Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (Ph.D.)

Location(s): Brookings Main Campus

Student 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

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.

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

Course Delivery Format

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

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.

Available Options for Graduate Degrees

Doctor of Philosophy	60 Credit Plan
	90 Credit Plan

Core Requirements

ABE 790 - Seminar (COM) Credits: 1-3 (1 credit required)
ABE 898D - Dissertation (COM) Credits: 1-12 (40-60 credits required)
GSR 601 - Research Regulations Compliance Credits: 1
STAT 541 - Statistical Methods II Credits: 3
Electives Credits: 15 (60 Hour Plan), 25 (90 Hour Plan) (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

Three letters of recommendation with at least one from an individual who can address the applicant’s technical knowledge background and ability to perform research, a research statement or statement of interest area intent, and transcripts are required.

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 .