Minor in Soil Science

Minors are not required for either the Soil Science Master’s or Doctoral programs. If the graduate student opts to have a minor, the Advisory Committee must include a member of the Graduate Faculty from the department or interdepartmental program of the minor discipline. Although three or four courses usually are required in the minor area, some departments and programs have specific course requirements and the Plan of Work (POW) may require endorsement from the Director of Graduate Programs or Program Coordinator. Discuss your interests in minors with your graduate advisor.

Soil Science Minor

Students in another department may include a minor in Soil Science in their POW. In such cases, at least one Graduate Faculty member from Soil Science must be appointed to the Advisory Committee. Additionally, the POW must include three to four courses in Soil Science at the 400 to 800 levels. Students with minors in Soil Science are encouraged, but not required, to enroll in the appropriate Soil Science Seminar (SSC 601 or SSC 801).

Split Minor

A split minor includes supporting course work from two departments or programs, and both minor areas should be identified on the POW. At the Master’s level, at least one of the minor areas must be represented on the Advisory Committee. A split minor at the Doctoral level requires representation on the Advisory Committee from both minor areas.

Interdisciplinary Minor

An interdisciplinary minor may be designed to meet a student’s particular career goals. Such a minor usually includes at least three courses from various selected departments or programs.  The Advisory Committee should include one or more members of the Graduate Faculty selected for their overall expertise in the interdisciplinary area.