Science
• Soil Science covers areas of soil microbial ecology, organic matter, soil physics, irrigation and drainage, biometeorology, soil pollution, soil and water conservation, soil management, and land use, with application to forest, agricultural, urban, and range soils.
• Faculty: Faculty of Land and Food Systems
• Academic Unit: Faculty of Land and Food Systems
• Program Identifier: VGMMSC-WT
• Classification: Natural sciences » Earth and related environmental sciences » Soil sciences