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Soil and Water Sciences

Purdue University in West Lafayette

The Soil and Hydrologic Sciences option provides a strong science education, while preparing students to apply this knowledge in many technical phases of soil, water resources and environmental management. Opportunities are numerous and encompass a broad range in science, management, and education with diverse applications addressing agricultural water use, food security, soil and water quality and secure water supplies.

Students are especially qualified for graduate study in hydrology, water resources, soil chemistry, soil physics, soil microbiology, environmental science, soil mineralogy and genesis, and ecology.

Student Spotlight: Claire King

Portrait of Claire King

As soon as I stepped foot onto the Purdue Agriculture campus, I felt right at home. Maybe it was the incredible undergraduate research opportunities or the friendly environment, but what I knew is that Purdue held the potential for me to grow professionally and personally. Through pursuing a Plant Breeding, Genetics, and Biotechnology degree from Purdue Agriculture, I understood that I could make a difference in people’s lives internationally. The importance of agriculture to the world drove me forward to obtain a degree in this field.   

Still, when I began my first year as a student, I was a little intimidated. But I took my experience into my own hands and joined clubs that made Purdue feel like home. These organizations included Phi Mu Sorority, Purdue Student Farm Organization and Purdue Student Government. Within the first month, I knew I could not be anywhere else.

My first experiences on campus were also shaped by the faculty, staff and students that I met. I studied with my friends, my advisor always worked hard to help me on my path to graduation, and I had a professor who accepted me into my first lab position. All of these relationships have all been so important in my journey. 

I completed an internship with Bayer Crop Science in Iowa, working with hybrid and short corn. There is nothing like standing in hybrid corn that is twice as tall as you to feel deeply emerged in agriculture! Additionally, I worked in a Soil Microbiology and Sorghum Biotechnology lab here. From running my own experiments to seeing how agriculture brings the world together, my time at Purdue has made me so excited for my future in agriculture!  

I know that picking the university where you will grow, learn and become an adult feels overwhelming sometimes. I felt as if I was deciding the rest of my life at 18 years old. However, what made me confident about my decision to attend Purdue was the support I knew I would receive.

After one tour of the College of Agriculture at Purdue, I knew this was the right place for me! 

Plan of Study

Soil and Water Sciences, BS
Soil and Water Sciences Webpage

Transfer to Soil and Water Sciences

Purdue admits to individual majors. Transfer students must meet Purdue's overall transfer criteria, as well as any major-specific requirements. Before you apply, check the closed programs page to confirm this major is open to transfer students. If it is, refer to the information below for major-specific transfer criteria.

Minimum GPA: 2.5


Contact Information

Agronomy
(765) 494-4773
agronomy@purdue.edu

College of Agriculture
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Careers in Soil and Water Sciences

  •   Agricultural research scientist
  •   Agronomist/land steward
  •   Ag products development
  •   Cropping systems advisor
  •   Environmental scientist
  •   Extension educator
  •   Global food security research specialist
  •   Natural resources conservation specialist (USDA)
  •   Peace Corp / Social actions agencies
  •   Product development and testing
  •   Soil, land and wetland resource scientist

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