Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering

Van Kelley, Department Head
Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
Agricultural Engineering 107
605-688-5141
E-mail: van.kelley@sdstate.edu
www.sdstate.edu/abe

Faculty

Associate Professor Kelley, Head; Professors Anderson, Julson, Trooien; Distinguished Professor Muthukumarappan; Professors Emeriti Chu, DeBoer, Hellickson, Pohl, Werner; Associate Professors Cortus, Gu; Assistant Professors Emeriti Schipull.

Overview

The mission of the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering is to provide professional education at the undergraduate and graduate levels for engineers and technologists who will serve agricultural, biological, and environmental industries, conduct research and provide technological leadership in engineering design and management for the agricultural community and its affiliated industries.

The educational objectives for the Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering program are fulfilled as graduates develop successful careers in which they continue to grow in their professional skills, assume increasing professional responsibility, and show leadership in their careers, professional organizations, and communities.

Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates will do the following:

Advance within the agricultural and biosystems engineering profession as practicing engineers and consultants to positions of management, supervision, or leadership in a diversity of organizations or companies within the areas of agricultural and off–road machines; processing of food, fiber, and energy products; management of natural resources; structural systems; information and control systems; or other related areas.
Progress within the agricultural and biosystems technology profession to management (business and economics), leadership, supervision systems functionality, and data optimization and use in the array of entities within agriculture, Ag machinery, livestock facilities, grain handling and storage facilities, and crop and livestock production systems.
Obtain graduate degrees at recognized research universities in agricultural and biosystems engineering or related fields.
Obtain professional registration or other professional certification where appropriate.

Programs

Majors
Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (B.S.)  (College of Engineering)
Agricultural Systems Technology (B.S.)  (College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences)
Precision Agriculture (B.S.)  (College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences)
Minors
Engineering for Precision Agriculture
Precision Agriculture
Graduate Programs*
Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (M.S.)
Agricultural, Biosystems and Mechanical Engineering (Ph.D.)
Biological Sciences (Ph.D.)
     Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Specialization
Bioenergy and Sustainable Technology Certificate
* Graduate degrees are offered in collaboration with the Graduate School. For details, see the Graduate Catalog.

Facilities and Services

The department conducts research aimed at improving performance and reducing cost at all levels of production with minimal environment impact. Research is conducted in University labs and in the field, either at four Research and Extension Centers or on producer farms. Additionally, the Water Resources Institute is co-located with the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering in the Agricultural Engineering building, office 211 on the South Dakota State University campus in Brookings, SD.

Student Support and Engagement Opportunities

The department provides opportunities for students engagement and support through student clubs, scholarships, design projects, and internship coordination.