The study of soil science can take several forms. At North Carolina State University, Soil Science education is delivered through on-campus courses, distance education via the Internet, and continuing education programs delivered through the Cooperative Extension Service.

On campus, a student may select the soil science option within the agronomy curriculum. Since agronomy deals with both soil and crop sciences, a student will receive a strong background in both areas while emphasizing the soils discipline. A second opportunity is in the natural resources curriculum, where a concentration in soil resources or soil and water systems can be selected. The environmental sciences curriculum offers a third opportunity to specialize in soil science. This curriculum has a stronger core of basic sciences. A student may also choose to strengthen another academic major, such as forestry, horticulture, geology or engineering, with a minor concentration in soil science. By carefully choosing elective courses, students may tailor their academic training to specific backgrounds and interests.