College of

    Agricultural & Life Sciences
    UNIVERSITY of WISCONSIN-MADISON UW-MADISON

    Dark Mode On

    Your device is set to dark mode so this site is matching that preference. You can click the moon icon to change your site experience.

    Environmental Soil Science Certificate

    Environmental Soil Science Certificate

    The environmental soil science certificate is open to all UW–Madison students and gives a holistic understanding of soil and its intersection with environmental sciences. This certificate provides an attractive addition to a science, engineering, or allied science major for students interested in careers in environmental sciences, agricultural science, natural resources, and other related industries.

    In this 16-credit certificate program you will:

    • Understand the dynamics of soil, Earth’s thin living skin, and how it shapes ecosystems’ biodiversity, health, and resilience
    • Learn how to use soil properties, processes, and distribution to address environmental challenges such as:
      • Food and energy security
      • Water quality protection
      • Climate change
      • Ecosystem health
    • Describe how soil integrates into larger environmental issues from local to global scales and natural to anthropogenic environments
    • Take courses from four thematic areas:
      • Soil fertility and chemistry
      • Soil physics and development
      • Soil biology and ecology
      • Soils and the environment

    What can CALS offer you?

    CALS students are curious to discover how our living world works and are passionate about using science to improve it.

    Our programs span five areas of study and encourage students to pursue their passions in the classroom and beyond. Learn more about how our students are set up for success:

    Want to learn more about the environmental soil science certificate?

    view guide

    Your CALS Experience

    Join the UW–Madison soil judging team

    The Soils Club supports the soil judging team, which is a team-based activity aimed at building field-based soil characterization skills. Learn how to identify landscapes and classify soils, work out in the field, and participate in collegiate competitions.

    Become a certified professional soil scientist

    Work your way to becoming a certified professional soil scientist through the Soil Science Society of America. Many certificate courses may meet requirements for the certification, make sure to work with your advisor if you are looking to become certified.

    Get Involved. Find your people.

    Explore a few of the agriculture and business-related student organizations at UW–Madison:

    Learn through hands-on research

    Join a faculty lab and explore soil and environmental science outside the classroom. Step out into the field, develop your research skills, and learn first-hand from faculty, staff, and graduate students.

    Study soil fertility, plant nutrition, soil chemistry, mineralogy, soil physics, soil and water management, soil microbiology, pedology, and so much more.

    Advisor & Contact Information

    Advisors can answer your questions, help you create a degree plan that meets your personal and professional goals, and connect you to resources across the UW–Madison campus.

    Incoming students should reach out to CALS Academic Affairs Team to direct your questions. Current UW–Madison students should schedule with their assigned advisor using Starfish.

    CALS Academic Affairs

    116 Agricultural Hall
    1450 Linden Dr., Madison, WI 53706

    academicaffairs@cals.wisc.edu
    (608) 262-3003

    Environmental Soil Science Advising

    Soils Building
    1525 Observatory Dr., Madison, WI 53706

    Zach Wyman
    zwyman@wisc.edu
    (608) 265-2925

    Want to learn more about the environmental soil science certificate?

    View requirements, Courses, and more on Guide
    View the environmental soil science Certificate website
    View all CALS Majors and Certificates
    Login Request Help Help Docs