Environmental Science and Soil Science
Discover how plants can clean up pollution. Investigate a boreal forest. Travel to developing nations. Explore the world beneath your feet. Experiment in the field and in the lab. These are just a few of the opportunities available to you when you choose to major in environmental science and soil science at the University of Saskatchewan.
What is Environmental Science?
Environmental science looks at how the earth’s natural resources are used—including the study of a variety of ongoing and emerging environmental issues including biological remediation agents, disposal of toxic chemicals, ground water contamination, overgrazing, ozone depletion, pesticides, preservation of wetlands and other natural habitats, production of greenhouse gases, and the production of genetically engineered plants, animals and microorganisms.
The environmental science program at the U of S explores the relationships between environmental constraints and sustainable development. An emphasis is placed on the challenges faced in Canada, including the impact of climate change, agriculture, forestry, and oil and gas exploration on the environment.
What is Soil Science?
Soil forms an essential part of the environment—affecting or controlling most living things. Soil science studies the soil system to find the best ways of producing food, fuel, and fibre while still preserving soil for use by future generations.
Soil science draws from biology, ecology, geography, geology and a variety of other natural and life sciences. The soil science program at the University of Saskatchewan provides students with an in-depth understanding of the physical, biological and chemical processes that occur in soil and the role soil plays in plant production and environmental management.
There's no better place to learn than from the centre of a phenomenon, and as a student in soil science, I've been in the middle of scientific discovery from day one. The issues we discuss in class are real-world problems and we use new technologies to find solutions. Now that I'm looking ahead to grad studies and a career in natural sciences, I can't help but think that entering the Department of Soil Science was one of the best things I could have done for my future.—Alana DeBusschere
The U of S Advantage
The U of S provides a learning environment with an innovative, hands-on approach to education, offered in world-class teaching facilities. Students and professors from the department work at the Canadian Light Source using synchrotron radiation to investigate the chemical species of nitrogen and phosphorus present in soils. Others use stable isotopes to examine nutrient cycling in organic farming systems or greenhouse gas emissions. In this unique environment students will learn from distinguished faculty, some of whom are teacher-scholars conducting world-class research and others who are teacher practitioners running their own agribusiness part-time.
The College of Agriculture and Bioresources offers a setting that combines the advantages of a full-scale university with the benefits of a small, specialized program. The small upper-year class sizes and supportive atmosphere allow students to get to know their instructors and fellow students and to build a network of personal and business contacts. Students have numerous opportunities to transfer the theory beyond the classroom; most courses include hands on components such as field trips and class projects that tackle real world issues.
First-year students can choose to sign up for a Learning Community and be pre-registered in three of your classes. Learning Communities are a great way to meet people with similar interests, get advice from student leaders who know the ropes, and make a smoother transition to the University of Saskatchewan.
During their studies, students can take advantage of a number of scholarships and bursaries available exclusively to students in the College of Agriculture and Bioresources. Six $10,000 scholarships are awarded to students entering from high school, and one scholarship of up to $7,500 to a student transferring from another institution. Moreover, there is an additional $44,000 in scholarships awarded as entrance scholarships. More than $300,000 is awarded annually to undergraduate students enrolled in the College of Agriculture and Bioresources.
Choose Your Program!
After a first year of general courses, students have the option of specializing in environmental science or soil science. Beginning in their second year, students take a concentration of courses related to their major, plus a variety of required and elective courses. Students can also enhance their studies by participating in study abroad options or by working as summer students in the department.
Students may also complete a program minor in a related area, such as agribusiness or applied plant ecology. Minors are a great way to broaden a student’s career options.
Graduates of related diploma programs are eligible to receive two years block transfer credit into the environmental science or soil science specializations. Students transferring under an articulation agreement, who have been granted block transfer credit, do not require a minor, but instead take a prescribed set of courses. For additional information, or to determine eligibility for block transfer, contact the Coordinator of Student Services in the Dean's Office, College of Agriculture and Bioresources.
Career Opportunities
A growing demand for scientists and professionals equipped to deal with agricultural and environmental issues means a wide variety of career choices for graduates specializing in environmental science or soil science.
Graduates pursue careers as environmental consultants, land reclamation specialists, surveyors, foresters, agricultural producers, land appraisers, hazardous and non-hazardous waste specialists, ecologists, laboratory technicians and managers, laboratory or field researchers and educators. Opportunities abound in the private and public sectors, in Canada and abroad. Many graduates also find fulfilling careers in international development work.
The college's strong ties with industry and reputation for producing well-rounded, quality graduates means many businesses turn here first when recruiting employees.
A Stepping Stone
A B.S.A. degree in environmental science or soil science is an extremely useful and marketable background for studies in other areas such as business, communications, education, journalism, law and politics.
Graduates from these highly-regarded degree programs also have excellent prospects as master’s students at other top universities across North America and throughout the world.
Earning a master’s degree in environmental science or soil science takes an average of two years and is a significant advantage in terms of career opportunities. Students may also choose to pursue a Master of Environment and Sustainability in the School of Environment and Sustainability (SENS). Several members of the Department of Soil Science hold joint or associate positions within SENS. Master’s graduates can also choose to pursue a Ph.D. or other post-graduate program.
When I tell people that I work in the College of Agriculture and Bioresources, they assume that my research program is in production agriculture. I get very surprised looks when I describe my work in ecosystems ranging from the Arctic to Prairie wetlands. One of the really great things about this program is that we bring an incredible breadth of experience into the classroom. In addition, our graduates get the benefit of both a solid foundation in basic soil and environmental sciences as well as a whole suite of applied field and laboratory skills that will serve them well wherever their future careers take them.—Angela Bedard-Haughn,
Professor of Soil Science
Outstanding Students and Faculty
- Award-winning research, an engaging teaching style, and a grain farm in southwest Saskatchewan showcase Professor Jeff Schoenau's enthusiasm for nutrient management and cropping systems.
- Professors Bing Si and Rich Farrell examine soil reclamation and remediation in the Alberta Oil Sands and near Flin Flon, Manitoba.
- Professor Steve Siciliano's research on soil environmental toxicology focuses on the relationship between human and ecosystem health in Arctic and Antarctic ecosystems.
- Professor Dan Pennock led a comprehensive study of greenhouse gas emissions from Prairie soils and is also a U of S Master Teacher.
- Undergraduate students Alana DeBusschere, Jennifer Bentz, and Courtney Kosty received national awards allowing them to do summer research to measure soil carbon and nitrogen dynamics in Arctic soils, measure metal concentrations in soils affected by smelter emissions in the Flin Flon area, and to examine how pulse cropping systems affect soil stability.
Getting Involved!
One of the best ways to make the most of your college career is to get involved—and the Agriculture Students’ Association (ASA) is just the way to do it! The ASA is one of the most active and spirited student bodies on campus with activities including everything from debates, to speaker nights, professional development days, Telemiracle fundraisers, and social nights with professors.
In addition, option clubs such as the Horticulture, Range Management, and Renewable Resource Management clubs, as well as the Environmental Studies Students' Association offer students incredible opportunities to share their interests, plan activities beyond the classroom, and have fun!
Admission Requirements
The following is a list of high school subjects required for admission. Please select the province/territory where you completed high school.
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