PhD in Soil Science at North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University

United States of America, Raleigh

University Rank:#272

The Soil Science at North Carolina State University is a PhD program designed for students who want to build the knowledge and skills required for careers in this field. Delivered on campus at the university's main campus in Raleigh , United States of America, the program is taught in English and takes 4 years to complete. Students study in a Full Time environment while preparing for future professional opportunities. The next intake starts on August 21, 2027.

About PhD in Soil Science

Soil scientists study and manage land and water resources to protect the environment and enhance agricultural productivity. Graduate education opportunities in Soil Science at NC State prepare students for careers with public and private organizations in soil, agricultural, environmental, and natural resource sciences. Our graduates find employment opportunities with private sector firms, government organizations, academia, and entrepreneurship.

You will have the opportunity to study and do research with world-class faculty in outstanding laboratory and field facilities. Graduate students may specialize in the following sub-disciplines: soil physics; soil chemistry; soil microbiology and biochemistry; soil fertility and plant nutrition; soil genesis, morphology and classification; and soil, water and land management and conservation. Students can also incorporate other disciplines into their work, presenting outstanding opportunities to focus on issues of interest.

Graduate Degrees

The Department of Crop and Soil Sciences offers three graduate degrees in Soil Science. A short description of each follows.

The Master of Soil Science (the MR degree) is a non-thesis, course-based program that is available as both a campus-based and an online, distance education program. This degree is considered a terminal degree and is well suited to professionals requiring further education in soils for their careers.

The Master of Science in Soil Science (MS) is a research degree that requires the successful completion of coursework, a research problem, and the submission of a written thesis that documents the research.

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree symbolizes the ability of the student to undertake original research with minimal supervision and demonstrates the student's ability to write a dissertation reporting the results of this research. Most students in the Soil Science Ph.D. complete an MS degree prior to enrolling in the Ph.D., although exceptions are sometimes made.

Admission Requirements

A minimum of a 3.0 GPA at the baccalaureate (BS) or master's (MS) level is required. However, exceptions may be made for master's applicants with a very strong GPA in science classes, an exceptional track record in their final two years, or substantial post-baccalaureate work experience. Students accepted will typically have a BS or MS degree in Soil Science, or closely related fields, with strong preparation in the biological and physical sciences. Research experience is helpful. The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is not required for application or admission to Soil Science graduate programs. International students must demonstrate proficiency in English prior to admission. Admissions are competitive and subject to adequate funding for research assistantships. A committee of faculty members evaluates each application and admission is offered if funding is available to support a student. Master of Soil Science applicants are admitted without regard to funding; the department does not provide stipends for students in the MR program.

Disciplines

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Requirements and Admission Criteria for PhD in Soil Science at North Carolina State University

Entry Requirements

Our admissions rules require that an applicant have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university as determined by a regional or general accrediting agency. These accrediting agencies define bachelor’s degrees, in the U.S. custom, as requiring four years to complete. In reality, it may take longer or shorter to complete the degree, but the amount of work involved is typically the same. In the past few years, confusion has arisen as to the equivalence of the three year bachelor’s degrees offered in some countries. Some are treated as equivalent to the U.S. bachelor’s (see below) where others may require outside evaluation.

The Graduate School only accepts three-year bachelors degrees from member institutions within the Bologna Process. If the institution is not part of this organization, the applicant will be asked to provide the Graduate School with an evaluation of their higher education background by an international credential evaluation company. If the evaluation results show that the background is not equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree, admission will be denied. If the academic background includes a master’s degree, that should be evaluated along with the three-year degree to see if the combination is equivalent to a four-year U.S. bachelor’s degree. If any part of the master’s degree is needed for equivalency, the student will not be entitled to the 18 hr allowance toward a PhD program granted to holders of a previous master’s degree. On the other hand, they will be afforded the extra two semesters under the Graduate Student Support Plan for students without a previous master’s.
We accept international credential evaluations from members of NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services) or AICE (Association of International Credential Evaluators). Others may be acceptable as well, but please check with the Graduate School if a question as to the appropriateness of the evaluation arises.
The University of Wisconsin hosts a directory of foreign institutions describing their institutional academic environment and the expectations UW has for applicants from these institutions. This should only be used as a guide.

English Requirements

IELTSMin 6.5
TOEFLMin 80

Tuition and Fee Information for PhD in Soil Science at North Carolina State University

Application Fee 85

How to Apply for PhD in Soil Science at North Carolina State University

We know that applying to graduate school can be overwhelming and we are here to help. Call us at (919) 515-2872, or send an email to [email protected] and we will be happy to answer all of your questions. We encourage you to contact the Director of Graduate Programs for your program of interest. You can also ask us a question or search our FAQ.

Step 1: Choose a graduate degree program or graduate certificate

Search our listing of graduate programs and certificates to find one that matches your interests and academic background.

Step 2: Review application deadlines

Applications and all supporting documents must be received on or before the Program Deadline or the Graduate School priority deadline, whichever is earlier. International applicants typically have earlier deadlines to allow time to process necessary visa documentation. Applicants applying for financial aid usually have earlier deadlines, too.

Step 3: Prepare your application materials

All applications must include the following:

Application Fee ($75 for domestic and US permanent residents, $85 for international, $25 for certificates)
One unofficial transcript from each previously attended college or university
Three recommendations, submitted via the online application
Proof of English Proficiency (non-US citizen applicants only)
Personal Statement

In addition, each graduate program has its own requirements, such as exam scores, essays, and/or resumes, etc.

All of the above listed requirements can/should be uploaded to the online application, and test scores should be sent electronically to the Graduate School from the Educational Testing Service.

Step 4: Submit your application

PhD in Soil Science at North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University

United States of America, Raleigh