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Soil Science (MSc)

The Soil Science (MSc) program embraces all aspects of soil science related to agricultural and other ecosystems. Teaching and research is focused on the sustainability and productivity of the land base, enhancement of crop and livestock production and maintenance of soil, water and food quality as affected by agriculture and other human activities.

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    Faculty

    • Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences
    • Faculty of Graduate Studies

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    Degree

    • Master of Science

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    Expected duration

    • 2 years

Study with us:

Research:

Research in the faculty is focused on the sustainability and productivity of the land base, enhancement of crop and livestock production and maintenance of soil. Some of our current research programs include:

  • Sustainable food production and communities: Sustaining and increasing the production of crops by enhancing soil management practices and reducing soil degradation that threatens food production.
  • Climate-smart soils: Exploring and promoting soil processes and management practices to better improve crop production in the evolving climate of the Canadian prairies.

Learn more about our research programs

Research funding

The Department of Soil Science provides funding for research assistantships and also encourages students with scholarships to apply. Students can apply for teaching assistantships and awards through the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and the University of Manitoba.

Community outreach: Our students and staff take their research findings relating to improved production and environmental sustainability to producers and the public. The Manitoba Agriculture and Food Knowledge Exchange (MAKE) is a resource for faculty scientists and collaborators to share research shaping agriculture and food production in Manitoba and around the world.

Facilities:

Our network of facilities can be found both on campus and around the province of Manitoba. Our researchers and students have access to equipment to conduct specialized research in a variety of areas.

A researcher looks at soil samples in a field.
Community members gather in an open field during a community outreach program.
A soil science teaching lab with rows of test tubes on tables and soil samples on the wall.

Program details

The Master of Science (Soil Science) program is a two-year thesis-based program consisting of a combination of coursework and research.

Master of Science (Soil Science)

Expected duration: 2 years

Tuition and fees: Program fees are assessed in the first two terms of study, followed by a continuing fee in the third and any subsequent terms. (refer to Graduate tuition and fees)

Coursework:

Students must complete a minimum of 12 credit hours of coursework.

All students are required to take SOIL 7220: Principles of Scientific Research and Communication and three credit hours of SOIL courses at the 7000 level.

Sample course offerings

  • SOIL 7170: Agricultural Micrometeorology
  • SOIL 7180: Environmental Chemistry of Pesticides and Related Compounds
  • SOIL 7210: Topics in Soil Fertility
  • SOIL 7220: Principles of Scientific Research and Communication
  • SOIL 7230: Topics in Landscape Processes I
  • SOIL 7240: Topics in Landscape Processes II
  • SOIL 7250: Topics in Soil Science
  • SOIL 7270: Advanced Soil Ecology

For full course descriptions, please visit the Academic Calendar.

Thesis:

Students must demonstrate competence in completing thesis research and pass an oral examination on their thesis subject.

Graduation requirements:

To meet graduation requirements, all students must demonstrate strong communications skills and hold (from their current program or in previous studies):

  • Nine credit hours in fundamental and applied soil sciences at the senior undergraduate or graduate level.
  • Three credit hours in experimental design and statistical analysis at the senior undergraduate or graduate level.

Admission requirements

The following are minimum requirements to be considered for entry into the Master of Science (Soil Science) program. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

Admission requirements are those of the Faculty of Graduate Studies outlined in the Graduate Studies Regulations section of the Academic Calendar.

Applicants normally have a strong background in soil science and/or a strong background in the basic sciences related to the students proposed area of study.

The department head and the Soil Science Graduate Studies Committee will evaluate the adequacy of the applicant’s background when making admission recommendations. 

In addition to the admission requirements described here, all applicants must meet the minimum admission and English language proficiency requirements of the Faculty of Graduate Studies.

How to apply

The Soil Science (MSc) program has three application deadlines per year. Applications must be completed online and include several parts:

  • Application fee (non-refundable)
  • Unofficial copies of transcripts
  • Curriculum vitae/resume
  • Two letters of recommendation (must be requested from within the application)
  • Proof of English Language Proficiency, if required

Please read the Faculty of Graduate Studies online application instructions before beginning your application.

Please contact the Department of Soil Science before submitting an application for admission. Applications without the support of a research supervisor are likely to be rejected.

Please note: Students must enter the name of their preferred advisor at time of application.

Application deadlines

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Applications open up to 18 months prior to start term.

Canadian and US applicants
Term Annual application deadlines
Fall (September) June 1
Winter (January) October 1
Summer (May) February 1

International applicants
Term Annual application deadlines
Fall (September) March 1
Winter (January) July 1
Summer (May) November 1

Applicants must submit their online application with supporting documentation and application fee by the deadline date indicated.

Start or continue your application

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Contact us

Admission and application inquiries

Faculty of Graduate Studies
Room 500 UMSU University Centre
65 Chancellors Circle
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada

graduate.admissions@umanitoba.ca
Phone: 204-474-9377

Monday to Friday
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Program inquiries

Department of Soil Science

Room 362 Ellis Building
13 Freedman Crescent
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2

soilsci@umanitoba.ca
Phone: 204-474-8153
Fax: 204-474-7642