Today's focused engineering specialties might be a source of amazement to the great engineers of the past. The 18th and 19th centuries saw the rise of specialized civil and mechanical engineers in military campaigns and the industrial revolution, and the 20th century created many additional highly-focused engineering disciplines. Society, however, continues to need engineers who have a broad background and can do systems-level design. Many of the most gifted engineers throughout history have been successful precisely because they understood a diverse range of engineering concepts, and could integrate that knowledge in new and startling ways.
Biosystems Engineering is the most 'integrative' engineering discipline available today. It combines elements from environmental, mechanical, civil, electrical, and other engineering disciplines to produce the broadest possible engineering skill set. This engineering background is complemented with a focus on biologically-based systems -- critical for solving problems involving people and the environment. Finally, Biosystems Engineering adds the peripheral skills needed to be successful in an engineering career – intensive design projects, computer and graphics training, presentation skills, engineering economics, and practical teamwork.
With this broad foundation, upper-level Biosystems Engineering students are uniquely positioned to focus on almost any area of engineering that interests them. This may be environmental systems, machine design and optimization, soil and water conservation, instrumentation and sensors, bio-reactors, food processing, waste treatment, or any of a host of other possibilities. Whatever the area of interest, Biosystems Engineers have the background to successfully tackle complex problems involving people, the environment, and natural resources.
Engineering is a career path that works! More than 3 million engineers work in the U.S. today, making engineering the nation’s second-largest profession. According to the Department of Labor, the job market is projected to remain strong well into the millennium.
As a Biosystems Engineer, you can choose from an unusually diverse range of job opportunities. You will be well prepared to lead a team as a project engineer because of your broad engineering background. You could also choose to design products or processes in a variety of agricultural, manufacturing, and service industries.
You might consider working as a consultant, in product marketing, or for a management services firm. Government agencies and educational and research institutions also employ many Biosystems Engineers, or you may want to enhance your career by entering graduate or professional school.
You will be particularly qualified to work at the interface of technology and living systems – whether in food and fiber production, environmental issues, or in a biological context.
Because Biosystems Engineering programs across the country vary in name, incorporate differing amounts of other engineering disciplines, and lead to such a diverse range of career paths, historical salary statistics are limited.
According to a recent salary survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, BSE bachelor's degree candidates received starting offers averaging $58,000 a year and master's degree candidates, on average, were offered $68,000.
Median annual earnings for BSE alumni were $97,000.
High School Preparation
Successful Biosystems Engineering students typically have a good high school background in math, physics, and chemistry. Freshman admission to the program requires 3 ½ units of math, including trigonometry and geometry, in addition to the general admission requirements of the University.
A strong background in these areas will enable you to more easily begin your college work. If you are able to earn advanced placement credit in some of these areas, you may have additional options later in your degree program. These could include taking specialized courses that interest you, working in a lab, or contributing to a research project -- providing valuable experience and improving your employment opportunities.
Our students tend to be problem solvers who like to 'figure out' how things work, and often have good spatial skills. Other useful traits are good communication abilities (both written and verbal), experience with computers, and technical hobbies.
Admission chances are enhanced by high ACT/SAT scores and a solid high school transcript.
