Soil and Water Science

The Soil and Water Science program at the University of California offers a comprehensive education and research experience focused on the vital natural resources of soil, water, and related environmental systems. This interdisciplinary program is designed to prepare students for careers in sustainable land management, environmental conservation, agricultural productivity, and natural resource protection. Students explore the biological, physical, and chemical processes that govern soil and water systems, gaining in-depth knowledge of soil fertility, water quality, hydrology, erosion control, and environmental remediation.

The curriculum integrates classroom instruction with hands-on fieldwork and laboratory research, equipping graduates with practical skills necessary to address complex environmental challenges. Key areas of study include soil physics, chemistry, biology, watershed management, pollution control, and regulatory policies affecting natural resource use. Students are encouraged to develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities through projects that address real-world issues such as soil degradation, water scarcity, and pollution mitigation.

The program also emphasizes sustainability and the importance of conserving natural resources for future generations. Students learn about the impact of agricultural practices, urban development, and climate change on soil and water systems, preparing them to develop innovative solutions for environmental improvements and resource management. Collaboration with government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and industry partners provides valuable internship and employment opportunities, fostering professional development.

Graduates of the Soil and Water Science program are well-equipped to pursue careers in academia, government agencies, consulting firms, environmental organizations, and agricultural industries. They may work as soil scientists, water resources specialists, environmental consultants, or researchers dedicated to advancing sustainable practices and policies. The university’s state-of-the-art facilities and dedicated faculty members ensure a supportive learning environment that cultivates scientific literacy, technical expertise, and a commitment to environmental stewardship. Whether interested in research, policy, or direct resource management, students in this program receive a rigorous education that prepares them to make meaningful contributions to protecting and sustainably managing soil and water resources worldwide.

Plan I (Thesis)

Students must complete a minimum of 36 quarter units of graduate and upper-division undergraduate courses in, or significantly related to, environmental sciences. At least 24 of the 36 units must be in graduate courses. A maximum of 12 of these units may be in graduate research for the thesis. No more than 4 units of ENSC 290 and 2 units of graduate seminar courses may be applied toward the degree. A thesis must be written and accepted by the M.S. thesis committee members, and a final oral defense of the thesis must be passed. Students also will be required to give a presentation annually at the Environmental Sciences Graduate Program Student Symposium.

Plan II (Comprehensive Examination)

Students must complete a minimum of 36 quarter units of graduate and upper-division undergraduate courses in, or significantly related to, environmental sciences. At least 18 units must be in graduate courses. Students may count no more than 2 units of graduate seminar courses and 6 units of graduate internship courses toward the required 18 units and no units from graduate research for thesis or dissertation.

Students must take a comprehensive written examination that covers fundamental topics in environmental sciences. The written examination, which is three to four hours long, is prepared and evaluated by a committee appointed by the field director. The examination is taken during the latter part of the final quarter in the M.S. program. Students must wait at least eight weeks before retaking a failed examination. Students failing the examination twice are dismissed from the program.

Normative Time to Degree

2 years

Requirements

• The nonrefundable $100.00 application fee ($125.00 for M.B.A./M.P.Ac./M.Fin./Flex M.B.A. applicants only) must be paid by credit card (VISA, MasterCard, or Discover) prior to submission of your application.
• Applicants are required to submit an official copy of transcripts and degree certificates (in original language accompanied by certified English translations) from each academic institution attended after secondary school. These records should be sent directly from the Registrars Office of the academic institutions you have attended to the academic department to which you are applying. If this service is not available, applicants may also request official copies and send them in the institutions' original sealed and certified institution envelopes. Official records are original documents issued by the institution which bear the actual signature of the registrar in ink and the original wet ink stamp/seal of the issuing institution. The institution envelope must also bear that institution's appropriate authenticity indicator (original wet ink stamp and/or signature, etc.) from the appropriate department at that institution to consider the provided certified transcripts and degree certificates provided by the institution as official. Notarized documents are not acceptable. Credential evaluations by WES (World Education Services) or similar credential evaluation services are also not acceptable.
• Statement of Purpose/Personal History Statement
• Graduate programs require three (3) letters of recommendation. Applicants will be able to enter their recommenders' information directly into their electronic application. Recommenders will be notified electronically and provided instructions on how to submit a letter online. All letters of recommendation must be received electronically so they are attached to the applicants file for review.
• The GRE general test is required of all applicants with the exceptions noted below. Some programs also require applicants submit scores from the Subject Test of the GRE. Consult the program to which you are applying for its requirements. Although current scores are preferred, some graduate programs will accept scores from tests taken within the last five years. 
• All applicants whose first language is not English and who have not earned an advanced degree at an institution where English is the exclusive language of instruction must submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). This exam is administered by the Educational Testing Service and offered in nearly every country abroad. This exam must be taken within two years of the time you intend to enroll at UCR. The minimum acceptable scores are: 550 for the written exam; 213 for the computer-based exam, and 80 for the internet-based exam (iBT). We strongly advise you to be aware of the deadline for the program to which you are applying. Dates and information for TOEFL may be obtained by contacting the Educational Testing Service (ETS) at the address below, by calling 1-877-863-3546, or by consulting the TOEFL Web site. Fellowship applicants should take the exam in time to meet the program deadline. Keep in mind that it may take up to two weeks for test scores to reach us from ETS.
• Beginning with the Fall 2011 application cycle, UCR will accept scores from the Academic Modules of the International English Language Testing System IELTS) which is jointly managed by the British Council, IDP:IELTS Australia and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations. The exam must be taken within two years of the time you intend to enroll at UCR. The minimum acceptable scores are: overall band score of 7 with no individual section score less than 6. Please request an official Test Report Form (TRF) of your IELTS. 

Applicants will need to have completed coursework in chemistry, physics, math, biochemistry and biology, and engineering. Students without an undergraduate engineering degree should have excellent training in mathematics and the physical sciences.

Specific recommendations for students without an undergraduate engineering degree are:

• Two years of mathematics
• One year of physics
• One year of inorganic chemistry including lab
• One year of organic chemistry including lab
• One course in biochemistry
• One course in molecular biology

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Scholarships

• Fellowships
• Teaching and Research Assistantships

The Soil and Water Science program at the University of California offers a comprehensive education focused on the study and management of soil and water resources critical for sustainable agriculture, environmental health, and natural ecosystems. Students enrolled in this program gain a thorough understanding of soil chemistry, physics, microbiology, and land use practices, as well as water resource management, hydrology, and the impact of human activity on these essential environmental elements. The curriculum combines rigorous coursework with hands-on fieldwork, laboratory research, and applied projects designed to prepare graduates for careers in environmental consultancy, natural resource management, research institutions, agriculture industries, and government agencies.

The program emphasizes the importance of sustainable practices and innovative solutions to address global challenges related to soil degradation, water scarcity, pollution, and climate change. Students learn about soil erosion control, irrigation technology, water quality assessment, and policy-making related to natural resource conservation. Faculty members are experts in their fields, often involved in cutting-edge research that advances understanding of soil and water dynamics, ecosystem health, and sustainable land use. They also collaborate with industry, government, and community stakeholders to develop practical strategies that improve resource management.

The program offers a variety of specialization tracks, including soil science, water science, environmental quality, and land and water management. Advanced degrees such as Master's and PhDs are available, allowing students to focus deeply on research that contributes to scientific knowledge and practical solutions. The university's state-of-the-art laboratories, research farms, and data analysis facilities support student research and professional development.

Graduates of the Soil and Water Science program are equipped with the technical expertise, critical thinking skills, and environmental awareness needed to excel in various roles dedicated to sustainable development and environmental protection. They often find employment in environmental consulting firms, public agencies like the California Department of Water Resources, research universities, and private sector companies involved in environmental monitoring, agriculture technology, and water resource management. The program also encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, fostering a holistic understanding of environmental systems and promoting innovative approaches to managing soil and water resources in a changing world.