Biological Sciences (Ph.D.) - Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Specialization

Location(s): Brookings Main Campus

Student and professor working in a lab.

Program Coordinator/Contact

Kasiviswanathan Muthukumarappan, Maynard A. Klingbeil Endowed Department Head and Distinguished Professor
Lin Wei, 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 and Doctor of Philosophy in Biological Sciences degrees. The PhD in Biological Sciences with a specialization in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering shares a common core with several other departments. The core requirements are defined in this catalog in the Biological Sciences (Ph.D.) section. Additional classes are selected by the individual with the approval of the committee.

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 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 biological sciences with in relation to specialization areas such as food and biomaterial processing, physical properties of biological materials, natural resource engineering, 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

Knowledge of program: Exhibit knowledge concerning biological and/or microbiological systems/sciences at a level appropriate to a Ph.D. holder.
Communication skills: Express their scientific views effectively in both oral and written form.
Understand scientific method: Understand the scientific methods and techniques for solving research problems and analyze scientific data using the appropriate statistics.
Use statistics to analyze data: Be able to use statistics to analyze scientific data.
Publish research: Be able to conduct and publish scholarly research.
Professional development: Demonstrate professional development and competence so that they may enter the work force in academia or industry.

Available Options for Graduate Degrees

Doctor of Philosophy	60 Credit Plan
	90 Credit Plan

Core Requirements

For details see specific program: Biological Sciences (Ph.D.) .

ABE 790 - Seminar (COM) Credits: 1-3 (1 credit required)
ABE 791 - Independent Study (COM) Credits: 1-3
ABE 898D - Dissertation (COM) Credits: 1-12 (30 credits required {60 Hour Plan}, 45 credits required {90 Hour Plan})
GSR 601 - Research Regulations Compliance Credits: 1
Minimum of 3 credits of STAT courses numbered 500-level or higher
Electives selected by the individual with committee approval

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 must consult with their advisor before registering for graduate coursework. For additional information, refer to the Doctor of Philosophy Degree Requirements .