Michigan State University

What you'll study

This programme combines core engineering fundamentals with specialised study of agricultural and biological systems. Early years emphasise mathematics, physics, chemistry and basic engineering concepts (statics, dynamics, materials). Departmental courses progress into subjects such as fluid mechanics and hydraulics, soil–water engineering, machine and structural design, thermodynamics and heat transfer, bioprocess engineering, environmental and water resources engineering, and instrumentation and control for agricultural systems.

• Applied mathematics and calculus for engineers
• Physics for engineering and engineering graphics/CAD
• Mechanics of materials and machine design
• Fluid mechanics, hydraulics and open-channel flow for irrigation and drainage
• Soil–plant–water relationships and soil mechanics
• Bioprocess and post-harvest engineering (drying, storage, food handling)
• Precision agriculture topics: sensors, remote sensing, GPS, automation and control systems
• Environmental engineering as applied to agriculture: nutrient management, waste treatment and watershed protection
• Laboratory courses, fieldwork at research farms and a year-long senior capstone design project

Students have opportunities to take elective courses in areas such as renewable energy, robotics, data analytics for agriculture, plant science and agricultural economics. Hands-on learning through teaching laboratories, campus research farms and internships is an integral component of the curriculum.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a high-school diploma (or equivalent) with strong preparation in mathematics (including pre-calculus and preferably calculus), physics and chemistry. Typical successful applicants demonstrate strong grades in STEM subjects and evidence of quantitative problem-solving ability. Admissions panels also value extracurricular experience related to engineering, agriculture, or technical work (clubs, fairs, internships or employment).

International applicants must meet the university's English language proficiency requirements and submit equivalent academic documentation. Prospective transfer students should consult the department for course-by-course articulation; prior credit for calculus, physics and introductory engineering courses is often required to enter at an advanced level.

Career prospects

Graduates go on to careers designing and improving equipment, systems and infrastructure that support food production, natural-resource management and bio-based industries. Common employer sectors include agricultural machinery manufacturers, irrigation and water-resource firms, environmental and consulting companies, food and post-harvest processors, precision-agriculture technology providers, and government agencies concerned with natural resources and rural infrastructure.

• Roles: design and development engineer, irrigation/water resources engineer, field applications engineer, process engineer for food and bio-based products, research engineer, technical sales and product support
• Settings: manufacturing, consultancy, public agencies (USDA/state departments/NRCS), agritech startups, universities and research centres
• Further study: many graduates pursue graduate degrees (MSc/PhD) in biosystems engineering, agricultural engineering, environmental engineering or related disciplines

Why study at Michigan State University

Michigan State offers an agricultural engineering education embedded in a large, research-intensive land-grant university with strong links between engineering, plant and soil sciences, and extension. Students benefit from on-campus research farms, pilot-scale laboratories, and access to multidisciplinary projects in precision agriculture, water resources and sustainable food systems.

The department maintains partnerships with industry and government that support internships, cooperative education and applied research opportunities. Student organisations, an active ASABE student chapter and outreach via MSU Extension provide practical experience and professional networking to prepare graduates for immediate entry into the workforce or for graduate study.