Soil Science/Water Resources, M.S.

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The purpose of this program is to enhance the cross-disciplinary linkage between soil science and water resources and to provide students a degree program in Soil Science, which emphasizes the important issues in water resources.

Coursework and Thesis

Each student must complete a minimum of 26 credit hours of graduate level coursework and 4 thesis credit hours of SOWK 5960 to qualify for a master of science degree in soil science/water resources. Specific coursework will be determined by the student’s graduate committee; however, each student is required to enhance his/her background and expertise in the water resources area through specialized coursework and a seminar as shown below.

Core Courses

Students must take or have taken equivalent courses in the four soils disciplines: physics, pedology, chemistry, and microbiology.

SOIL 5130 - Chemistry of the Soil Environment Credits: 3
SOIL 5140 - Soil Microbiology Credits: 4

Enhancement Courses

Students must take at least one of the following courses:

SOIL 5110 - Modeling Water and Chemical Transport in Vadose Zone and Groundwater Systems Credits: 4
SOIL 5150 - Forest and Range Soils Credits: 3
SOIL 5160 - Soil Health and Nutrient Cycling Credits: 3
SOIL 5170 - Analytical Methods for Ecosystems Research

Interdisciplinary Component: 9 Hours

(see Water Resources degree requirements)

Seminar in Water Resources: 1 Hour

REWM 5250 - Water Resources Seminar Credits: 1

Graduate Seminar in Soil Science: 1 Hour

Plan A Thesis Requirement

Only Plan A thesis students are eligible for the master of science in soil science/water resources. In addition to coursework and a Plan A thesis, students must pass a final oral examination. The student’s graduate committee will include at least one member of the Water Resources Curriculum Committee to help ensure adherence to the master of science in soil science/water resources degree requirements and that research efforts are in the water area.