The department offers two engineering degree programs and one technology program. The engineering programs are Biosystems Engineering (BSE) and Biomedical Engineering (BME); the technology program is Agricultural Engineering Technology & Business (AETB). The engineering programs are characterized by the application of engineering principles to problems in biological systems and the biomedical field of study. Biological systems and biomedical fields can consist of cells in tissue culture responding to corrosion byproducts, the human body as it reacts to medical implants, biomechanics, tissue engineering, animals generation solid wastes at animal production facilities, or production and processing of plants in agricultural systems. These problems are multi-disciplinary in nature and present challenges for which our engineers are uniquely qualified.
In addition to taking a solid core of traditional engineering courses, students in biosystems engineering and biomedical engineering take courses in chemistry, biological sciences, biochemistry, and microbiology. The Biosystems Engineering (formerly known as Biological Engineering) bachelor of science program has been in existence and has been continuously accredited since 1972, and it was the first biological engineering curriculum in the country. The department offers programs that lead to bachelor of science, master of science, and doctor of philosophy degrees. A large number of our engineering undergraduates go on to graduate and professional school.
