Soil Science - PhD

Soil is the basis of sustainable land systems, a storehouse of organic carbon, nutrients and water, and the critical link between land and atmosphere. The soil science program is particularly strong in water-related issues and soils in sustainable agroecosystems. 

Research areas are offered in soil and water chemistry; soil biochemistry and ecology; soil conservation systems; soil fertility and plant nutrition; soil physics; soil-plant-water relations; soil taxonomy and genesis; molecular biology, and soils and irrigation.

The Climate Adaptation Science Specialization is also offered as an interdepartmental program.

Graduate Program Director: Dr. Jeanette Norton

E-mail: jeanette.norton@usu.edu

Prior to applying, the potential applicant must have a qualified PSC faculty member agree to accept them into their laboratory and be their major (supervisory) professor. Contact Dr. Jeanette Norton with questions.

General Requirements

All prospective graduate students must apply through the School of Graduate Studies. Refer to the School of Graduate Studies website for admission requirements. Please note that all applicants must meet the following general admission requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college

• A 3.0 GPA as calculated by the School of Graduate Studies. An official transcript must be sent directly to the School of Graduate Studies from each college or university previously attended (except USU).

• Student recommendation request forms (included in application materials) should be used to request three people to submit letters of recommendation directly to the graduate school. Two letters of recommendation should be from faculty from whom you have taken course work.

• International Students: Please visit the School of Graduate Studies website for requirements.​​​​​​​