Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (Ph.D.)

Program Coordinator/Contact

Van C. Kelley, Department Head
Kasiviswanathan Muthukumarappan, Distinguished Professor/Graduate Coordinator
Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
Raven Precision Agriculture Center 217
605-688-5141

Program Information

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, precision agriculture 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,
• precision agriculture, and
• systems modeling.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Acquire and apply the knowledge and skills to make an original contribution to the agricultural, biosystems and mechanical engineering field.
• Conduct creative and independent research within a supportive framework.
• Understand and critically evaluate the relevant engineering literature.
• Communicate relevant engineering principles and theories by written, oral, and visual means.
• Apply engineering principles and procedures to the recognition, interpretation, and understanding of prior and current knowledge in the field.
• Exhibit an appropriate awareness of and commitment to the ethical conduct of research.

Course Delivery Format

The program engages students in lecture, laboratory, and in hands-on, field-based learning experiences.

Student Engagement and Support Opportunities

Financial assistance in the form of research assistantships and project assistantships is available on a highly competitive basis.