Apply Now!

Department of Soil Science

Website

University Catalogue

CONTACT

Graduate Chair: Angela Bedard-Haughn

Graduate Secretary: soilsc.gradstudies@usask.ca

Phone: (306) 966-6823

Department of Soil Science

University of Saskatchewan
51 Campus Drive
Saskatoon SK CAN   S7N 5A8

Soil Science

The Department of Soil Science, established in 1919, is a major centre of superior teaching and research both within Canada and internationally. The department places a strong emphasis on teaching, research, extension and service programs that address soil science and environmental issues at the provincial, national and international levels. The faculty, which includes adjunct professors from other departments, schools, and institutes on campus; government institutions (e.g., Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada, Environment Canada and Natural Resources Canada) has particular strengths in applied pedology, agronomy & agroforestry, environmental soil chemistry & ecotoxicology, soil reclamation & remediation, and climate change adaptation & mitigation.

The department provides core expertise in soil and environmental sciences and offers programs leading to both M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees. Joint graduate research programs can be arranged with other colleges within the university, with other Canadian universities, and with government agencies (both in Saskatchewan and across the country).

The Department of Soil Science offers thesis-based programs that can be completed in two to three years for a M.Sc. and three to five years for a Ph.D., based on full-time study.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Explore the research expertise within the Department of Soil Science and contact faculty members to inquire about their willingness to act a potential supervisor. Acceptance into the program is dependent upon a supervisor being available and your application will not be processed until someone has agreed to supervise your program.

Complete the online application and send the following documents to the Graduate Secretary in the Soil Science Department:

  • A letter outlining your research interests and explaining why you wish to join this Department
  • Copies of your academic transcript(s) and three letters of recommendation
  • A curriculum vitae or resume
  • Students, who are not native English speakers, must demonstrate English language proficiency

APPLICATION DEADLINES

Applications are accepted throughout the year.

FUNDING AND SCHOLARSHIPS

All students accepted into the graduate program receive financial support from their supervisor’s research funds and/or scholarships. To be eligible for scholarship funding, students must have obtained at least 80% in the last two years of study. Scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis and are not guaranteed.

Students cannot undertake graduate work without financial support; thus, the supervisor must write a letter stating that he/she will provide the financial support and other resources necessary for you to complete your program. This letter is required before a recommendation can be made by the Department to the CGSR for student acceptance.

A M.Sc. Entrance Scholarship is available in the Department of Soil Science. Preference is given to applicants from a North American university and the award is based on the applicant’s grades for his/her last 60 credit units of study. The application deadline for this scholarship is March 1st.

Students entering the Ph.D. program with an average grade ≥80.0% will receive a $5,000 ‘top-up’ scholarship. The scholarship is renewable for a maximum of two years (total of three years).

CAREER PATH

The Department of Soil Science prepares graduate students for exciting research or land management careers in government, industry and non-governmental organizations and with consulting firms and academic institutions. Jobs in this sector range from helping to protect ecosystems from industrial damage to enhancing the sustainability of our food production. Students completing a Ph.D. may also choose an academic career path.

 

For admission and degree requirements, please see  the University Catalogue.

P.G.D. +

M.Agr. +

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

  • A four-year honours degree, or equivalent, in Soil Science or close applied discipline
  • A cumulative weighted average of at least 70% (U of S grade system equivalent) in each of the final two years (i.e. 60 credit units) of the undergraduate program.
  • International applicants must meet the English proficiency requirements set forth by the college.

M.Sc. +

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

  • A four-year honours degree, or equivalent, in Soil Science or close applied discipline
  • A cumulative weighted average of at least 70% (U of S grade system equivalent) in each of the final two years (e.g. 60 credit units) of the undergraduate program.
  • International applicants must meet the English proficiency requirements set forth by the college.

Ph.D. +

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

  • A Master's degree in Soil Science or a close allied discipline, from a recognized university.
  • A cumulative weighted average of at least 70% (U of S grade system equivalent) in the last two years of study (e.g. 60 credit units).
  • Demonstrated ability for independent thought, advanced study, and research.
  • International applicants must meet the English proficiency requirements set forth by the college.