Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (M.S.)

Location(s): Brookings Main Campus

Student working on a piece of equipment.

Program Coordinator/Contact

Kasiviswanathan Muthukumarappan, Maynard A. Klingbeil Endowed Department Head and Distinguished Professor
Lin Wei, Associate Professor/Graduate Coordinator
Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
Raven Precision Agriculture Center 136
605-688-5666

Program Information

Graduate work in the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering leads to Master of Science in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Doctor of Philosophy in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, and Doctor of Philosophy in Biological Sciences degrees.

Students who undertake graduate studies in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering normally have as their goal a better understanding of the current theories, principles, issues, and problems in agricultural, environmental and biological 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.

The department offers students an opportunity to undertake research and advanced study in specialization areas such as food and biomaterial processing, physical properties of biological materials, natural resource engineering, precision agriculture, structures, indoor environment, waste management and machine design.

Course Delivery Format

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

Student Learning Outcomes

Conduct Research or Design: Conduct research and/or design projects that demonstrate an ability to model, analyze, and design agricultural and biosystems engineering processes and systems.
Understand the principles of agricultural and biosystems engineering: The student will articulate a solid understanding of fate fundamental principles of agricultural and biosystems engineering, including the area of specialization and supporting areas.
Communicate effectively: The student will demonstrate an ability to communicate, both orally and in writing, technical information in an effective manner.

Available Options for Graduate Degrees

Master of Science	Option A - Thesis	30 Credit Hours
	Option B - Research/Design Paper	32 Credit Hours

Core Requirements

ABE 790 - Seminar (COM) Credits: 1-3 (1 credit required)
STAT 541 - Statistical Methods II Credits: 3

ABE Electives

Credits: 9

ABE 544 - Unit Operations of Biological Materials Processing Credits: 3
ABE 544L - Unit Operations of Biological Materials Processing Laboratory Credits: 1
ABE 555 - Principles Biological Separation Processing Credits: 2
ABE 555L - Principles of Biological Separation Processes Laboratory Credits: 1
ABE 732 - Advanced Hydrology in Agriculture Credits: 3
ABE 733 - Ground Water Engineering in Agriculture Credits: 3
ABE 734 - Advanced Irrigation Engineering Credits: 3
ABE 748 - Bioseparations Credits: 3
ABE 752 - Theoretical Micro-Climatology Credits: 2
ABE 754 - Advanced Unit Operations of Food/Biomaterials Processing Credits: 2
ABE 754L - Advanced Unit Operations of Food/Biomaterials Processing Laboratory Credits: 1
ABE 763 - Instrumentation Credits: 2
ABE 763L - Instrumentation Laboratory Credits: 1
ABE 771 - Graduate Seminar Credits: 1
Other elective courses from outside the department (such as in Computer Science, Math, Physics or another engineering department or another supporting department) may be used only if: (1) 500-level or higher, (2) they support a coherent plan of study, and (3) they are approved by the Major Advisor and Graduate School.

Select one of the following options

Option A - Thesis

ABE 798 - Thesis (COM) Credits: 1-7 (5-8 credits required)
Electives Credits: 9-12

Option B - Research/Design Paper

ABE 788 - Research Problems/Projects (COM) Credits: 1-2 (2-3 credits required)
Electives Credits: 16-17

Total Required Credits: 30 (Option A), 32 (Option B)

Additional Admission Requirements

GRE: Not required
TOEFL: 79 Internet-based
TOEFL Essentials: 8.5
IELTS: 6.5
Duolingo: 110

Personal statement with a focus on area of research interest and prospective faculty to whom interest in working for the degree program.

General Requirements

Graduate students should consult with their advisor before registering for graduate coursework.

For additional information refer to the Master’s Degree Requirements .