Soil Science – Online Minor

Want to cultivate a healthier planet? Start with the soil.

Dig into the science and management of one of Earth’s most important resources — our planet’s soil systems — by earning your undergraduate minor in soil science online with Oregon State University, an internationally respected leader in the field of agricultural sciences.

As a student in this program, you’ll gain the knowledge to positively impact your community and the world by contributing to climate resiliency through soil carbon sequestration; food production through the development of sustainable agricultural ecosystems; and an improvement in soil health through regenerative soil management.

A long history of expertise with an eye toward the future

This minor blends a focus on the chemical, physical and biological nature of soils with exposure to Oregon State’s broad expertise in ecology, conservation, organic agriculture and earth sciences. While the program is informed by OSU’s storied history in soil science, it also aligns with emerging practices in regenerative agriculture and climate science. This forward-leaning focus will help you learn how to address pressing environmental and agricultural challenges. 

Coursework

A total of 27 credits are needed to earn your soil science minor online. Curriculum details and requirements are available on Oregon State’s academic catalog.

The program’s online coursework will help you develop a solid foundation in soil science principles in both natural and agricultural environments, including topics such as soil management for plant growth, soil physics and hydrology, soil biology, soil chemistry and soil morphology.

Sample course topics

• Environmental geology
• Soil management for organic production
• Biology of soil ecosystems
• Soil morphology and classification
• Environmental soil chemistry
• Nutrient cycling in agroecosystems

Benefits of learning online with Oregon State

• All classes are developed by OSU's world-class faculty, who are known for their research, expertise and innovation.
• Oregon State is institutionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
• Oregon State Ecampus is consistently ranked among the nation’s 10 best providers of online education according to U.S. News & World Report.