University of Hawaii at Manoa

What you'll study

The MSc in Soil Science combines core courses in soil chemistry, physics, biology and pedology with applied training in soil management, mapping and laboratory and field methods. Students typically choose between a research (thesis) option and a coursework/project (non-thesis) option; both emphasise rigorous quantitative techniques and practical experience.

• Core topics: soil genesis and classification, soil chemistry and nutrient cycling, soil physics and water relations, soil microbiology and ecology.
• Applied and regional topics: soil fertility and crop management, conservation and land-use planning, erosion control, coastal and volcanic soils, tropical and island soil management.
• Technical skills: field sampling and profiling, laboratory analyses (chemical and physical), soil survey and mapping, GIS applications, statistical methods for soil data.
• Research: thesis research under a faculty advisor for the research option; applied capstone or project for the coursework option, often involving local field sites and stakeholder engagement.

Entry requirements

Applicants should normally hold a bachelor's degree in soil science, agronomy, environmental science, geology, biology, chemistry or a closely related discipline with a strong quantitative and laboratory component. Successful candidates will demonstrate preparation in basic soil science, chemistry and mathematics.

• Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
• A statement of purpose describing research interests and career goals.
• Letters of recommendation, typically two or three from academic or professional referees.
• Research experience or relevant professional experience is advantageous, particularly for thesis-track applicants.
• International applicants must meet the university's English language proficiency requirements (for example by acceptable TOEFL or IELTS scores) and provide any required documentation for visa purposes.
• Standardised tests (e.g. GRE) may be considered or required by some advisers or specialisations; check the department admissions guidance or contact potential faculty supervisors directly.

Career prospects

Graduates from the programme move into a range of research, technical and management roles. The curriculum prepares students for employment in governmental natural-resource and environmental agencies, agricultural extension services, environmental and geotechnical consulting firms, NGOs focused on land stewardship, and private-sector agronomy and soil fertility companies.

• Soil scientist or pedologist for government or consulting practice
• Agronomist or soil fertility specialist in agricultural businesses or NGOs
• Environmental consultant specialising in contaminated land, erosion control or wetland/shoreline soils
• Natural resource manager or conservation planner working with parks, watershed councils or island ecosystems
• Continuation to doctoral research and academic careers in soil and environmental sciences

Why study at University of Hawaii at Manoa

The University of Hawaii at Manoa offers distinctive strengths in tropical and island soil systems, giving students exposure to a wide diversity of soils and land-use contexts that are uncommon at mainland institutions. The programme sits within an applied agricultural and environmental sciences environment, providing access to dedicated soil laboratories, campus and off-campus field sites across the Hawaiian Islands, and interdisciplinary collaboration with faculty in plant sciences, hydrology, ecology and resource management.

Students benefit from a community-engaged approach to research, opportunities for hands-on fieldwork, and connections with regional agencies and organisations working on coastal resilience, sustainable agriculture and watershed conservation. The department’s focus on practical skills and research training supports both immediate employment and further academic study.