ERM/Soil Science—The Option
Students in the Soil Science option of ERM deal with real world problems. They apply biology, chemistry, earth sciences, ecology, hydrology, mineralogy, mathematics, and physics to study soil processes and functions, and to solve problems related to environmental protection and sustainable management of natural resources. They learn how to use many high-tech tools including geographic information systems, remote sensing, environmental modeling, microscopy, spectroscopy, and more.
The Soil Science option requires 120 credits. A general education component builds natural science, quantification, and communications foundations while allowing students the freedom to choose courses to fulfill University arts, humanities, and social and behavioral science requirements. The core courses in the major develop student competence in soil ecology, mapping, genesis, physical properties, and chemical properties. They also include applied courses in soil remediation, groundwater hydrology, and geographic information systems. In addition, students develop an 18-credit unit tailored to each students unique interest, or to a specific career goal. Course descriptions and Course Sequences can be found on the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences Web site. For more information about the Soil Science Option of ERM, please visit the Penn State Bluebook Web site and the College of Agricultural Sciences Undergraduate Student Handbook Web site.