Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering

Agricultural Engineering Undergraduate Major

The Agricultural & Biosystems Engineering Profession

As an agricultural and biosystems engineer, you apply your knowledge of the biological, physical, and engineering and technical sciences to solve problems for the world’s largest industry ­ - agriculture and the food system.  Here's just the beginning of the things you could do:

  • design and test equipment for more efficient farming
  • develop methods to improve and protect water and soil quality
  • implement innovative ideas to improve the quality and safety of food
  • create systems that create and utilize biorenewables and biofuel
  • manage complex agricultural systems

Learn more about agricultural and biosystems engineering careers.

Programs of Study

You earn a bachelor of science degree in Agricultural Engineering from the College of Engineering, specializing in one of three areas.

  1. Power and machinery engineering. This area challenges the creative mind to design and improve upon the next generation of road vehicles and agricultural equipment.
  2. Agricultural and environmental systems engineering. This area emphasizes water and air quality, waste systems management, and sustainable agriculture; designing agricultural buildings and environmental control systems for efficient animal production or crop storage.
  3. Food and Biosystems engineering. This area combines engineering and the biological sciences in the design of new products and systems, to develop biorenewables and biofuels, processes and equipment for the food industry, and to add value to agricultural commodities.

Agricultural Engineering Courses and Degree Planning

Other Learning Opportunities

As part of our great academic programs, we encourage students to gain leadership and diverse experiences through

Finances

At Iowa State University, you'll get a great education for a great price. We also offer scholarships and financial aid to make it even more affordable:

Campus Visits and Admissions

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Apply to Iowa State University online or through the mail.

For More Information

For more information about the agricultural engineering undergraduate major or other questions, contact Dr. Steve Mickelson, estaben@iastate.edu, 515-294-6524.