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

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.