Soil Science

School/College: CALS


Field of Study

A science concerned with the soil, the most fundamental of all natural resources. The focus is on sustainable land use and protection of the environment.

Possible Careers

Environmental soil scientist or soil conservationist in government agencies, industry, or private consulting firms; crop consultant; farm conservation or land use planner; golf course superintendent; athletic field manager; waste management consultant; urban soil scientist; arboriculturist; positions in bioremediation; physician; veterinarian.

Special Opportunities & Additional Information

  • UW Soils Club. Badger Turf and Grounds Club.
  • Attend state, regional and national conferences with fellow students.
  • More than a dozen scholarships are annually awarded to soil science majors.
  • Many positions are available in research laboratories.
  • We offer courses that fulfill requirements for the CALS Leadership certificate.
  • Our Natural Sciences degree now includes a Bioscience specialization, specifically for either soils majors interested in biology or those interested in double majoring with either Biology or other biological majors. The Environmental Sciences specialization is also a good second major for Biology majors.

Selected Required Courses For the B.S. in Natural Sciences:

Intro Biology:
Biology 151-152; or Botany 130 and Zoology 101-102
Calculus:
Depends upon specialization
General Chemistry:
Chem 103-104, and 327; or Chem 109 and 327 or 329
Organic Chemistry:
Chem 341-342; or Chem 341-344 and 345
Physics:
Physics 103-104; or Physics 201-202; or Physics 207-208

Recommended Course Sequence for Freshman Year

Fall
Chem 103 or 109
Math 114 or 171
Communication A
AAE 215 or Econ 101
Spring
Chem 104
Math-remainder of requirement
Communication B
Ethnic Studies Elective

Advisor

  • Please contact Sheri Speth (608-262-2239; slspeth@wisc.edu), 263D Soils Building, for referral to an advisor.

Departmental Office