Many human activities adversely impact soil, water
and environmental quality. The Environmental and
Soil Sciences degree provides students with a
strong grounding in basic sciences and technology
to prepare them for careers in environmental and
natural resource management. Students in this
program study basic natural sciences as well as
applied areas such as ecology, soil sciences, and
natural resource policy. Students also build
expertise with modern technologies such as
geographical information systems, global
positioning systems, and computer applications in
natural resource management.
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The Soil Science
Concentration is a rigorous, science-based
program that emphasizes soils and their long-term
use and productivity, as well as surface and sub-
surface water resources. Students
learn to evaluate soil characteristics in the field
and lab, using industry-standard tests and
techniques. They learn to survey, identify,
classify, and map soils, and to predict the
suitability of a soil for specific uses. They are
trained to understand natural resource problems
and their management, including soil and water
conservation issues, land use problems, waste
disposal, and reclamation of disturbed lands.
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Graduates are prepared to work in a wide
assortment of interesting and challenging career
paths and with a broad variety of other
professionals to solve complex problems.
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Examples of potential careers include: reclaiming
contaminated sites to comply with environmental
regulations; designing and monitoring landfills;
analyzing and protecting rural or urban water
supplies; working in a university or industry
setting as a soil and environmental specialist or
scientist; private consulting in environmental and
agricultural areas; and working with non-
governmental organizations. Graduates also have
the theoretical training necessary for continuing on
for advanced degrees in a variety of
environmentally-related fields or law school.
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Employers include environmental or agricultural
consulting firms, government regulatory agencies
at both the state and federal level, public health
services, environmental research laboratories, and
agricultural production companies.
Data suggests that starting salaries vary
significantly, ranging from the mid-20's to the
high-40's, depending on employer and type of
work.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the
recent median annual earnings of environmental
scientists were $44,000. The middle 50 percent
earned between $35,000 and $58,000. The lowest
10 percent earned less than $29,000, and the
highest 10 percent earned more than $74,000.
In a recent survey, the average Federal salary for
employees in nonsupervisory, supervisory, and
managerial positions in soil science was $59,000.
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High School Preparation
Successful Soil Science
students typically have a strong high school
background in science, particularly biology and
chemistry. Good communication
abilities (both written and verbal) and experience
with computers are also very helpful. This
background will enable you to more easily begin
your college work. Also, if you are able to earn
advanced placement credit in some of these areas,
you may have additional options later in your
degree program. These could include taking
specialized courses that interest you, working in a
lab, or contributing to a research project --
providing valuable experience and improving your
employment opportunities.
Freshman admission to the program follows the
general requirements of the University. Admission
chances are enhanced by high ACT/SAT scores and
a solid high school transcript.