Agricultural/Animal/Plant/Veterinary Science and Related Fields
Soil Sciences
Focuses on the scientific classification of soils, soil properties, and their relationship to agricultural crops. Covers soil chemistry, soil physics, soil biology, soil fertility, morphogenesis, mineralogy, hydrology, agronomy, and soil conservation and management.
Inside the major
Programs within this field
Colleges may offer this field under 4 more specific program names. The program you choose affects the courses you take.
- Soil Science and Agronomy, General
- Focuses on the scientific classification of soils, soil properties, and their relationship to agricultural crops. Covers soil chemistry, soil physics, soil biology, soil fertility, morphogenesis, mineralogy, hydrology, agronomy, and soil conservation and management.
- Soil Chemistry and Physics
- Focuses on the application of chemical and physical principles to research and analysis concerning the nature and properties of soils and the conservation and management of soils. Covers soil and fluid mechanics, mineralogy, sedimentology, thermodynamics, geomorphology, environmental systems, analytical methods, and organic and inorganic chemistry.
- Soil Microbiology
- Focuses on application of microbiological theory and methods to the study of the organismic properties of soils, soil-plant and soil-animal interactions, and the biological components and effects of soil management strategies. Covers microbiology and related biological sciences, applicable animal and plant sciences, soil chemistry and physics as related to biological characteristics, and environmental science.
- Soil Sciences, Other
- The soil sciences not listed above.
Also called Environmental Soil Science
Where it can lead
Careers this field can lead to
Explore related careers, starting with the closest connections and the occupations hiring the most people.
Soil and Plant Scientists
- Median pay
- $78,850
- Hiring change through 2035
- 6.7%
- Job openings a year
- 1,400
To get hiredBachelor's degree
Explore this career Growing with the economyAgricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
- Median pay
- $98,700
- Hiring change through 2035
- 2.9%
- Job openings a year
- 800
To get hiredDoctoral or professional degree
Explore this career GrowingAgricultural Technicians
- Median pay
- $49,630
- Hiring change through 2035
- 5.4%
- Job openings a year
- 2,800
To get hiredAssociate's degree
Explore this career GrowingMicrobiologists
- Median pay
- $87,990
- Hiring change through 2035
- 6.2%
- Job openings a year
- 1,500
To get hiredBachelor's degree
Explore this careerAll work is projected to grow 3.5% between 2025 and 2035; read every hiring-change figure against it.
Working style
How and where the work happens
Related careers can feel very different from one another. Compare the specific occupations to understand the work each one involves.
Few of the careers connected to this field are measured as substantially in-person or active work. Compare the specific occupations to see how much time each one involves with people, equipment, and movement.
College options
Where to study it
Ordered by how many degrees each college awards in this field. Sort by any numbered column.
| College | Degrees a year | Admit rate | Average annual cost after aid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brigham Young University UT | 31 | 69% | $13,000 |
| The University of Tennessee-Knoxville TN | 23 | 46% | $18,000 |
| Colorado State University-Fort Collins CO | 19 | 90% | $16,000 |
| Michigan State University MI | 19 | 84% | $17,000 |
| University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point WI | 17 | 90% | $11,000 |
| Brigham Young University-Idaho ID | 15 | 97% | $6,000 |
| Clemson University SC | 15 | 38% | $19,000 |
| University of Georgia GA | 13 | 37% | $13,000 |
| Southern Illinois University-Carbondale IL | 13 | 90% | $10,000 |
| University of Nebraska-Lincoln NE | 13 | 77% | $15,000 |
| Oklahoma State University-Main Campus OK | 13 | 71% | $16,000 |
| University of Florida FL | 4 | 24% | $7,000 |
| Purdue University-Main Campus IN | 4 | 50% | $9,000 |
| Utah State University UT | 2 | 94% | $14,000 |
| New Mexico State University-Main Campus NM | 1 | 76% | $10,000 |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison WI | 1 | 43% | $8,000 |