Advising FAQ for the Soil Science Certificate
A certificate functions almost identically to a minor. The major differences from a minor are:
- Certificates require more credits than minors.
- Certificates can be earned by anyone with an associate’s degree or higher, regardless of where that degree is from.
Adding a Certificate
- The process for a student to add a certificate is the same as for a minor, which is to complete the “Curriculum Change Form” and send to the college office of the student’s primary major. Detailed instructions are available here.
- The electronic routing of this form does not require the student to meet with an adviser in soil science, but we highly recommend that students meet with a soil science adviser to discuss their course plans and learn more about resources/opportunities associated with their interest in soil science.
- This form includes a box for noting any expected deviation from the standard requirements. College offices should route the “Curriculum Change Form” to a designated adviser in soil science for approval. However, especially in these cases, the student should speak to a soil science adviser in advance to identify the best course plan.
Flexibility and Compatibility with Majors
- The Soil Science certificate has a lot of flexibility for being compatible with primary majors, particularly for meeting the “Supporting Sciences” requirement.
- The list of known courses to meet the “Supporting Sciences” requirement is available here.
- The “Soil Science” requirement is designed to give breadth of experience in soil science and maximize qualification for job requirements in soil science.
- We recognize that each student has different career objectives and circumstances. We are ready to work with them. Special cases should be discussed with a soil science adviser.
- The “Foundation” requirement of Introduction to Soil Science is a prerequisite for most soil science courses and, therefore, essential.
Academic Progress Report (APR)
Workday coding has been updated to ensure courses are counted appropriately, but if you encounter an error or issue, please contact Bradley Miller or Amber Anderson.
Questions?
Please feel free to contact Bradley Miller with any questions about the Soil Science certificate.