Soil Science
Soil scientists study and manage land and water resources to protect the environment and enhance agricultural productivity. Graduate education opportunities in Soil Science at NC State prepare students for careers with public and private organizations in soil, agricultural, environmental, and natural resource sciences. Our graduates find employment opportunities with private sector firms, government organizations, academia, and entrepreneurship.
You will have the opportunity to study and do research with world-class faculty in outstanding laboratory and field facilities. Graduate students may specialize in the following sub-disciplines: soil physics; soil chemistry; soil microbiology and biochemistry; soil fertility and plant nutrition; soil genesis, morphology and classification; and soil, water and land management and conservation. Students can also incorporate other disciplines into their work, presenting outstanding opportunities to focus on issues of interest.
Graduate Degrees
The Department of Crop and Soil Sciences offers three graduate degrees in Soil Science. A short description of each follows.
The Master of Soil Science (MR) is a non-thesis, course-based program that is available as both a campus-based and an online, distance education program. This degree is considered a terminal degree and is well suited to professionals requiring further education in soils for their careers.
The Master of Science in Soil Science (MS) is a research degree that requires the successful completion of coursework, a research problem, and the submission of a written thesis that documents the research.
The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree symbolizes the ability of the student to undertake original research with minimal supervision and demonstrates the student’s ability to write a dissertation reporting the results of this research. Most students in the Soil Science Ph.D. complete an MS degree prior to enrolling in the Ph.D., although exceptions are sometimes made.
All MS and PhD students are required to teach as part of the degree program. Master of Science students teach the equivalent of one section of SSC 201 Soil Science Laboratory, while PhD students teach the equivalent of two sections.
More Information
Admission Requirements
A number of factors are considered when evaluating applications to Soil Science graduate degree programs. A minimum of a 3.0 GPA at the baccalaureate (BS) or master’s (MS) level is required. However, exceptions may be made for master’s applicants with a very strong GPA in science classes, an exceptional track record in their final two years, or substantial post-baccalaureate work experience. Soil science is a rigorous STEM discipline and students accepted will typically have a BS or MS degree in soil science, or closely related fields, with strong preparation in the biological and physical sciences. Research experience is helpful for the MS program and essential for students joining the PhD program. We do not require the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) for application or admission to Soil Science graduate programs. International students must demonstrate proficiency in English prior to admission using the TOEFL, IELTS, or DuoLingo assessments. Admissions are competitive and subject to adequate funding for research assistantships. A committee of faculty members evaluates each application and admission is offered if funding is available to support a student. Applicants for the MR are admitted without regard to funding; the department does not provide stipends or financial support for students in the MR program.
Applicant Information
Soil Science (MS and PhD)
- Delivery Method: On-Campus
- Entrance Exam: None
- Interview Required: None
Soil Science (MR)
- Delivery Method: On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
- Entrance Exam: None
- Interview Required: None
Application Deadlines
- Fall: Jan 15 (aid); Mar 1 (Int, Adm only), Jun 25 (US, Adm only)
- Spring: Sep 1 (aid); Sep 30 (Int., Adm only), Nov 25 (US, Adm only)
- Summer 1: Mar 25 (US); Dec 15 (Int)
- Summer 2: May 10 (US); Dec 15 (Int)
Faculty
Professors
- Aziz Amoozegar
Area of Research: Environmental Soil Physics - David A. Crouse
Area of Research: Soil Science Education - Owen W. Duckworth
Area of Research: Soil Biogeochemistry - Alan J. Franzluebbers
Area of Research: Soil Ecology and Management - John L. Havlin
Area of Research: Soil Fertility - Joshua L. Heitman
Area of Research: Soil Physics & Hydrology - Michael D. Mullen
Area of Research: Soil Biology & Soil Science Education - Deanna L. Osmond
Area of Research: Soil Fertility & Watershed Management - Wei Shi
Area of Research: Soil Microbiology & Ecology - Michael J. Vepraskas
Area of Research: Wetland Soils & Pedology
Associate Professors
- Luciano C. Gatiboni
Area of Research: Soil Fertility & Nutrient Management - Alexandria K. Graves
Area of Research: Soil Microbiology
Assistant Professors
- Kevin Garcia
Area of Research: Plant-Microbe Interactions & Nutrient Transport - Amy M. Johnson
Area of Research: Soil Science - Stephanie B. Kulesza
Area of Research: Nutrient Management and Animal Waste - Hui Li
Area of Research: Environmental Soil Chemistry - Ekrem Ozlu
Area of Research: Soil Management - Matthew C. Ricker
Area of Research: Pedology - Alex L. Woodley
Area of Research: Sustainable Agricultural Systems
Practice/Research/Teaching Professor
- Robert E. Austin
Area of Research: Geospatial Information and Analytics in Soils, Agriculture and Environmental Science
Courses
Soil physical properties and theory of selected instrumentation to measure them. Topics including soil solids, soil water, air and heat. Emphasis on transport processes and the energy concept of soil and water.
Typically offered in Fall only
A consideration of the chemical and colloidal properties of clay and soil systems, including ion exchange and retention, soil solution reactions, solvation of clays and electrokinetic properties of clay-water systems.
Prerequisite: SSC 200, one yr. of general inorganic chemistry
Typically offered in Spring only
Ecological and biochemical concepts will be applied to managing soils in agro-ecological settings such as organic and conventionally managed farms and gardens, emphasizing microbial transformations of nutrients and matter. Topics covered include soil organic matter formation and fractionation, decomposition, microbial assimilation of nutrients, fertilizer management, tillage, crop rotations, cover crop management. Companion course SSC 428 and SSC 341 recommended.
Typically offered in Fall only
Soil as a medium for microbial growth, the relation of microbes to important mineral transformations in soil, the importance of biological equilibrium and significance of soil microbes to environmental quality.
The focus of this course is on the understanding of concepts and principles of plant hydro-mineral acquisition, plant adaptation to nutrient deficiencies, water and nutrient cycles in the soil, and the impact that microbial communities have on these processes. Understanding below ground biological networks and their complexity is crucial for understanding soil fertility and improving the acquisition of nutrients in natural and agroecosystems.
Prerequisite: Graduate Standing or Instructor permission
Typically offered in Fall only
Geographic information systems (GIS), global positioning system (GPS), and remote sensing to manage spatially variable soils, vegetation, other natural resources. Develop: function understanding of GIS principles, working knowledge of ArcGIS, problem-solving/critical-thinking necessary to use GIS to characterize and manage soils, agriculture, natural resources. Introduction to GIS; Maps/Cartography; Vectore/Raster Data Models; Georeferencing/Coordinate Systems; Spatial Data Sources; GPS/GPS skillls/ Remote Sensing; Statistics/Interpolation; Precision Agriculture; Computer Aided Design and GIS; Creating Analyzing 3-D Surfaces. Credit not given for both SSC 440 and SSC 540.
Prerequisite: SSC 200
Typically offered in Fall only
Soil conditions affecting plant growth and the chemistry of soil and fertilizer interrelationships. Factors affecting the availability of nutrients. Methods of measuring nutrient availability.
Prerequisite: SSC 341
Overview of remote sensing including history, evolution, vocabulary, and physical principles, i.e., electromagnetic radiation and its interaction with matter. Distant and proximate remote sensing techniques (aerial photography, satellite imaging, radar, lidar, etc.), hardware, and platforms and their application in the characterization and management of soils and crops. Development of strategies for incorporating remote sensing into soil and agronomic research, and of practical skills for processing, analysis, display, and discussion of remote sensing data with applications in soil science and agriculture.
This course is offered alternate even years
Morphology: Chemical, physical and mineralogical parameters useful in characterizing soil. Genesis: soil-forming factors and processes. Classification: historical development and present concepts of soil taxonomy with particular reference to worldwide distribution of great soil groups as well as discussions of logical bases of soil classification.
Prerequisite: SSC 200
Identification and evaluation of basic factors influencing movement of potential pollutants through soil and their underlying strata. Development of understanding of processes of soil and site evaluation for waste disposal and transport of pollutants through soils.
Prerequisite: SSC 200
Typically offered in Spring only
Wetland definitions, concepts, functions and regulations; chemical, physical and morphological characteristics of wetland soils. Wetland soil identification using field indicators and monitoring equipment; principles of wetland creation, restoration and mitigation. Special project required for SSC 570. Two mandatory field trips. Field trips for distance education students are not required but optional. Credit will not be given for both SSC 470 and SSC 570.
Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer
Concepts in basic hydrologic, erosion and chemical transport used in modeling. Evaluation of typical hydrologic and water quality models on watershed systems. Project examples using state-of-the-art models. Credit will not be given for both BAE 473 and BAE 573.
Prerequisite: BAE 371
Typically offered in Fall only
Special problems in various phases of soils. Emphasis placed on review of recent and current research. Credits arranged in consultation with sponsoring faculty member.
Prerequisite: SSC 200 or consent of instructor.
Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer
Special Topics in Soil Science. Topics of contemporary interest in soil science presented in an experimental or pilot course format.
P: Graduate Standing
Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer
A maximum of two semester hours allowed toward the master's degree, but any number toward the doctorate. Scientific articles, progress reports in research and special problems of interest to soil scientists reviewed and discussed.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing in SSC
Typically offered in Fall and Spring
Seminar-type discussions and lectures on specialized and advanced topics in soil science. Credits Arranged
Prerequisite: Graduate standing in SSC
Typically offered in Fall and Spring
Special problems in various phases of soils. Emphasis placed on review of recent and current research. Credits Arranged
Prerequisite: SSC 200
Typically offered in Fall and Spring
Credit for required, independent project in soil science for the Master of Soil Science degree program. Project topic and learning contract will be developed with, and approved by, the student's faculty advisor and the Director of Graduate Programs. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credit hours towards the Master of Soil Science degree. May not be taken by Master of Science or PhD students.
R: Master of Soil Science (MR) students only
Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer
Teaching experience under the mentorship of faculty who assist the student in planning for the teaching assignment, observe and provide feedback to the student during the teaching assignment and evaluate the student upon completion of the assignment. No more than 1 credit per course section taught.
Prerequisite: Master's student
Typically offered in Fall and Spring
For students in non-thesis master's programs who have completed all credit hour requirements for their degree but need to maintain half-time continuous registration to complete incomplete grades, projects, final master's exam, etc.
Prerequisite: Master's student
Typically offered in Summer only
For students in non-thesis master's programs who have completed all credit hour requirements for their degree but need to maintain full-time continuous registration to complete incomplete grades, projects, final master's exam, etc. Students may register for this course a maximum of one semester.
Prerequisite: Master's student
Typically offered in Summer only
For students in non thesis master's programs who have completed all other requirements of the degree except preparing for and taking the final master's exam. Credits Arranged
Prerequisite: Master's student
Typically offered in Spring and Summer
Instruction in research and research under the mentorship of a member of the Graduate Faculty.
Prerequisite: Master's student
Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer
Thesis Research
Prerequisite: Master's student
Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer
For graduate students whose programs of work specify no formal course work during a summer session and who will be devoting full time to thesis research.
Prerequisite: Master's student
Typically offered in Summer only
For students who have completed all credit hour requirements and full-time enrollment for the master's degree and are writing and defending their thesis. Credits arranged
Prerequisite: Master's student
Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer
Theory and advanced principles of utilization of chemical instruments to aid research on the heterogeneous systems of soils and plants.
Typically offered in Spring only
This course is offered alternate years
Chemical properties of pesticides including hydration and solvation, ionization, volatilization, lipophilicity, molecular structure and size, and reactivity and classification according to chemical description, mode of action or ionizability. Taughtduring the first 5 weeks of semester. Drop date is last day of 3rd week of the minicourse.
Typically offered in Spring only
Sorption/desorption, soil reactivity, movement, volatilization, bioavailability, degradation and stability of pesticides in the environment. Taught during the last 10 weeks of semester. Drop date is last day of 3rd week of the minicourse.
Prerequisite: CS(HS,SSC,TOX) 725,SSC 200
Typically offered in Spring only
The study of special problems and selected topics of current interest in soil science and related fields.
Typically offered in Fall only
Weekly seminars on topics of current interest given by resident faculty members, graduate students and visiting lecturers.
Typically offered in Fall and Spring
Seminar-type discussions and lectures on specialized and advanced topics in soil science. Credits Arranged
Prerequisite: Graduate standing in SSC
Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer
Special problems in various phases of soils. Emphasis placed on review of recent and current research. Credits Arranged
Prerequisite: SSC 200
Typically offered in Fall and Spring
Teaching experience under the mentorship of faculty who assist the student in planning for the teaching assignment, observe and provide feedback to the student during the teaching assignment, and evaluate the student upon completion of the assignment. No more than 1 credit per course section taught.
Prerequisite: Doctoral student
Typically offered in Fall and Spring
For students who are preparing for and taking written and/or oral preliminary exams.
Prerequisite: Doctoral student
Typically offered in Spring and Summer
Instruction in research and research under the mentorship of a member of the Graudate Faculty.
Prerequisite: Doctoral student
Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer
Dissertation research.
Prerequisite: Doctoral student
Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer
For graduate students whose programs of work specify no formal course work during a summer session and who will be devoting full time to thesis research.
Prerequisite: Doctoral student
Typically offered in Summer only
For students who have completed all credit hour, full-time enrollment, preliminary examination and residency requirements for the doctoral degree and are writing and defending their dissertations.
Prerequisite: Doctoral student
Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer