Soil Science (Minor)

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Soils all over the world are being degraded at unsustainable rates due to exploitation and mismanagement of these valuable natural resources.

You can be the difference.

Soil scientists are needed in Pennsylvania and beyond to protect our soil resources and ecosystems. They work in industry as environmental consultants, in federal, state, and local governments as regulators and researchers, and in academia as teachers and researchers as well.

The soil science minor will prepare you with the educational qualifications needed for you to become a Certified Professional Soil Scientist after graduation, which would open up these many career opportunities.

Becoming a Certified Professional Soil Scientist

Certification defines the profession through standards. These standards describe the knowledge, skills and conduct that clients, employers and government agencies can use to identify appropriate professionals. SSSA's Certified Professional Soil Scientist (CPSS) certification program sets and maintains the high standards that benefit you and your clients in your chosen career. It begins with a bachelor's degree with five years of soils experience and having at least 15.0 semester credits of soils specific coursework and 45.0 semester credits of supporting coursework.

Benefits of Certification — Earning certification brings you credibility, opportunity, motivation, ability, and validation. As a professional working in soil science, you care as much about serving your clients as you do about furthering your career. The CPSS certification provides you with the tools you need to succeed in both areas.