Agricultural and Environmental Soil Sciences

The Agricultural and Environmental Soil Sciences curriculum provides an educational foundation in soil processes involving physical, chemical and biological interrelationships. The soil resource is an integral component of our environment and is subject to loss and degradation through man's activities. Humanity's dependence on soil for food and fiber production and the need for ensuring environmental quality requires individuals trained in the management of this resource. Career opportunities exist both nationally and internationally in agricultural and environmental consulting, agribusiness, government agencies, teaching, and research. Required courses provide soil science training, while elective courses can be selected to meet specific needs. The Agricultural and Environmental Soil Sciences curriculum is in the Agronomy major.

Occupational Outlook Handbook: The median annual wage for environmental scientists and specialists was $73,230 in May 2020. Employment of environmental scientists and specialists is projected to grow 8 percent from 2020 to 2030. Heightened public interest in the hazards facing the environment, as well as increasing demands placed on the environment by population growth, are expected to spur demand for environmental scientists and specialists.

Curriculum

Mississippi State University is now offering degree programs that may be completed in three years. These undergraduate degree programs are special programs which allow highly motivated and hard-working students the opportunity to complete a degree in three years rather than the traditional four years. Both the three year and traditional four year degree program are available in Agricultural and Environmental Soil Sciences.

Download the four year curriculum

Accelerated Program

Highly qualified undergraduates at Mississippi State University are encouraged to consider applying to the Accelerated Program. This program permits enrollment in graduate courses in Agronomy, Horticulture, or Weed Science during the student’s final year of undergraduate studies. Enrollment of up to 9 hours of graduate courses is approved for students admitted to the Accelerated Program. Upon completion of the graduate course(s), undergraduate credit is also awarded for the course. Students need to consult with a potential graduate advisor to ensure graduate credit could be applied to a program of study for the M.S. degree. Application to this program may be made as early as the end of the junior year (i.e., after completion of 90 or more hours of graded undergraduate courses). This option is only available for students pursuing a thesis-based Master of Science degree in Plant and Soil Sciences with a concentration in Agronomy, Horticulture, or Weed Science.

Careers

Agronomist
Chemical Sales Representative
Crop Consultant
Crop Production Specialist
Crop Protection Specialist
Crop Scout
District Conservationist
Extension Agent
Farm Insurance Agent
Farm Manager
Field Production Specialist

Field Representative
Research Assistant
Research Technician
Soil and Water Conservationist
Soil and Water Management Consultant
Soil Conservation Technician
Soil Management Specialist
Soil Scientist, Mappng and Interpretation, U.S.
Soil Classifier
Territory Sales Manager
Weed Scientist

Cooperative Education

Agricultural and Environmental Soil Sciences students are encouraged to participate in the cooperative education program.

Precision Agriculture Certificate Program

There is a need to train students in the broad array of precision agriculture technologies. This certificate program complements majors taught across College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) departments. This certificate features emerging technologies in decision-based agricultural planning and implementation. Visit the Undergraduate Catalog for course requirements.

Scholarships

Students may apply for university, college and departmental scholarships through one application. You can find the scholarship application once you login to myState. Under the banner tab, select Financial Aid and Scholarships. The application is listed as Submit/Revise General Scholarship Application.

Transfer Students

Students may transfer to Mississippi State University from regionally accredited community, junior or senior colleges for any period of enrollment, provided they have earned a 2.0 GPA (as computed by Mississippi State University) on all college courses attempted as well as earned a 2.0 GPA on the 30-hours of core courses. Transfer students should look at the transfer course equivalent guide to determine which courses will transfer.

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Contact:

Michael Cox | 662.325.2767