The Water & Soil Science major integrates classroom and hands-on experiences in the field of watershed science, pedology, hydrology, land use, wetlands, geomorphology, and surficial geology.

This major is designed to meet the growing demand for training in the science and management of land and water resources. Course tracks in soil science and water resources provide in-depth training in specific, career-related disciplines.

With proper course selection, students are eligible for professional certification by the American Society of Agronomy and the Soil Science Society of America. The water and soil science major provides a strong background for work in state and federal regulatory agencies or consulting firms that address land use or environmental contamination issues.

REQUIREMENTS
All students admitted to the University of Rhode Island are eligible to major in Water & Soil Science.

The program requires:

13 credits of professional courses, which include:

Natural resource conservation, seminar in natural resources, resource economics, introductory soil science, and conservation of populations and ecosystems.

As part of the basic science requirements, students must complete:

6-8 credits in biological sciences
An introductory ecology course
4 credits in physics, geology, chemistry, and organic chemistry
3 credits in calculus and statistics

Required concentration courses (29-33 credits) include:

12 credits (minimum) selected from methods in soil and water analysis, soil morphology practicum, soil-water chemistry, soil conservation and land use, plant nutrition and soil fertility, soil-water relations, microbial ecology of soils and sediments, soil morphology and mapping, and soil genesis and classification

17 credits selected from concepts in GIS, fundamentals of GIS, wetland ecology, wetlands and land use, soil and water conservation technology, hydrology and water management, advanced GIS, water quality sampling and analysis, aquatic entomology, and introduction to sedimentation and stratigraphy.

Supporting electives (13-17 credits)
Must be selected from approved lists or from remaining concentration electives.

Experiential learning courses
Up to 24 credits may be taken towards satisfying concentration and supporting elective requirements.

NRS 423, 424, 425, and 522 are the capstone experiences in the major.

A total of 130 credits is required for graduation.

ACADEMIC OPTIONS
With the proper course selection, this major can provide eligibility for professional certification by the American Society of Agronomy and the Soil Science Society of America.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Graduates are employed by environmental and natural resources agencies at the local, state, and federal levels. Many graduates work with environmental consulting firms or conservation organizations.

Examples of career opportunities include: environmental soil scientist, hydrologist, watershed scientist, wetland specialist, research scientist, soil conservationist, and soil inventory specialist.

Hands-on experiences, good grades, a strong technical background, and a commitment to the environment are the key elements to being selected for the best positions in these fields.

FURTHER STUDIES
Training in water and soil science also provides excellent preparation for graduate study.

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