The Program
Soil science is a major offered as a four-year Bachelor of Science degree in the School of Natural Resource Sciences. Soil science is an earth science that combines the studies of the atmosphere, surface and subsurface waters, mineral earth deposits and biological ecosystems. This natural science emphasizes the real world applications of biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics. Each student designs a program according to his or her personal abilities, interests, and career goals. Soil science graduates gain an appreciation of agricultural production, environmental concerns and natural resources issues.
Research in the Department of Soil Science is cutting edge. Several faculty lead the nation and world in environmental earth sciences, wetlands and soil fertility. This research expands our understanding of pollutant movement in the soils, the maintenance and reconstruction of wetland habitats, and the production of crops from soybeans to sugarbeets.
Many students from Natural Resources Management and students enrolled in other majors across campus pursue a soil science minor. A student minoring with 15 credits in soil science at NDSU is eligible to receive the status of soil scientist with the USDA and other government agencies.
