Program Overview

Program Overview

The Doctor of Philosophy in Soil Science program is designed to provide students with advanced knowledge and research skills in soil science. The program offers a variety of specialized areas of research, including biogeochemistry, microbiology, nutrient management, the rhizosphere, and vadose zone hydrology.

Degree Description

The program offers MS and PhD degrees in Crop Science and Soil Science, with the ability to focus research in a variety of specialized areas within each discipline. Current research foci in Crop Science include plant breeding, genomics, molecular genetics, grass management, and weed science. The Soil Science program features research in biogeochemistry, microbiology, nutrient management, the rhizosphere, and vadose zone hydrology.

Admission Requirements

In addition to meeting the WSU Graduate School’s admission criteria, acceptance of qualified applicants is generally dependent upon availability of research support and a suitable advisor. Positions are limited and students are individually selected by faculty members with matching interests who have an opening for a graduate student. A completed application is an effective and essential tool for faculty consideration.

Application Requirements

• WSU Graduate School Application
• Statement of Professional Goals
• Resume/CV
• GRE (optional, but encouraged)
• Language Requirements for international students
• Three letters of recommendation
• Transcripts from every college and university attended
• Research and identify faculty members whose work aligns with research interests

Student Opportunities

Students have the opportunity to gain leadership, communication, and instructional experience through the option of serving as teaching assistants for one or more courses within their discipline. Extension program delivery, and Graduate School teacher training and grant proposal writing workshop opportunities are also available.

Career Opportunities

Soil scientists with advanced degrees may find employment in government agencies, national labs, academia, private business, environmental and agricultural consulting, and organic, international, and sustainable agriculture.

Career Placements

• University faculty positions
  • National Lab scientists
  • USDA scientists
  • Agribusiness owners
  • Extension agents
  • Natural Resource Conservation Service scientists
  • Soil fertility analysts/consultants
  • University administrators

Program Details

• Total Graduate Faculty in Program: 33
• Graduate Students in Program: 12
• Students Receiving Assistantships: 11
• Priority Deadlines:
  • Fall: January 10
  • Spring: July 1
• Campus: Pullman

Research Areas

The program features research in biogeochemistry, microbiology, nutrient management, the rhizosphere, and vadose zone hydrology. Crop and Soil Science faculty also lead collaborative research on organic, sustainable, and precision agriculture and cropping systems. Program options in human dimensional areas include agricultural education and rural sociology. The department has many research projects in cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) and Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS), in addition to research being conducted in association with other universities. Research infrastructure includes state-of-the-art laboratories and greenhouse facilities, and research farms located in Pullman, as well as throughout the state at four Research and Extension Centers.