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Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (Ph.D.)

  • Location IconBrookings Main Campus

Innovative and advanced systems engineering to feed and fuel the future.

Students who undertake this Ph.D. in agricultural and biosystems engineering graduate degree normally have as their goal a better understanding of the current theories, principles, issues and problems in agricultural, biological, thermal, fluid, control, bulk materials storage/handling systems, animal systems and mechanical systems. Graduate studies improve the student’s ability to think critically and creatively, and to synthesize, analyze and integrate ideas for decision-making and problem solving.

This program offers students an opportunity to undertake research and advanced study in specialization areas such as:

  • biorenewable energy and bioresource conversion technologies.
  • engineering of advanced precision agriculture systems used in production agriculture.
  • natural resources engineering for utilization and conservation of soil and water resources.
  • advanced manufacturing and quality control technologies focused on composition, properties and integrity of materials.
  • advanced thermal-fluid systems.
  • advanced composites.
  • advanced animal systems.
  • bulk materials storage/handling systems.
  • systems modeling.

Is it for you?

This program will be a good fit if you:

  • Have an undergraduate/master's degree in Agricultural Engineering or related engineering field.
  • Want to conduct research in the field.
  • Are a creative problem solver.
  • Work well independently and as part of a team.

Career Opportunities

  • Agricultural and Biosystems engineer
  • Scientist in a national laboratory
  • Researcher in industrial research and development
  • Engineering project manager
  • Teacher or researcher at a university
  • Design engineer
  • Test engineer
  • Manufacturing engineering
  • Product engineer