Agricultural Engineering Jobs

Biological and agricultural engineering refers to the incorporation of engineering principles and theories into natural systems to improve food, water, energy, machines and the environment. Research relevant education and career options here.

Biological and agricultural engineering is the application of engineering principles to agriculture, food and biological systems. Agricultural engineers must understand, identify and solve the various problems in the agricultural world, including equipment design and production problems. Biological engineers design systems for the biological materials used in products, including such as food and drugs.

Education Information

As with most engineering jobs, professionals are typically required to have earned at least a bachelor's degree. Undergraduate degree programs are offered in agricultural engineering, biological engineering or agricultural systems management. Master's and Ph.D. programs can qualify graduates for senior-level positions in chemical companies and government agencies. Alternatively, graduate degree programs can prepare individuals for careers in research or academia.

Aspiring biological and agricultural engineers enrolled in degree programs can gain hands-on application through fundamental and applied research. Classroom lectures educate students in agriculture engineering analysis, hydraulics, irrigation systems, engineering surveying and engineering dynamics. Research projects are also offered at the undergraduate and graduate levels through fellowships and research assistantships.

ABET is the accreditation firm for engineering programs at the college level. Licensure is required if the student intends to directly serve the public, and a degree from an ABET-certified program is the first requirement. If you are ready to learn more about biological and agricultural engineering, the Study.com articles listed below can help you navigate the decision-making process.

Distance Learning Options

While there are no biological and agricultural engineering programs specifically offered online, some engineering programs are available. These programs may allow for specialization or concentration in biology and agriculture. Some colleges and universities offer free courses online but these do not count for college credit. Review the links below for more information about online learning programs.

Career Options

Agricultural engineers or biological and agricultural engineers work in a variety of different industries, including environmental consulting companies, crop storage industries, government agencies and biotechnology companies. Get more information about biology and agricultural engineering careers by reviewing the links below.

Employment Outlook and Salary Information

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of agricultural engineering jobs was predicted to grow by a mere 5 percent over the 2012-2022 decade, which is slower than average for all occupations in the country. In contrast, during the same time period, jobs in biomedical engineering were expected to grow at a rate much faster than average, specifically 27 percent. The median annual salary for agricultural engineering professionals was $74, 750 in May 2013, while biomedical engineers earned $88, 670 (www.bls.gov).