Soil Science Minor
This program is available at the following locations:
- Corvallis
- Ecampus
This minor provides a solid foundation in principles of soil science in both natural and agricultural environments, including topics such as soil management for plant growth, soil physics and hydrology, soil biology, soil chemistry, and soil morphology. A minor in soil science helps prepare students for careers in environmental science, agriculture, conservation, or scientific research.
Minor Code: 160
Upon successful completion of the program, students will meet the following learning outcomes:
- Determine appropriate soil and crop management practices based on fundamental environment-plant interactions and specific cropping system information.
- Find, synthesize and interpret scientific information.
- Communicate scientific findings in writing and in oral/visual presentations.
- Apply the scientific method to solve problems.
- Demonstrate proficiency of technical skills required for crop and soil science related careers.
- Attain professional skills required for careers in crop or soil science, including appropriate communication and leadership.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core | ||
| SOIL 205 & SOIL 206 | SOIL SCIENCE and +*SOIL SCIENCE LABORATORY FOR SOIL 205 | 4 |
| or CSS 205 | +*SOIL SCIENCE | |
| Nutrient Cycling | ||
| SOIL 316 | NUTRIENT CYCLING IN AGROECOSYSTEMS | 4 |
| Electives | ||
| Select a minimum of 19 credits from the following courses: 1 | 19 | |
| +*ENVIRONMENTAL EARTH SCIENCES | ||
| *INTRODUCTION TO WATER SCIENCE AND POLICY | ||
| SOIL MANAGEMENT FOR ORGANIC PRODUCTION | ||
| ECOSYSTEMS OF WILDLAND SOILS | ||
| SOIL SYSTEMS AND PLANT GROWTH | ||
| ^WORLD SOIL RESOURCES | ||
| ENVIRONMENTAL SOIL PHYSICS | ||
| ENVIRONMENTAL SOIL CHEMISTRY | ||
| BIOLOGY OF SOIL ECOSYSTEMS | ||
| SOIL MORPHOLOGY AND CLASSIFICATION | ||
| SOIL LANDSCAPE ANALYSIS | ||
Other CSS, CROP or SOIL course approved by the advisor | ||
| Total Credits | 27 | |
- *
Baccalaureate Core course. Applies to general education requirements for undergraduate students in a catalog year up to 2024-2025
- +
Core Education course. Applies to general education requirements for undergraduate students in catalog year 2025-2026 and beyond
- ^
Writing Intensive Curriculum (WIC) course
- 1
A minimum of 12 upper-division credits are required for the minor
Minor Code: 160