Graduate
What Do We Offer?
- An unrivaled collaborative environment. UK is one of only eight universities in the country with a major medical center featuring six health sciences colleges and the full spectrum of academic colleges on one contiguous campus.
- Opportunities to work side-by-side with internationally recognized faculty members who are conducting groundbreaking research.
- Preparation for a high-level career in academia or industry.
Our biosystems engineering graduate program is housed within the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. The Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering offers Master of Science (Thesis and Non-Thesis options) and Ph.D. programs.
A Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering degree will prepare you for dynamic careers in the private, public, and non-profit sectors as well as professional programs.
- Biofuels engineer
- Biopharma scientist
- Distillation process engineer
- Environmental engineer
- Firmware engineer
- Food engineer
- Manufacturing engineer
- Quality assurance manager
- Research and development engineer
- Stream restoration design engineer
- Master's Degree (MS)
- Doctoral Degree (PhD)
The Master of Science in Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering (MSBAE) degree provides students with a combination of experiences in basic research, design, development, and practical applications. The MSBAE program requires successful completion of 24 credit hours plus a thesis. It is expected that M.S. students beginning their graduate work with a B.S. in engineering will take 2 years to complete their degree
Who is this program for?
A master's degree in Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering is ideal for individuals passionate about integrating engineering principles with biological systems to address challenges in agriculture, environmental sustainability, and food production. This program is also valuable for those pursuing careers as environmental engineers, precision agriculture specialists, or bioprocessing engineers, where expertise in sustainable design, resource management, and innovative technologies is essential for advancing agricultural and environmental solutions.
Program Overview
Biosystems engineers are trained in biological, environmental, and engineering sciences and challenged to improve the sustainability of production systems, decrease or eliminate environmental hazards, and preserve natural resources. Biosystems engineers devise practical, efficient solutions for producing, storing, transporting, processing, and packaging biological and agricultural products. They solve problems related to systems, processes, and machines that interact with humans, plants, animals, microorganisms, and biological materials. They also develop solutions for responsible, alternative uses of biological products, byproducts and wastes and of our natural resources soil, water, air, and energy.
The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) is a research degree granted on the basis of broad knowledge of engineering applications in biology and medicine and an in-depth study in a specific area leading to a dissertation reflecting original and independent work by the candidate. The Ph.D. requires a minimum of 30 course hours (not residency credit) past the Master’s degree (note: the student’s advisory committee can require more credits), with the potential of waiving up to 6 hours with the concurrence of the a) student’s advisory committee, and b) the Director of Graduates Studies, and c) the Department Chair. It is expected that Ph.D. students beginning their graduate work with a M.S. in engineering will take 3 years to complete their degree. Courses for advanced study are determined in consultation with an advisory committee and are tailored to the student’s research direction and career plans.
Who is this program for?
The doctoral degree in biosystems and agricultural engineering is suited for students passionate about applying engineering and biological principles to improve agricultural processes, environmental sustainability, and resource management. Graduates can pursue careers as researchers, agricultural technology developers, or university professors, focusing on areas such as precision agriculture, bioresource engineering, and sustainable food production systems.
Program Overview
The Ph.D. in Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering prepares students to solve complex problems at the intersection of engineering, biology, and agriculture. Through advanced research and interdisciplinary training, students explore areas such as precision agriculture, renewable energy, water resources, environmental systems, and food engineering. The program emphasizes innovation and sustainability, equipping graduates with the skills to lead in academia, industry, and government agencies working to advance agricultural productivity and environmental stewardship.
Admission Requirements
Ready to apply? Start by contacting the Director of Graduate Studies for the program of interest to learn about specific requirements. To be eligible, you must have earned a bachelor’s degree from a fully accredited U.S. institution or recognized foreign institution, have a bachelor’s GPA of at least 2.8 on 4.0 scale, a 3.0 on all graduate work, and proof of English language proficiency.
GRADUATE SUPPORT AND OPPORTUNITIES
Graduate students benefit from a vibrant academic environment designed to support their success and fuel their ambitions. Our program provides students with the resources and encouragement to pursue bold ideas, shape their futures, and make a meaningful impact.
FUNDING OPTIONS
Explore opportunities to fund your graduate education through assistantships (research, teaching, or graduate) and fellowships.
GRADUATE CERTIFICATES
Discover a great way to enhance your graduate degree program by adding specialized, career-focused expertise.
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
Enrich your graduate experience both academically and socially by joining one of the university’s many graduate student organizations.
PROFESSIONAL ENHANCEMENT
Foster your personal and professional growth in career preparedness, research, teaching, and wellness through supportive and collaborative programming and networking.
Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering
128 C.E. Barnhart Building
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY 40546-0276
859-257-3000
Fax: 859-257-5671
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