Soil Science | Oregon State University

Skills & Competencies

Skills developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET via SOC 19-1013.00

Skills

SpeakingScienceCritical ThinkingActive LearningReading ComprehensionActive ListeningWritingComplex Problem Solving

Knowledge

BiologyEnglish LanguageComputers and ElectronicsChemistryMathematics

Abilities

Oral ComprehensionWritten ComprehensionOral ExpressionWritten ExpressionDeductive ReasoningInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingCategory FlexibilityOriginalityProblem Sensitivity

Tasks

Communicate research or project results to other professionals or the public or teach related course
Develop methods of conserving or managing soil that can be applied by farmers or forestry companies.
Provide information or recommendations to farmers or other landowners regarding ways in which they c

Technology

Analytical or scientific softwareComputer aided design CAD softwareGeographic information systemCategorization or classification softwareMap creation software

Tools

Atomic absorption AA spectrometersAutosamplersCalibrated soil scoopsCanopy analyzersCell tissue culture incubatorsCirculating water bathsColorimetersConductivity metersDataloggersDesktop computersDigital camerasDigital pH metersElectron microscopesEpifluorescence microscopesErlenmeyer flasks

Work Values

AchievementIndependenceRecognitionWorking ConditionsRelationshipsSupport

Career Pathways

Occupations this program prepares you for

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET + BLS

Occupations matched to this program, with median wage, top wage, growth, and openings
SOC	Occupation	Method	Wage	Growth	Openings
Match confidence: medium19-1013.00	Soil and Plant Scientists	title_inference	—	—	—

Program Pathways

Credentials this program stacks toward

No program pathways.

What You'll Learn

Key competencies developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom NSX Competency Framework

Mastery: advanced (Level 4)(based on Doctoral Degree)

Long-term soil and plant science research programs — direct at institutional scale, setting strategic priorities and securing major grant funding.
National or international soil conservation policy — influence by translating research evidence into recommendations for regulatory agencies and agricultural bodies.
Interdisciplinary research collaborations — establish across universities, government agencies, and industry partners to address complex land and food system challenges.
Next-generation crop improvement frameworks — architect by integrating genomic, agronomic, and climate data to guide breeding program directions.
Institutional knowledge systems and research infrastructure — develop including laboratory facilities, field stations, and data platforms serving the broader scientific community.
Early-career scientists, graduate students, and extension professionals — mentor systematically by designing training pathways and cultivating independent research capability.
Organizational approaches to soil degradation and food security — shape by synthesizing systems-level evidence and leading high-stakes decision-making processes.
Scientific communication strategy — lead across peer-reviewed publication, public media, and policy briefings to maximize societal impact of soil and plant research.
Professional standards and ethical guidelines for soil and plant science — establish by contributing to disciplinary societies, accreditation bodies, and regulatory review panels.
Emerging technologies such as precision agriculture sensors and AI-driven soil analytics — evaluate and champion adoption across research institutions and agricultural sectors.

Program Details

Detailed information about this program

No detailed information available.

Requirements

What you need to earn this credential

No requirements listed.

Financial Aid

Eligible funding programs

No funding information available.

Scholarships

No scholarships listed.