Admission to Soil Science PhD and MS Programs
This document may provide answers to questions you have about how to apply for admission to the Soil Science MS and PhD Programs at NC State University. If you do not find the answer to your question in this list, contact the Director of Soil Science Graduate Programs. Contact information is found at the end of this document. In addition to this document, you may find additional information in our Soil Science Graduate Handbook.
What is the process for admission to the Soil Science Degree program at NC State?
You must first apply for admission to the Graduate School. You can start your application at https://grad.ncsu.edu/admissions/. After you apply and your materials are submitted then a committee of soil science faculty will evaluate your application. If deemed admissible, we then share your application with all soil science faculty. If someone has funding, they can offer you a position. We do not have departmental assistantships, therefore a faculty member must have funding in order to bring a student into their program.
Where can I find graduate admissions information at NC State?
All students must apply to the Graduate School for admission to all graduate programs. For details on the process and requirements, please see Section 2 of the Graduate Handbook. Specifics are addressed in other sections below.
Do I need to get a commitment from a faculty member before applying?
No, that is not necessary. We evaluate all applications that we receive. Then we share promising applications with all faculty. If a faculty member has funding and is interested in an applicant, they can then make an offer.
However, it does help if one of our faculty members has been in contact with you and is interested in bringing you into our program. Consult the Soil Science Graduate Faculty listing to learn more about our faculty and their programs.
What are the priority deadlines for application?
The deadlines for admission for Fall, Spring and Summer are below. Note that we have early deadlines for priority consideration for fall funding. You can still apply after these deadlines and we will consider your application, however funding may not be available.
| Entry Semester | Application Deadlines and Details | |
| Fall | Priority Consideration for Funding January 15 for US and International Students* Final Admission Deadline for US Students – June 25 Final Admission Deadline for International Student – March 1 | |
| Spring | Priority Consideration for Funding September 1 for US and July 15 International Students* Final Admission Deadline for US Students – November 25 Final Admission Deadline for International Students – July 15 | |
| Summer 1 | US Students – March 25 International Students – December 15 | |
| Summer 2 | US Students – May 10 International Students – December 15 | |
| *Students applying for admission after the priority deadlines can still be considered for funding | ||
Does my BS or MS need to be in Soil Science in order to qualify?
No! Students from many different science backgrounds are good candidates for pursuing graduate studies in soil science. We do look for course work in the basic sciences to include biology, chemistry, physics, earth sciences, and mathematics. Incoming students with no soil science experience may be required to take SSC 200 – Soil Science in order to establish an understanding of the discipline. Students with weak science backgrounds are generally not competitive. However, if you wish to discuss you can contact the Director of Soil Science Graduate Programs.
Do I need to take the Graduate Record Exam?
The Soil Science program does not require the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) for admission. If you have scores, you may submit them, but they are not required.
What GPA do I need to be considered for admission?
We require a minimum of a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale from your previous BS or MS degree(s). Most applicants have a much higher GPA. Admission is quite competitive as we have more applicants than open opportunities.
What are the English language requirements for international students?
All international students must meet ONE of these language requirements:
- Provide Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a total score of at least 80 on the Internet-based Test (iBT), and with minimum test scores for each section of:
- Listening 18 points
- Reading 18 points
- Writing 18 points
- Speaking 18 points – for admission, 23 points – for TA appointment where TA has direct verbal interactions with students, 26 points – for TA appointment where TA presents lectures in the class or laboratory
- Provide International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores with an overall band score of at least 6.5. Minimum test scores for each section are listed below:
- Listening 6.5
- Reading 6.5
- Writing 6.5
- Speaking 6.5 – for admission, 7.0 – for TA appointment
- Provide Duolingo exam results with a total score of 110 or better.
- Be a citizen of a country where English is the official language and the language of instruction in higher education;
- Successfully complete (cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher) at least one year of full-time study in a degree program at a regionally accredited four-year US College or university.
TOEFL or IELTS test scores must be no older than two years (24 months) prior to the beginning of the requested entry term. You can find this information in Section 2,3 of the NCSU Graduate Handbook.
Do I need to submit official transcripts to apply?
No, you only have to supply unofficial transcripts for application. If accepted into the program, you would then need to provide official transcripts.
Do you require recommendations?
Yes, you must have three different recommendations submitted to complete your application. You will identify recommenders during the online application process and those recommenders will submit their references online. These should be academic references.
Do I submit a personal statement of purpose?
Yes, we require a personal statement and it is an important component of your application. This is your opportunity to tell us why you are interested in pursuing graduate study in soils, your past experiences that show us that you are a good fit and any other information you wish to share. Your statement gives us an idea of how you can contribute to our program and what you might gain from your experience here.
Is it possible to get an application fee waiver?
Under exceptional circumstances, the Graduate School may waive the application fee. The Graduate School generally will not waive the application fee, except in cases of documented financial need and special circumstances. If you would like to request a fee waiver, first submit your application. Next, contact Dr. David Shafer for instructions at david_shafer@ncsu.edu.
Questions?
If you still have questions, contact the Director of Soil Science Graduate Programs at soilsciencedgp@ncsu.edu.