by our College Data Analytics TeamIf 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 was the 292nd most popular major in the 2021-2022 school year. Colleges in the United States reported awarding 409 degrees in this year alone. This year's Best Soil Sciences Schools ranking compares 12 of them to identify the best overall programs in the country. Explore this or one of our many other custom soil sciences rankings further below.
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 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.
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.
This of course varies depending on which soil sciences career you choose.
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.
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 graduates between <nil> reported earning an average of $52,062 in the <nil> timeframe. Earnings can range from as low as $43,421 to as high as $61,827. As you might expect, salaries for soil sciences graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
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 |
With over 86 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 18 different types of Agriculture & Agriculture Operations programs to choose from.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Soil Science & Agronomy, General | 332 |
| Soil Sciences, Other | 49 |
| Soil Chemistry & Physics | 28 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians | 8,951 |
| Animal Science | 8,178 |
| Agricultural Economics & Business | 8,140 |
| Horticulture | 3,591 |
| Veterinary Medicine | 3,468 |
