About Soil & Waste Resources
General Overview
Graduates are usually employed by county, state or federal agencies, or
the private sector. Placement in full-time entry level positions are near
100% in the field of their choice. Some graduates pursue masters degrees or
higher. Work titles include soil conservationists (watershed, county, state,
federal), certified soil scientists and other consultants (private, county,
state, federal), agronomist/integrated crop manager/nutrient and pest
management consultant (private, county, state, federal), and waste manager
(water treatment plants, landfill operators/managers, land application
companies).
Facilities
Specialized facilities available to Soil Science and Waste Management
students include:
The waste and wastewater laboratory which gives students experience in
managing solid waste, composting organic waste materials, and running and
operating a simulated waste water facility. Field trips to cooperating
landowners that allow students to experience 6 of the 11 soil orders of the
world within 30 minutes of the campus. Laboratories for physically,
chemically, biologically, and geologically testing soils and other materials
like wastes and plants. Computer laboratories to utilize simulation models
and other software to exhibit the current condition and predict responses to
management alternatives. Environmental Field stations to experience the
interaction of the natural resources soil, water, forestry, wildlife, and
climate.
Internships
Soil Science majors are encouraged to experience an internship in their
area of interest. Waste management majors are required to have an
internship. Internship experiences compliment the classroom and laboratory
coursework by providing real world application of theories and concepts.
These positions also provide important contacts and references for careers
with private enterprises and state and federal agencies.
Graduate Studies
The College of Natural Resources offers a Masters of Science in Natural
Resources which include emphases in soil science or waste management. The
soil and waste resources major is especially strong in preparing students
for study at the M.S. and Ph.D. level.
Soil and Waste Resources
The Soil and Waste Resources major has a Soil Science option and a Waste
Management option. Both have a common core of soils, waste, forestry, water,
wildlife, natural resources, chemistry, biology, physics, and geology and
mathematics. Soils is a renewable resource if we humans recycle the organic
waste stream back to the land from which it came. The waste management
aspect allows us to analyze the degree to which we recycle safely and
sustainability.
Waste Management
This curriculum includes all aspects of water and waste treatment.
Industrial and municipal waste water treatment and solid waste management
are the main thrusts for this option. The student chooses between an
emphasis in technical management versus business management.