Program Overview

Major in Soil and Crop Sciences, Soil Science and Environmental Solutions Concentration

The Soil and Crop Sciences major with a concentration in Soil Science and Environmental Solutions applies fundamental principles and techniques in soil science to solving complex, real-world environmental sustainability challenges. Students learn how the interactions of plants, the microbiome, and the soil food web with the soil's physical and chemical environment support life on earth, improve water quality, and impact our climate. Our students receive hands-on interdisciplinary training from world leaders in soil-related research, so they are equipped to be change-makers, applying cutting-edge science to real-world challenges.

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this concentration, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate technical competency in the fundamental principles of soils and agroecosystems and synthesize information from field and laboratory observations in meeting identified needs.
2. Identify, formulate, and solve complex soil and agroecosystem sustainability problems by applying quantitative approaches and principles of soil and plant functionality across varying environments.
3. Collaborate with diverse teams to set goals and expectations, foster individual strengths and leadership, and encourage creativity and inclusivity in solving problems.

Program Requirements

The program requires a total of 120 credits, with at least 42 credits being upper-division (300- to 400-level). The program is divided into eight semesters, with the following courses:

Semester 1

• CO 150: College Composition (GT-CO2)
• MATH 117: College Algebra in Context I (GT-MA1)
• MATH 118: College Algebra in Context II (GT-MA1)
• MATH 124: Logarithmic and Exponential Functions (GT-MA1)
• SOCR 100: Introduction to Crop Science
• SOCR 171/HORT 171: Environmental Issues in Agriculture (GT-SS3)
• General Elective

Semester 2

• CHEM 111: General Chemistry I (GT-SC2)
• CHEM 112: General Chemistry Lab I (GT-SC1)
• LIFE 102 or BZ 120: Attributes of Living Systems (GT-SC1) or Principles of Plant Biology (GT-SC1)
• SOCR 193: Pathways to Success
• Historical Perspectives
• General Elective

Semester 3

• CHEM 113: General Chemistry II
• LAND 220/LIFE 220: Fundamentals of Ecology (GT-SC2)
• Select one course from the following:
  • NR 319: Introduction to Geospatial Science
  • SOCR 377/AB 377: Geographic Information Systems in Agriculture
• SOCR 221: Cropping Systems Field Experience
• Arts and Humanities

Semester 4

• GEOL 120: Geology and Society (GT-SC2)
• GEOL 121: Experiential Geoscience Laboratory (GT-SC1)
• SOCR 210: Microbiome Roles in a Sustainable Earth (GT-SC2)
• SOCR 240: Introductory Soil Science
• Arts and Humanities
• Social and Behavioral Sciences

Semester 5

• SOCR 440: Pedology
• SOCR 455: Microbiomes of Soil Systems
• Select one course from the following:
  • STAT 201: General Statistics (GT-MA1)
  • STAT 301: Introduction to Applied Statistical Methods
  • STAT 307: Introduction to Biostatistics
• Advanced Writing
• Upper-Division Electives

Semester 6

• SOCR 350: Soil Fertility Management
• SOCR 351: Soil Fertility Laboratory
• SOCR 375: Soil Biogeochemistry
• SOCR 405/ESS 405: Global Agriculture and Environmental Change
• Upper-Division Electives

Semester 7

• SOCR 400: Soils and Global Change-Impacts and Solutions
• SOCR 470: Soil Physics
• SOCR 471: Soil Physics Laboratory
• SOCR 486: Practicum
• SOCR 492: Preparing for Impact--Your Career Journey
• Upper-Division Electives

Semester 8

• RS 478: Ecological Restoration
• SOCR 441: Soil Ecology
• SOCR 467: Soil and Environmental Chemistry
• Upper-Division Electives

Career Opportunities

Exciting careers await our graduates in rapidly emerging fields including sustainability, AgriTech, consulting in institutions ranging from academia, startups, industry, government, and non-profits.