Fast-Facts
BAE Department-Facts
Link to Mission and History Pages    
In the beginning their was a man and a hoe... see the department history pages to learn more.
This is the photo which inspired a Department. To learn more about it see the BAE History Pages.

image: graphic check box bulletThe Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering () has been in existence for almost 100 years.

image: graphic check box bullet Location:
The department is Located on the NCSU Central Campus in D. L. Weaver Laboratories.

image: graphic check box bullet Department Background:
The Department of Biological & Agricultural Engineering has a reputation for excellence in teaching, research, and extension, especially in the areas of water and drainage management, water quality, waste management, precision agriculture, and bio processes. It currently has 25 tenure-track faculty, 29 non-tenure-track faculty and 29 technical / clerical staff. The department has a strong educational program with 130 undergraduate and 40 graduate students. The department is administratively located in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences with its teaching program jointly administered with the College of Engineering.

image: graphic check box bullet About the Department Name:
Originally this department was Agricultural Engineering with studies and extension work centered on improvements to agricultural operations through mechanization. Over time the department noticed that advances in agriculture shifted towards improvements to agricultural practices and processes and to the proper management of land and water assets. This department was the first Agricultural Engineering Department in the nation to change its name to Biological and Agricultural Engineering in 1965. The change reflected the evident fact that biology was the base science that differentiated this field of engineering from other fields. The name seems even more relevant today considering the growing and increasing biological knowledge base which is fueling today's engineering advancements.

image: graphic check box bulletWho's in Charge :
Dr. Robert Evans is the current Department Head. He is a professional engineer working in the area of soil and water engineering.
To learn about the departments past Department Heads, visit the BAE History pages. To learn of others in the department who can answer your questions visit the departments main contact page.

image: graphic check box bulletDepartment Focus:
The departments focus is on training engineers and technician to improve and increase food and fiber production and to protect agricultural lands. Engineers manage the source of whatever negatively affects the quality of rural large-scale land areas. This type of engineering looks to protect our life sustaining agricultural environments and to feed and clothe increasing populations better. Biological Engineers and their assisting technicians improve soils, waterways, and watersheds; they mitigate negative impacts of cities, farming and animal production. They are trained to protect the environment managing its resources and reducing pollution which, is caused by everything from urban stormwater issues to agricultural animal waste. They are trained to engineer aspects of food and fiber growth, production, transport, and to ensure the quality of agricultural goods delivered to market. The engineer of today utilizes advancements in biological processes which are more of an interdisciplinary blend of sciences and new technologies. The challenge of the department is to prepare students to become well trained engineers from an ever increasing wealth of science knowledge.

image: graphic check box bullet Department Offerings:
The department offers two Bachelor of Science Programs which are four year programs of study. The first program is Biological Engineering the other is a Technology Program in Agriculture and Environmental Technology. (If you were looking for the Agricultural two Year program see the Agriculture Institute). 

image: graphic check box bullet Prospective Students:
Prospective students who are interested in should look through this web site carefully and decide if this is the program for you. If you think it might be then please contact the department. BAE will be glad to answer questions, send you an additional packet of information or make and appointment to visit BAE. You can talk directly with our faculty and tour the facility. Parents, student groups, and teachers are also welcome. See bottom of the page to Contact BAE's recruiter. 

image: graphic check box bullet To Apply:
To apply to any Biological and Agricultural Engineering Program see the NC State Admissions web site for forms and basic information. To speak for the departments Undergraduate and Graduate coordinators please see the department Contact Page.

image: graphic check box bullet The Courses:
 To review the courses for both programs see: Registration and Records Curricula for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

image: graphic check box bullet About Advisors:
 At NCSU each student has an Advisor. Students are encouraged to meet with their advisor at least once a semester to discuss class options, degree requirements, and any other questions the student may have. Your advisor will also have your pin number which is needed for class registration. You will be assigned your advisor once you have been accepted to NCSU. Advisors are chosen based on your designated major. Prior to this prospective students can request a temporary advisor from NCSU Advising Central before a permanent advisor is assigned to them.

image: graphic check box bullet Advanced Degree Offerings:
text BAE lettering offers several options for Advanced Degrees which many of our former undergraduates choose to pursue. Our graduate level programs are flexible enough it is possible to customize them to the students interest in particular aspects of Biological and Agricultural Engineering. The department will work with the students who's program many require interdepartmental collaborations to achieve their educational goals. In addition to Masters and PhD Studies also offers a Web- Based Graduate Certificate Program.

image: graphic check box bullet The Numbers:
The department has graduated over 150 PhD's and even more Masters students.
BAE is known for having a significantly strong graduate program. Our BAE programs are often sought out by those looking for advance degrees in this area.

image: graphic check box bullet About Minors:
 The department offers an AET MINOR. Many current BAE students become double majors with most choosing Biomedical Engineering. Other BAE students add an additional course or two to build on a particular strength or to enhance their resumes.

image: graphic check box bullet Other Learning Opportunities:
The Department also provides a wide group of citizens, engineers, and municipal employees a diverse collection of free and fee-based Extension Workshops.

image: graphic check box bullet Wireless Access:
Weaver Laboratory offers wireless computing and also several other options for computing. Did you know that NC State is currently considered one of the most connected universities in the country?

image: graphic check box bullet Student Help:
NCSU offers many tutorial services for students. Visit the NCSU Undergraduate Tutorial Center to learn about this free student assistance. A benefit to students some tutorial programs are on a walk-in basis, but others do require appointments. 

image: graphic check box bulletJob Opportunities:
BAE students have many Job Opportunities in the work force. Recent BAE students have been employed as Design Engineers for the NC Department of Transportation, the NC Division of Water Quality, John Deere, and R. J. Reynolds. Did you know that agriculture is North Carolina's number one industry? See: NC Agriculture. Many of the new Biomanufacturing-pharmaceutical/biofuel ventures in the triangle region are interested in hiring NCSU Bioprocess engineers. See: ncbiotech.org. To learn about the potential of job opportunities for biological engineers and technicians visit CALS Job Opportunities or BAE Job Opportunities.

image: graphic check box bullet Getting the Job:
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Career Services and the University Career Center provide students with help in preparing and finding jobs.
For more Information, contact BAE's Student Service Assistant:

Heather Gordon
100 Weaver Labs
Box 7625, NCSU
Raleigh, NC 27695-7625
Voice: (919) 515-6710
Fax: (919) 515-6719
E-mail: hbgordon@unity.ncsu.edu
Above are general statements and figures about the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering. Figures are vulnerable to fluctuations. Last Updated: 2006