Soil Science Minor

Minimum 12 credits in Plant Sciences (PLSCI prefix) coursework.

A minor in Soil Science prepares students for work on agricultural and natural ecosystems by learning to identify, understand and manage soils in agriculture and forestry in an environmentally responsible way. The soil science minor is available to students with any major at Cornell University. Transfer credit can be used to meet requirements. Graduates with soils training can choose from a range of excellent professional opportunities and challenging careers, including those with government agencies.

Advisor: Janice Thies
722 Bradfield Hall
jet25 [at] cornell.edu (jet25[at]cornell[dot]edu) 
607-256-3616

Pre-requisite

• PLSCI 2600 - Soil Science (Fall, 4 credits)

Courses

A minimum of 12 credits overall, not including PLSCI 2600 which is a prerequisite for enrolling in the minor. 

Two courses, minimum 8 credits in soil science:

• PLSCI 3210 - Soil and Crop Management for Sustainability (Fall, 3 credits)
• PLSCI 3630 - Soil Genesis, Classification, and Survey (Spring, 4 credits)
• PLSCI 3650 - Environmental Chemistry: Soil, Air, and Water (Spring, 3 credits) 
• PLSCI 4660 - Soil Ecology (Spring, 3 or 4 credits)
• PLSCI 4720 - Nutrient and Carbon Cycling and Management in Agro-Ecosystems (Fall, 3 credits)
• ANSC 4120 - Whole-Farm Nutrient Management (Spring, 4 credits)

At least one course in environmental information sciences:

• PLSCI 2200 - Introduction to Mapping and Spatial Analysis with GIS (Fall, 3 credits)
• PLSCI 4200 - Geographic Information Systems (GIS): Concepts and Application (Spring, 3 credits)
• PLSCI 4290 - Remote Sensing and Modeling for Ecosystems (Fall, 3 credits)

Students qualify for the Civil Service classification as Soil Scientist (GS-0470) if they take an additional 12 credits in biological, physical, and earth sciences. Civil Service classification as Soil Conservationist (GS-0457) is achieved with the minor plus 12 credits in natural resources and agriculture and 3 credits in applied plant science. For a complete list of requirements and eligible courses, contact the minor advisor.

To learn more about these courses,  visit the Courses of Study website.