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Soil Science, MS

The UW-Madison Department of Soil Science is one of the oldest, largest, and most prominent soil science departments in the United States. It is globally renowned for its excellence in soil research and education. The department’s mission is to provide instruction, research, and extension leadership in soil chemistry, physics, biology, and pedology to economic and sustainable land use. Programs are designed to improve basic understanding and practical management of soil resources in natural, agricultural, and urban ecosystems, and to serve local, state, national, and global interests. The department implements the Wisconsin Idea to the extended community and provides all generations with an appreciation of soil as a key natural resource and thorough understanding of the scientific basis of the environment and agriculture.

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Financial Support & Appointment Typesexpand_more

Applications to graduate studies act as the application for financial support. Offers of financial support accompany most offers of admissions for student admitted to the Soil Science graduate program. Most students hold research assistantships (RAs), but some may hold fellowships or teaching assistantships (TAs). The availability of these appointments is limited. They carry a stipend, a remission of tuition, and the option to participate in a health-care plan comparable to that available to faculty. A posting of open assistantship positions with the department may also be located on the department’s Employment & Funding Opportunities page.

International students should refer to the International Applicant Financial Information website when preparing the applications. International students should submit their financial information only after a favorable admission decision has been made.

Employment regulations for international students can be found on the International Student Services (ISS) website.

Although paid teaching assistant (TA) appointments are rare within Soil Science, there are many opportunities on campus to secure such a position. Students supported by TA positions should contact their advisor for a list of potential departments to contact.

Students are also encouraged to consider applying for a Graduate School external fellowship, CALS Fellowships, and CALS Scholarships.

Funding & Expenses by Appointment Typeexpand_more

Research Assistant (RA) Graduate Students

Most students who join the soil science MS program are offered financial support through an RA appointment. Soil science RA appointments are offered at the maximum allowable 50% rate, unless specified differently in the appointment letter. An RA appointment is granted for the fiscal year (July 1 to June 30). We expect appointments to continue for the duration of a student’s studies with satisfactory progress toward degree. All RA appointments include tuition remission and fringe benefits.

Fiscal Year 2024 – 50% RA covered expensesSoil Science Graduate Students
Annual Stipend – Paid to student$30,500
Fringe Benefits – Employer’s contribution of social security and health insurance (estimated)$6,620
Tuition Remission – Paid by RA appointment (estimated)$12,000
Total$49,120
Applicable anticipated out-of-pocket expenses are noted at the bottom of this section.

Teaching Assistant (TA) Graduate Students

On occasion, a soil science MS student may take on a TA appointment in our department or another department on campus. The length of appointment (one semester, academic year, or annual) and the percentage of appointment can vary greatly depending on the specific needs of the hiring department. A TA appointment includes tuition remission and fringe benefits.

Fiscal Year 2024 – 50% TA covered expensesSoil Science Graduate Students
Academic Stipend – Paid to student$23,337
Fringe Benefits – Employer’s contribution of social security and health insurance (estimated)$5,130
Tuition Remission – Paid by TA appointment (estimated)$12,000
Total$40,467
Applicable anticipated out-of-pocket expenses are noted at the bottom of this section.

Wisconsin Distinguished Graduate Fellowship (WDGF) Graduate Students

The Department of Soil Science has two WDGF opportunities tied to specific research programs in the department. The department’s WDGF opportunities are offered only when fund earnings have reached the level of support necessary. The College of Agricultural and Life Sciences also offers WDGF opportunities. Please see the Financial Support & Appointment Types tab for those details.

Fiscal Year 2023 WDGF covered expensesNon-dissertatorDissertator
Annual Stipend – Paid to student$29,000$29,000
Fringe Benefits – Employer’s contribution of social security and health insurance (estimated)$5,220$5,220
Tuition Remission – Paid by WDGF appointment (estimated)$15,600$5,800
Segregated Fees – Paid by WDGF appointment (estimated)$1,800$880
Total$51,620$40,900
Applicable anticipated out-of-pocket expenses are noted at the bottom of this section.

Out-of-Pocket Expenses

Health Benefits: Graduate assistantships appointed at 33.3% or higher provide eligibility for health insurance (health insurance options for a reasonable premium are among the country’s best group health insurance plans).

Other Types of Fees

In addition to tuition, there are other fees that may be assessed on a student’s account.  Some of these fees are one-time fees; others may be assessed each semester depending on the student’s status, enrollment date, courses taken and if the student is living in University Housing.

  • Segregated Fees are charges, in addition to tuition, assessed to all students. Segregated fees pay for student services, activities, programs, and facilities that support the mission of University of Wisconsin System institutions, including UW-Madison.
  • Housing and Dining charges are assessed to students living in the Residence Halls and participating in the dining meal plan.
  • eTextbook Fee is charged to students who register for courses participating in the e-text program
  • Registrar Office Document Fee is a mandatory one-time fee that covers the cost of official university documents (such as transcripts).
  • International Student Fee is applicable to students who are at UW-Madison on F1 or J1 visas and supports the International Student Services office.
  • Late Registration Fee is assessed to students who begin enrolling in courses after a specific date each term.

Program Guideexpand_more

The program guide with complete details about our Soil Science MS degree can be found here.

International Student Resourcesexpand_more

International students at UW-Madison have additional requirements imposed by the U.S. Federal Government. Our International Student Services Office staff are the experts to address all questions regarding these matters.

The Madison Friends of International Students mission is to connect UW international students with local residents to foster cultural exchange, global goodwill, and friendships around the world. They offer opportunities such as a Capitol reception, English classes, global friends partnering, temporary homestays, furniture, transportation, Thanksgiving hospitality, and welcome picnics.

Who can I contact if I have more questions?expand_more

Graduate Program Manager, Julie Garvin is happy to meet with you to answer further questions you may have. Also, we have several MS and PhD graduate students who are willing to meet with new students to answer the questions only they can. Contact Julie at jgarvin2@wisc.edu to arrange a meeting according to your needs.

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