Biological and Agricultural Engineering - BS

Graduates from the Biological and Agricultural Engineering program, will after several years, have:

  • Successfully entered the biological and agricultural engineering profession. 
  • Successfully pursued graduate education and research at major universities in biological and agricultural engineering, and related fields.
  • Advanced into leadership positions in their chosen fields, professions and society.
  • Engaged in life-long learning through professional licensure and professional development.
  • Contributed to the impact of the profession by creating inclusive, global, and culturally relevant engineering solutions.

Students learn to apply fundamental knowledge of biological and physical sciences, mathematics, and engineering principles to formulate and solve engineering problems. Engineering design is integrated throughout the curriculum, along with opportunities to develop communication, learning, and teamwork skills, culminating in a capstone design experience. Electives in the curriculum allow the student to focus in one of the following areas:

  • Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering—design and management of systems affecting soil, water, and air resources.
  • Renewable Energy Engineering—design and development of biomass, wind and solar energy systems.
  • Food and Bioprocess Engineering—design and development of systems for processing and handling of food and agricultural products and processes involving cells, enzymes, or other biological components.
  • Machine Systems Engineering—design and development of machines and machine systems for food, feed and fiber production and processing.

Students select courses with the assistance of the academic advisor in an individualized advising system. Faculty members assist with professional development and job placement for students.

The biological and agricultural engineering program is jointly administered by the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the College of Engineering. The department is one of the largest in North America and is consistently ranked as one of the top programs in the nation.

For graduates to become successful practicing biological and agricultural engineers, students need to acquire a set of skills, knowledge, and behaviors as they progress through the curriculum. We have established the following program outcomes outlining what students are expected to know and be able to do upon completion of the curriculum. At the time of graduation, students should have:

  1. an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
  2. an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
  3. an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
  4. an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
  5. an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
  6. an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
  7. an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

The Bachelor of Science program in Biological and Agricultural Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET, https://www.abet.org.