College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2023 Soil Sciences Degree Guide

If you're looking for a career that lets you out of the typical office setting, think about majoring in Soil Sciences.

Soil science is the analysis of soil properties and their relation to agricultural crops. Some classes in Soil Sciences include soil chemistry and fertility, mineralogy, hydrology, agronomy, and soil conservation and management. These classes will show the relationship between crop production and water and air quality, landscape design, and waste management.

If you choose to major in Soil Sciences, you may choose to focus on a specific concentration. Possible areas of study within Soil Sciences include Soil Science and Agronomy, Soil Chemistry and Physics, and Soil Microbiology.

Soil Sciences Degrees Shrinking in Popularity

#292 Most Popular Major
406 Degrees Awarded
-2.7% Increase in Graduates

In 2020-2021, soil sciences was the 292nd most popular major nationwide with 406 degrees awarded. This 11 less than the prior year, a decrease of 2.7%.

Our 2023 Best Soil Sciences Schools ranking analyzes 24 of these schools to determine the best overall colleges for soil sciences students. Explore this or one of our many other custom soil sciences rankings further below.

2023 Best Colleges for Soil Sciences
2023 Overall Best Soil Sciences Colleges >

Best Soil Sciences Schools by Degree

Associate Degrees in Soil Sciences
Bachelor's Degrees in Soil Sciences
Master's Degrees in Soil Sciences
Doctorate Degrees in Soil Sciences

Requirements for Getting a Degree in Soil Sciences

As a soil scientist, you have the ability to perform many different tasks. You may choose to advise farmers on the best soil for their crops and how to conserve it, analyze the mineral content of different soils, or work with industries to improve crop quality. No matter what path you choose to follow, there are some skills that make soil scientists successful. A strong background and enjoyment of science will be beneficial, as many classes focus on ecology, microbiology, chemistry, and physics. Soil Scientists must also have strong critical thinking and analysis skills, as they interpret data and make decisions about what soils and crops work best together.

Soil scientists are frequently found outside the office and in the field, analyzing and observing the soil or performing tests and experiments within a research lab. This is a great career choice for anyone who does not like the sound of a typical desk job.

Internships and previous experience are not mandatory, but are highly suggested for anyone interested in becoming a soil scientist. Summer jobs and internships will provide working experience and expose you to current techniques used within the field.

Soil Sciences Degree Program Entry Requirements

soil sciences degree applicants generally need have finished high school or their GED. Many schools may also have GPA and SAT/ACT score minimums that must be met. In addition to these basic soil sciences program qualifications, to serve in some soil sciences careers, special certification may be required outside of your degree.

Types of Soil Sciences Degrees

There are many different soil sciences degree levels. You can spend many years getting as high as a in soil sciences to something that takes less time like a . Different soil sciences degrees vary in how long they take.

Degree Credit Requirements Typical Program Length
Associate Degree 60-70 credits 2 years
Bachelor’s Degree 120 credits 4 years
Master’s Degree 50-70 credits 1-3 years
Doctorate Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation At least 4 years

A doctor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to soil sciences, with approximately 34.7% of workers getting one. People currently working in careers related to soil sciences tend obtained the following education levels.

Level of Education Percentage of Workers
Doctoral Degree 35.2%
Bachelor’s Degree 21.0%
Master’s Degree 18.1%
Post-Doctoral Training 16.7%
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate 5.5%

51.5% of soil sciences workers have at least a doctorate. View the chart below to get an idea of what degree level most of those in soil sciences careers have.

undefined

This of course varies depending on which soil sciences career you choose.

Soil Sciences Careers

Below Average Number of Jobs
$43.8k Average Starting Salary
8% Growth Job Outlook 2016-26

There are many opportunities available for those who graduate with a degree in Soil Sciences. Some possible careers include management positions at farms and ranches, at soil and water conservation agencies, and at companies that specialize in land-use planning. You also have the option to work with landscapers and gardeners.

Solid Growth Projected for Soil Sciences Careers

Want a job when you graduate with your soil sciences degree? Soil Sciences careers are expected to grow 8.4% between 2016 and 2026.

The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to soil sciences.

Occupation Name Projected Jobs Expected Growth
Microbiologists 25,100 8.2%
Soil and Plant Scientists 21,700 9.0%
Agricultural Sciences Professors 13,600 7.9%

Soil Sciences Degree Salary Potential

Recently graduated soil sciences students earned an average of $43,848 in 2019-2020. Earnings can range from as low as $35,050 to as high as $54,798. As you might expect, salaries for soil sciences graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.

undefined

High Paying Careers for Soil Sciences Majors

Salaries for soil sciences graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers soil sciences grads often go into.

Occupation Name Median Average Salary
Agricultural Sciences Professors $90,890
Microbiologists $81,150
Soil and Plant Scientists $70,630

Getting Your Soil Sciences Degree

With over 83 different soil sciences degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased soil sciences school rankings to help you with this.

Soil Sciences is one of 16 different types of Agriculture & Agriculture Operations programs to choose from.

Soil Sciences Focus Areas

Major Annual Graduates
Soil Science & Agronomy, General 308
Soil Sciences, Other 68
Soil Chemistry & Physics 30

View All Soil Sciences Focus Areas >

Related Major Annual Graduates
Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians 8,646
Animal Science 8,294
Agricultural Economics & Business 8,098
General Agriculture 3,370
Horticulture 3,234

View All Soil Sciences Related Majors >

References

Popular Reports

College Rankings
Best by Location
Degree Guides by Major
Graduate Programs

Compare Your School Options