Program Overview

Introduction to the Soil Science (MSc) Program

The Soil Science (MSc) program at the University of Manitoba is a two-year thesis-based program that encompasses all aspects of soil science related to agricultural and other ecosystems. The program focuses on the sustainability and productivity of the land base, enhancement of crop and livestock production, and maintenance of soil, water, and food quality as affected by agriculture and other human activities.

Program Details

• Expected Duration: 2 years
• Tuition and Fees: Program fees are assessed in the first two terms of study, followed by a continuing fee in the third and any subsequent terms.
• Faculty: Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
• Degree: Master of Science

Coursework

Students must complete a minimum of 12 credit hours of coursework.

• All students are required to take SOIL 7220: Principles of Scientific Research and Communication and three credit hours of SOIL courses at the 7000 level.
• Sample Course Offerings:
  • SOIL 7170: Agricultural Micrometeorology
  • SOIL 7180: Environmental Chemistry of Pesticides and Related Compounds
  • SOIL 7210: Topics in Soil Fertility
  • SOIL 7220: Principles of Scientific Research and Communication
  • SOIL 7230: Topics in Landscape Processes I
  • SOIL 7240: Topics in Landscape Processes II
  • SOIL 7250: Topics in Soil Science
  • SOIL 7270: Advanced Soil Ecology

Thesis

Students must demonstrate competence in completing thesis research and pass an oral examination on their thesis subject.

Graduation Requirements

To meet graduation requirements, all students must demonstrate strong communications skills and hold (from their current program or in previous studies):

• Nine credit hours in fundamental and applied soil sciences at the senior undergraduate or graduate level.
• Three credit hours in experimental design and statistical analysis at the senior undergraduate or graduate level.

Admission Requirements

The following are minimum requirements to be considered for entry into the Master of Science (Soil Science) program. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

• Admission requirements are those of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies outlined in the Graduate Studies Regulations section of the Academic Calendar.
• Applicants normally have a strong background in soil science and/or a strong background in the basic sciences related to the student's proposed area of study.
• The department head and the Soil Science Graduate Studies Committee will evaluate the adequacy of the applicant's background when making admission recommendations.
• In addition to the admission requirements described here, all applicants must meet the minimum admission and English language proficiency requirements of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.

Research

Research in the faculty is focused on the sustainability and productivity of the land base, enhancement of crop and livestock production, and maintenance of soil. Some of the current research programs include:

• Sustainable Food Production and Communities: Sustaining and increasing the production of crops by enhancing soil management practices and reducing soil degradation that threatens food production.
• Climate-Smart Soils: Exploring and promoting soil processes and management practices to better improve crop production in the evolving climate of the Canadian prairies.

Facilities

The network of facilities can be found both on campus and around the province of Manitoba. Researchers and students have access to equipment to conduct specialized research in a variety of areas.

Research Funding

The Department of Soil Science provides funding for research assistantships and also encourages students with scholarships to apply. Students can apply for teaching assistantships and awards through the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and the University of Manitoba.

Community Outreach

Students and staff take their research findings relating to improved production and environmental sustainability to producers and the public. The Manitoba Agriculture and Food Knowledge Exchange (MAKE) is a resource for faculty scientists and collaborators to share research shaping agriculture and food production in Manitoba and around the world.