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    Study soil science abroad

    An in-depth guide to studying soil science as an international student.

    Find soil science programs

    Explore soil science programs abroad

    See other programs in soil science

    Soil science degrees abroad

    Soil science is a multidisciplinary field that covers a range of subjects including biology, ecology, chemistry, geology, geography, and environmental sciences.

    As a soil science student, you’ll develop an in-depth understanding of the nature and properties of soil, and its role in vital global issues like environmental sustainability and food security. You’ll get the opportunity to learn from leading researchers in the field, and develop your skills through a variety of learning methods.

    Soil’s role in food production and environmental preservation is crucial all over the world. As an international student, you’ll be uniquely placed to see how another country approaches soil science and the issues they face.

    Soil science program structure

    Soil sciences programs are largely offered at bachelor’s level as a BSc, or a BSAG (Bachelor of Science in Agriculture). It is common for soil science to be studied alongside another discipline like plant science or agriculture.

    A BSc normally takes three or four years to finish, depending on where you study and if your program includes a placement year. If you choose to study in the USA, your bachelor’s program will take four years to complete, and you’ll get the opportunity to study a range of subjects before declaring your major in soil science.

    Postgraduate qualifications in soil science are available, and you can study for a master’s (MSc) or a doctorate (PhD). Master’s programs take up to two years to complete and often combine taught classes and a research project. A PhD will generally take between four and six years and will be made up entirely of your own research.

    Most soil science programs will combine practical and theoretical classes, with lectures, seminars, lab sessions, and fieldwork common. You can expect to be assessed through a combination of essays, coursework, written exams, reports, and a final year dissertation.

    The topics you’ll cover will vary between soil science programs and each university, but some typical subjects and modules include:

    • Diversity of life
    • Chemistry of soil
    • Ecology and environmental science
    • Soils for food security
    • Ecosystem processes
    • Waste management and restoration
    • Soil and climate change
    • Research methods in soil science
    Soil science program structure

    Soil sciences programs are largely offered at bachelor’s level as a BSc, or a BSAG (Bachelor of Science in Agriculture). It is common for soil science to be studied alongside another discipline like plant science or agriculture.

    A BSc normally takes three or four years to finish, depending on where you study and if your program includes a placement year. If you choose to study in the USA, your bachelor’s program will take four years to complete, and you’ll get the opportunity to study a range of subjects before declaring your major in soil science.

    Postgraduate qualifications in soil science are available, and you can study for a master’s (MSc) or a doctorate (PhD). Master’s programs take up to two years to complete and often combine taught classes and a research project. A PhD will generally take between four and six years and will be made up entirely of your own research.

    Most soil science programs will combine practical and theoretical classes, with lectures, seminars, lab sessions, and fieldwork common. You can expect to be assessed through a combination of essays, coursework, written exams, reports, and a final year dissertation.

    The topics you’ll cover will vary between soil science programs and each university, but some typical subjects and modules include:

    • Diversity of life
    • Chemistry of soil
    • Ecology and environmental science
    • Soils for food security
    • Ecosystem processes
    • Waste management and restoration
    • Soil and climate change
    • Research methods in soil science

    Alternative earth sciences degrees

    Best countries to study soil science

    Best universities to study soil science

    See all universities offering soil science programs

    How to study soil science abroad

    1. University & program search

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    2. Application guidance

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    3. Visa & travel advice

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    Our team of advisors is ready to support you at every step of your study abroad journey.
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    Soil science study abroad programs

    Soil science undergraduate programs

    Bachelor's in soil science

    • false

      Agribusiness: Plant & Soil Science - Regional Campus - BSc Southeast Missouri State University, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      13,155 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 13,155 USD

      Start date
      January, August
      Show program overview about Agribusiness: Plant & Soil Science - Regional Campus
    • false

      Agricultural Engineering: Soil and Water Resources Engineering - BSc University of Nebraska-Lincoln, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      27,000 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 27,000 USD

      Start date
      January, August, June
      Show program overview about Agricultural Engineering: Soil and Water Resources Engineering
    • false

      Agricultural Plant and Soil Sciences - BSc California State University, Monterey Bay, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      16,647 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 16,647 USD

      Start date
      August, January
      Show program overview about Agricultural Plant and Soil Sciences
    • false

      Crop and Soil Sciences - Turfgrass Track - BSc Auburn University, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      32,220 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 32,220 USD

      Start date
      May, August, January
      Show program overview about Crop and Soil Sciences - Turfgrass Track
    • false

      Plant and Soil Systems - Soil Science - BSc Louisiana State University, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      28,700 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 28,700 USD

      Start date
      August, May, January
      Show program overview about Plant and Soil Systems - Soil Science
    See all bachelor's degrees in soil science

    Soil science graduate programs

    Master's in soil science

    • false

      Agricultural Science, Soil and Water Science, Thesis Option - MSc Florida A&M University, USA

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      25,868 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 25,868 USD

      Start date
      August, January
      Show program overview about Agricultural Science, Soil and Water Science, Thesis Option
    See all master's degrees in soil science

    Future soil science careers

    Your knowledge and expertise as a soil science graduate will make you an attractive candidate for a range of important roles. Here of some of the positions you could aim for after study abroad:

    • Soil scientist
    • Agricultural consultant
    • Soil conservationist
    • Research scientist
    • Biotechnologist
    • Environmental consultant
    • Crop consultant
    • Agronomist

    Taking the opportunity to work on placement is a great way to find out what role would be best for you. If you need help finding work experience opportunities, speak to your university's careers advice team who will be able to point you in the right direction.