Entrance into the MS program requires documentation that the applicant possesses a four-year baccalaureate degree in soil science (including environmental soil science) or a "hard" science (including chemistry, geology, physics, or biology). It is also strongly recommended that applicants have completed one semester of coursework in each of the following: organic chemistry, physics, plant physiology or microbiology, and statistics. Fifteen (15) semester credits in soil science courses are also required; however, course deficiencies may be satisfied during the first year of graduate study.