Major: Agricultural Engineering and Bioengineering
USDA/Larry Rana
Could the earth run out of earth? It doesn’t seem possible, but it takes thousands of years for soil to develop. This means that soil is practically a nonrenewable resource. Meanwhile, soil is being worn out by farming, polluted by chemicals, and eroded by wind and water.
If this concerns you, you’re not alone. Some agricultural engineers come up with farming practices that use soil more efficiently. Others help farmers by designing power systems, tools, and storage space. Still others use genetics to develop stronger, healthier plants. Thanks to agricultural engineering, farmers are getting better at producing safe food more efficiently while protecting the environment and using natural resources wisely.
As an agricultural engineering and bioengineering major, you’ll learn how to use science to improve the production of food, timber, fiber, and renewable energy sources while protecting the environment.
Did You Know?
- Eighteenth-century farmer Jethro Tull designed a machine for planting seeds in rows. Before then, it was all done by hand.
Are You Ready To...?
- Get your hands dirty
- Visit farms and food-processing plants
- Work as part of a team
- Do a senior capstone project such as designing an irrigation system
- Do an internship or a co-op
It Helps to Be...
A fan of math, science, biology, machines, and the great outdoors. You’ll also need to be a great problem solver and communicator, so start building those skills now.
College Checklist
- Is the program accredited by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology?
- Will you have to apply for admission to the program?
- Does the program emphasize a particular area, such as food systems or mechanical systems? Environmental engineering or biological systems?
- Will you get hands-on experience, or does the program focus more on theories?
- What co-ops and internships have recent students completed?
Did You Know?
- The American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers sponsors an annual quarter-inch scale tractor design and building contest for college students.
Course Spotlight
A senior capstone project will give you the chance to put your own ideas to work. You may work with a team and will be guided along the way by a professor. Past students have designed an invisible fence for cattle, while others have come up with a way for monitoring water quality.
When you’re finished, you’ll get to show off your idea, probably in a presentation and written report. Whatever project you choose, you’ll learn a lot by seeing it all the way through from proposal to final design.
