Soils and Sustainable Land Systems

The land, plant and climate systems major provides students with an understanding of the physical, chemical, and biological processes that occur in the soil-water-atmosphere zone at the earths surface. USU is the only university in the state that offers degrees in soil science. USUs program is unique in its focus on water issues in the arid West and has research emphasis in urban and rural land use, erosion, agricultural waste management, measurement of soil water, and the origins of soil.

Students graduating from this program will be well qualified for careers in the prevention, characterization, and improvement of environmental soil and water management. Soil scientists work with engineers, geologists, and ecologists, providing expertise on how to build strong structures in various types of soil, how to irrigate efficiently with different soil situations, etc. They also play a major role in ensuring that high-quality soil and clean water are available to current and future generations.

The program features small class sizes where students receive individual attention from excellent faculty and the opportunity to research alongside them in labs as they gain valuable research experience.

Students receive a BS by completing all required courses in the major. To receive a BA, students must also gain proficiency in one or more foreign languages.

Emphases:

• Applied Climatology: This emphasis integrates basic and applied principles of meteorology, climatology and environmental physics with land surface processes, especially water. Students will be completing courses in math, science, plant science and geology.
• Environmental Soil Science: This emphasis features a core curriculum of math and science courses and introductory soil science courses. Students then choose electives that are more in-depth and specific to soil science.
• Sustainable Food Production: This emphasis features a core curriculum of math, science and some introductory soil science courses. Students will choose electives that are more specific to agriculture and human systems.

Bachelor Degree Minimum Requirements

Admission to USU is test optional for Spring 2022, Summer 2022, and Fall 2022. ACT/SAT test scores will still be considered if submitted.

• 2.8-4.0 GPA - Admitted in Good Standing
  • Students with less than a 2.8 high school GPA may still be admitted in good standing based upon the combination of their GPA and ACT/SAT score. See if you qualify.
• 2.79 GPA & below - Considered for Earned Admission path.

Associate Degree Minimum Requirements

Most USU Eastern and USU Blanding Associates Degrees and Certificates are open enrollment and do not require a minimum high school GPA or ACT/SAT score.

Recommended High School Prep Work

• 4 years of English
• 4 years of Math (One class beyond math 3)
• 3.5 years of Social Science
• 3 years of Lab-Based Science (one each: biology, chemistry, and physics)
• 2 years of a world language (same language, taken progressively during grades 9-12)

With this degree, students can pursue the following careers:

• Soil conservationists
• Soil scientists for federal agencies
• Environmental consultants
• Soil regulatory specialists
• Soil, plant, water, and atmosphere relations (determining irrigation needs, working with biometeorologists)
• Construction site analysis (soil analysis, sediment mapping, classification, interpretation, sampling, etc.)
• Analyzing and determining soil quality (working with farmers, conservation, erosion prevention and restoration, soil fertility, etc.)
• Water quality (analyzing chemicals, water analysis)
• Waste management (analysis and transformation of agricultural and environmental pollutants in the soil-water zone)

Career Services provides counseling and information on hundreds of job and internship opportunities and even helps students apply and interview.