Soil Science Minor

At least 15 credits from the courses listed below.

Note: Courses taken prior to Fall 2024 with an inactive PL-prefix (i.e., PLBIO, PLBRG, PLHRT, PLPPM, and PLSCS) will still count towards the minor so long as that course was accepted for minor credit at the time it was completed.

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

Required Course

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

Environmental Information Sciences

At least one course from the list below:

• 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)

Additional Courses

Two courses, minimum of 8 credits in soil science from the list below:

• ANSC 4120 - Whole-Farm Nutrient Management (Spring, 4 credits)
• 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, 4 credits)
• PLSCI 4720 - Nutrient and Carbon Cycling and Management in Ecosystems (Fall, 3 credits)

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

Note: Civil Service classification

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.