Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
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Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering

Machine Systems (MS)

Solve problems for the next generation of ag equipment.

Person operating a machine in the soil machine dynamics lab

There are many opportunities in a wide array of fields:

  • Vehicle Power Systems
  • Machinery Management
  • Electronic, Sensors, and Control Systems
  • Hydraulics, Pneumatics, and Fluid Systems
  • Ag Manufacturing Processes
  • Equipment Sales
Students learn from teacher building a machine in workshop class

The MS specialization supports the development of these key skills:

  • Designing, maintaining, and testing ag equipment and systems
  • Applying mechanical and electrical problem-solving principles
  • Integrating automation and data acquisition systems
  • Managing operations and technical staff

In addition to foundational technology courses, MS students take some of these key courses:

  • Tractor Power
  • Ag Machinery and Power Management
  • Occupational Safety
  • Total Quality Improvement
  • Advanced Manufacturing and Metals Processing
  • Fluid Power Systems Technology

It is a customizable path that can be tailored to each student’s interests and career trajectory.

iPad depicts sensor readings from livestock barn

Potential Employers

  • Ag Leader Technology
  • Almaco
  • Cargill
  • Case-New Holland
  • Iowa Select Farms
  • John Deere Co.
  • Kinze Manufacturing
  • Pioneer Hi-Bred Intl.
  • Reuters
  • Sukup Manufacturing Co.
  • Vermeer
  • in watercutter lab, student is learning from supervisor

    Positions for MS graduates

    • Equipment Specialist
    • Farmer/Owner
    • Field Engineer
    • Manufacturing Engineer
    • Precision Ag Specialist
    • Project Manager
    • Test Engineer

Want to learn more?

Ask us about how to add a Feed Technology Minor or Occupational Safety certificate to your MS curriculum.

Contact Jordan Smith, academic advisor at josmith1@iastate.edu with questions about the MS option and AST major.

 

Are you looking to hire MS graduates?

At Iowa State, we strive to produce AST graduates who have knowledge, skills, and abilities in solving technical problems, understanding design and manufacturing processes, excelling in authentic leadership, being aware of safety issues, having a quality improvement orientation, effectively managing projects, and having a systems-thinking perspective.

This translates to a holistic approach that uses science, engineering, and management principles that focus on the technology behind off-road vehicles, ag equipment, and precision ag.

We prepare graduates for a variety of careers for a broad spectrum of industries, businesses, and organizations in the fields of equipment testing, manufacturing processes, ag production and sales, automation and controls systems, quality and operations management, and safety management.

Get Involved!

We are always looking for ways to connect students to industry experiences, host professionals in the classroom, and create unique hands-on activities to build career-ready graduates.

For more information on ways to get involved, contact Jordan Smith, academic advisor at josmith1@iastate.edu