Description

The Undergraduate Certificate in Soil Science offers a course of study that enables students to obtain the minimum 15 credit hours of soil science courses that are required to become licensed soil scientists in North Carolina, as well as 14 other states including Virginia, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. Those who complete this program will be eligible to become licensed soil scientists.

Licensed soil scientists evaluate land quality, and thereby determine a property's suitability for residential developments that enhance economic growth and minimize environmental impacts.

Graduates of this program will identify lands where new residential developments are most appropriate to maintain a community's public health and environmental quality. This program is unique among those with environmental interests, because it trains students to identify how lands can best be used to benefit North Carolinians while also preserving wetlands and water quality. Our students will recognize that environmental sustainability does not always require preservation

This program may be completed totally online. For more information about Distance Education [Click here]

Program Coordinator:

Dr. M.J. Vepraskas
William Neal Reynolds Professor, and Dept. of Soil Science DE Coordinator
3413 Williams Hall
NC State University
Campus Box 7619
Raleigh, NC 27695
919-515-1458
Michael_vepraskas@ncsu.edu
Visit the department web siteThis link will open in a new window for information about the certificate and licensing.

Curriculum:

Prerequisites:

To pursue the certificate, students must have the following training in basic sciences:

• 2 semesters of chemistry
• 1 semester of physics
• 1 semester of biology
• mathematics through algebra and trionometry

Required Courses: The required courses are available on-campus and via distance education.

Prerequisites may be required in some courses. Students should contact instructors before enrolling to discuss eligibility as needed.

• SSC 200 Soil Science (3 hrs) 
• SSC 341 Soil Fertility and Fertilizers (3 hrs) 
• SSC 470/570 Wetland Soils (3 hrs) 

Elective Courses*: (Select two of the following)

• SSC 332 Environmental Soil Microbiology, or SSC 532 Soil Microbiology 
• SSC 452 Soil Classification, or SSC 551 Soil Morphology, Genesis, Classification
• SSC 461 Soil Physical Properties and Plant Growth, or SSC 562 Environmental Applications of Soil Science

A grade of C (2.0) or higher in each course is required.

*SSC 332, 452, 461 are not offered online (DE). SSC 532 and 551 are available only online (DE). SSC 562 are available on-campus and online. The 500-level courses are graduate level courses.

Total Credit Hours Required: 15

Admissions requirements: This program will be open to undergraduate students and those pursuing continuing education credits. It will also be open to students outside of North Carolina State University.

Plan of study: Contact the Program Coordinator.

Registration information: Contact the Program Coordinator.

Academic Structure:

Term Effective: 8/2009
Plan Code: 11SSCTU, 32SSCTU
CIP Code: 01.1201
Description: Undergraduate Certificate in Soil Science
Offered via on-campus and Distance Education format