Best Accredited Universities for Doctoral Phd program in Soil Science and Agronomy

The UW-Madison Department of Soil Science has offered MS and PhD degrees in specialty areas for over 90 years. The Department of Soil Science offers a M.S. degree in soil and water technology for sustainable agriculture which emphasizes studies in different agroecological zones.

The Soil and Water Science Department offers Master of Science (thesis or professional non-thesis option) and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in soil and water science with the following specializations: ecology, environmental science, hydrologic science, and soil science. The department also offers Master of Science (thesis or professional option) specialization in environmental science via distance education for place bound students. Requirements for the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees are given in the Graduate Degrees section of this catalog.

Students can also develop specializations in several interdisciplinary areas including biogeochemistry, ecology, geographic information systems, hydrologic science, tropical agriculture, turfgrass management, and wetland science.

Interests of the student and faculty, the facilities, and funding available will determine the student’s research area. A specific program of study is prepared by an appointed supervisory committee for each student. Students will present a thesis or dissertation in their major field (M.S. thesis option and Ph.D.). In addition, Ph.D. candidates must pass a qualifying examination covering several areas of soil and water science and related fields.

Graduate students in horticulture and crop science have access to some of the highest quality faculty and research experiences in the world. The graduate program provides training and leadership opportunities for the next generation of scientists who will address critical issues related to the production of food, feed, fuel, fiber and pharmaceutical crops in ways that are economically viable, socially acceptable and environmentally responsible.

Graduate students and faculty in the Department of Horticulture & Crop Science study fundamental and applied aspects of the biology, production and environmental impact of a wide range of crop and ornamental plants grown in Ohio and around the world. Students have the opportunity to work with major grain crops, such as corn, wheat, forages and soybean, as well as vegetable crops, fruits, berries, turfgrass, flowers, trees and ornamental landscape plants. Our graduate students and faculty have access to state-of-the-art resources for laboratory and field experimentation in genetics, breeding, horticulture, seed biology, agronomy, viticulture, weed ecology and turfgrass science.

The objective of this Doctorate in Crop and Soil Sciences program is to provide students with a fundamental understanding of the scientific method, to develop their ability for critical thinking and to provide them with strong communication and technical skills as well as in-depth knowledge.

Work leading to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is designed to give the candidate a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of his or her professional field and training in methods of research. The final basis for granting the degree shall be the candidate’s grasp of the subject matter of a broad field of study and a demonstrated ability to do independent research. In addition, the candidate must have acquired the ability to express thoughts clearly and forcefully in both oral and written languages. The degree is not granted solely for the completion of coursework, residence and technical requirements, although these must be met.

For a student who has completed a master’s degree, a DDS/DMD, DVM or MD at a U.S. institution, a minimum of 64 hours is required on the degree plan for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. For a student who has completed a baccalaureate degree but not a master’s degree or a U.S. DDS/DMD, DVM or MD, a minimum of 96 hours is required on the degree plan for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.

Soil Science (M.S. thesis, Ph.D. dissertation) involves course work and thesis research in soil chemistry, soil fertility and management, soil physics, soil microbiology and biochemistry, environmental microbiology, soil and water quality and soil formation and biogeochemistry.

The Plant and Soil Sciences Program in the Stockbridge School of Agriculture is accepting applications to the on-campus M.S. and Ph.D. degree and Off-Campus Professional Soil Science M.S. degree. All individuals pursuing a thesis-based M.S. or Ph.D. degree should first contact a member of our faculty to determine the compatibility of his or her research with your interests and, for Ph.D. candidates, to determine the availability of funding. Individuals who have not made such a connection likely will not be considered for acceptance.

The Plant & Soil Sciences Graduate Program offers the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree, and both thesis and non-thesis Master of Science (M.S.) degrees. A non-thesis, Off-Campus M.S. graduate program in Soil Science is also available. Plant & Soil Science Graduate program provides training, experience, and mentoring to the M.S. and Ph.D. in the full spectrum of agricultural and environmental study, including plant physiology, molecular biology, biotechnology, plant pathology, ecology, production technology, soil science, agricultural marketing, etc. The Plant and Soil Science Graduate Program ensures excellence by devoting considerable resources and faculty efforts to the graduate curriculum and preparing the students to be successful leaders in research, education, and industry.

M.S. students (thesis option) are required to take 30 credits of which nine may be thesis research credits. The M.S. non-thesis option is considered to be a terminal degree program and requires additional course work. For Ph.D. students, a personalized curriculum will be designed by the student and his/her Guidance Committee. All Ph.D. students must pass both written and oral Comprehensive Exams.

The mission of the Plant and Soil Science is to expand, integrate, and extend the knowledge of agricultural systems and environmental quality in plant soil ecosystems affecting the people of Vermont, the region, and the world. The department will provide excellence in education, research, and extension that will foster environmentally, economically, and socially sound practices.

The fers a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in all fields in plant science and soil science and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in plant science and soil science. A thesis, based on original research, is required for the M.S. degree, and completion of the requirements normally takes two and one-half years. A dissertation, based on original research, is required for the Ph.D. degree, and completion of the requirements typically takes three to four years.

The objectives of these studies are: (1) to develop fundamental knowledge of environmental impacts and interactions and (2) to knowledge to better manage systems and promote environmental health. Specifically, departmental projects have included:.

Field and forage crop management and utilization, forage quality, pasture and grazing management, and pest weed management.

Analytical procedures for testing soils and environmental samples.

Effects of nitrogen (from acid rain) on forest soils and bog ecosystems.

Interaction between soil manganese oxides and heavy metals.

Nematodes and microarthropods as environmental indicators for terrestrial and wetland soils.

Diversified horticulture which involves the planning, production, handling, and marketing of horticultural crops with emphasis on multiple, diverse crops produced with environmentally and economically sound techniques.

Chen Assistant Professor Plant and Soil Science PHD, University of California BerkeleyGorres, Josef H. Associate Professor Plant and Soil Science PHD, University of ManchesterHazelrigg, Ann Assistant Professor, Extension PHD University of VermontHurley, Stephanie E Assistant Professor Plant and Soil Science DDES, Harvard UniversityMendez, Victor E. Associate Professor Plant and Soil Science PHD, University of California Santa CruzMerrill, Scott Research Assistant Professor, Plant and Soil Science PHD, Colorado State UniversityNeher Weicht, Deborah Professor Plant and Soil Science PHD, University of California DavisParker, Bruce Lawrence Professor Plant and Soil Science PHD, Cornell UniversityParker, Jason Research Assistant Professor Plant and Soil Science PHD, The Ohio State UniversityRoss, Donald Savage Research Professor Plant and Soil Science PHD, University of VermontSkinner, Margaret Research Professor Plant and Soil Science PHD, University of VermontStarrett, Mark C. Associate Professor Plant and Soil Science PHD, North Carolina State University Raleigh.

An experiential course in sustainable, diversified vegetable production that includes soil fertility, weed, insect and disease control, crop planning and farm management skills. Prerequisites: PSS 021 and one 100-level PSS course, equivalent experience, or Instructor permission.

Describes theory and application of biological control of insects, disease, and weeds. Discuss ecological factors that contribute to the success of classical, augmentative, and conservation approaches to biological control. Approved for Graduate credit. Prerequisite: Course in entomology, ecology, or relevant experience.

Soil Morph Class Land Use. 0 or 3 Credits.

Field techniques that describe soil properties, formation, and classification. The principles and processes of soil genesis, land use classification systems, and land use challenges. Prerequisite: PSS 161 or Instructor permission. Alternate years.

Chemistry of Soil Water. 0 or 4 Credits.

An environmentally oriented study of the colloidal chemistry of soil and its interfaces with roots, water, and air. Prerequisites: PSS 161, two semesters Chemistry or Instructor permission. Alternate years.

Mathematical modeling and physical principles of the soil-water-plant interaction and its relationship to environmental and agricultural issues. Prerequisites: PSS 161, one semester of Physics or Instructor permission. Alternate years.

Soil Ecology. 0 or 4 Credits.

Underlying concepts and theory of modern soil ecology will be reviewed including spatial and temporal distributions, sampling methods, biogeochemical cycles, and ecological functions of soil. Prerequisites: BCOR 102 or NR 103, and PSS 161. Cross-listed with: NR 268.

Examines key issues in pollution of soil and water. Topics include type of pollutants, their reactions in soil and water, pollution prevention and bioremediation. Prerequisites: PSS 161 or Instructor permission. Alternate years.

Lectures, laboratories, readings, field projects, surveys, or research designed to provide specialized experience in horticulture, agronomy, soils, entomology, and integrated pest management. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.

In-depth of research and applications in the field of agroecology, with a focus on providing the student with conceptual and analytical content. Prerequisite: Graduate standing or Instructor permission.

Examines the ecological foundations of Agroecology, largely from a biophysical perspective. Over the course of three sequential modules, students will explore the fundamental principles of ecology and their application to agricultural systems and landscapes. Prerequisite: One semester biological science at the 100-level or Instructor permission.

Investigates social, political, and economic elements of the global food system from multiple perspectives, considering the ability to scale-up agroecology, and the potential intersection between agroecology, food sovereignty and government policies. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

Advanced readings and discussion of horticulture, crops, or soils research literature.

Attendance and oral presentations are required of Graduate students in Plant and Soil Science. Repeatable 2 times for M.S. students and 4 times for Ph.D. students.

Soils may be studied either as natural bodies or as a medium for chemical and biochemical interactions for transport of water, solutes and heat, and for plant growth. Washington State University is located in one of the best geographical areas in the world for the study of soils as naturally occurring bodies. Graduate programs are usually designed to specialize in the physical, chemical, biological, mineralogical, geomorphological, or fertility aspects of the soil system.

Current soil science research programs in which graduate students are participating include: unsaturated water flow; soil- plant relationships; stability of minerals and controls on heavy metal levels; nutrient budgets of cropping systems; movement and transformation of pesticides and xenobiotic chemicals; microbial ecology; fate of engineered microorganisms; phytotoxicity and crop residue management; no-till soil and crop management; fertility and mineral nutrition; soil interpretations for land use and development; benchmark soils; agricultural and urban waste recycling.

Faculty members in Soil Science also participate in the interdepartmental Department of Biochemistry/Biophysics and the Program in Environmental Science at Washington State University, and cooperate with the University of Idaho in teaching graduate courses.

The Master Degree in Crop, Soil, and Environmental is a two-year thesis program in which students learn to conduct scientific studies. It requires 24 hours of course work and six hours of thesis with concentration in Crop Science, Weed Science, or Soil Science

The Ph.D. degree in Crop, Soil, and Environmental Science offers specialization in Crop Physiology, Crop Production, Plant Breeding and Genetics, Biotechnology, Weed Science, Seed Technology, Soil Physics, Soil Chemistry, Soil Microbiology, Soil Fertility, Soil Classification, Pesticide Residues, or Environmental Science.