Main navigation
- Programs
- Subjects
- Universities
- Destinations
- Advice
Utah State University stands alone in the state as the sole institution offering soil science degree programs. The graduate curriculum in soil science examines the chemical, physical, and biological properties of soil, with special emphasis on water-related challenges, particularly those affecting western regions regarding water usage and irrigation systems. Notably, USU has gained recognition for its pioneering work in digital soil mapping - a field that supports flood forecasting, land rehabilitation efforts, deployment of advanced environmental sensors to measure greenhouse gases, and analysis of pollutant movement through soils resulting from mountain snow runoff. Learners can direct their studies toward addressing contemporary challenges in various specializations such as soil/water chemistry and biogeochemistry, microbial soil ecology, nutrient availability in soils, environmental soil physics, soil/water resource management, soil formation processes, morphological analysis and classification systems, and sustainable agricultural ecosystems. As interdisciplinary professionals, soil scientists bridge the divide between engineering, geology, and ecology disciplines while playing a crucial part in preserving soil and water resources for present and coming generations.