Biological and Agricultural Engineers apply their knowledge of physical and biological sciences, mathematics, engineering principles and engineering design to the production and processing of food and fiber, to the preservation of environmental quality, to biological systems and processes, and to machine systems that interface with all of these. Because of their broad general engineering background, biological and agricultural engineering graduates are sought by a wide variety of employers. Recent employers include environmental consulting firms, equipment manufacturers, crop storage and handling industries, the cotton and forest products industries, food and feed processing industries, concentrated animal production industries, biotechnology companies, electric utility companies, chemical companies, and governmental agencies. Biological and agricultural engineers are making significant contributions to meeting many basic needs of society such as maintaining food quality, quantity and safety; improving environmental quality; and enhancing the quantity and quality of our water resources.

The Biological and Agricultural Engineering Department provides quality education, research and outreach in engineering and technology for the world's agricultural, biological, environmental and food systems. Our undergraduate programs provide a high quality education for engineering and systems management students to fulfill the needs of industries we serve and advance our reputation as a world leader in engineering and systems management education.

The biological and agricultural engineering program develops graduates who can pursue engineering careers in industry, academia, consulting or government. The curriculum is designed:

• to produce graduates to serve the engineering needs of clientele in environmental and natural resources, machine systems, food processing, bioprocessing, and agricultural production and processing;
• to produce graduates who are successfully employed in engineering jobs in industry, government or academia;
• to maintain our national and international reputation for program excellence; and
• to produce graduates who continue to be engaged in professional development.

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 specialize in:

• Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering: design and management of systems affecting soil, water, and air resources.
• 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 faculty advisors in an individualized advising system. Faculty members also 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 Dwight Look College of Engineering, and the curriculum is fully accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. The department is one of the largest in North America and is consistently ranked as one of the top two in the nation.