Bio&Ag | About Bio&Ag | Fast Facts | Undergraduate Fast Facts

Undergraduate Fast Facts

Information about the undergraduate program and students in the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering
at NC State University.

Note: Figures tends to be vulnerable to fluctuations however, every effort is made to keep information current.

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Quick Program Overview:

Contact:

Photo of Bio&Ag Undergraduate coordinator

Dr. S. Andrew Hale
Undergraduate Program Coordinator
Phone: 919-515-2694

Heather Austin
Student Services Specialist

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Photo of a student wearing a NC State wolfpack red shirt.

Our students are proud to be part of the NC State student community. They participate in events which improve our campus and local communities.

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To review statistics about the university in general go to:

Did You Know?

bullet graphic of a red check box. Current Undergraduate Enrollment: 222 students

bullet graphic of a red check box. Over 10% of students have departmental, college, or university scholarships totaling
over $61,000 this year and others have earned fellowships of more than $100,000.

bullet graphic of a red check box. Our students are eligible for scholarships through the College of Engineering, the College of
Agricultural and Life Sciences, the University Scholars Program and can also apply for the $61,000 in departmental scholarships.

bullet graphic of a red check box. The undergraduate diversity 45% female and 19% minority.

bullet graphic of a red check box. Our students apply their knowledge of engineering fundamentals and biological systems in two defined senior design projects. These projects are related to the design, construction, and testing of engineering solutions to real-world problems.

bullet graphic of a red check box. Over 80% of students consistently take and pass the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam during their senior year, which is the first step to a Professional Engineer's License.

bullet graphic of a red check box. Biological and Agricultural Engineering at NC State has a well known history and an admired tradition of innovation in teaching, research, and extension in the biological and agricultural fields. This department is nearing its 75th Anniversary in 2011.

bullet graphic of a red check box. Bio&Ag students are eligible for internships, co-ops, and career planning guidance through CALS Career Center, and the University Career Center

bullet graphic of a red check box. Average starting salary for NCSU Biological Engineers = $44,500, AET's = $39,000

bullet graphic of a red check box. Our students participate in a number of national professional societies. The ASAE ( American Society of Agricultural Engineers) student chapter has over 20 active members who represent the department at national events like the ¼ Scale Tractor Pull and the Environmental Engineering Fountain Wars. More Information on Bio&Ag clubs.

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The Biological Engineering Program (BE degree)

The Biological and Agricultural Engineering Degree Program (BE degree) is administered through two NC State colleges, The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and The College of Engineering, so the program has the advantage of utilizing resources from both colleges. Prior to beginning studies all engineering students are admitted into the First Year Engineering Program. In this program all incoming engineering students take the same common first year of core courses. This first year program is essential for all undergraduate students who are entering any of the College of Engineering's 14 departments. This means even if you switch from any other non-engineering program no matter how many courses you have taken you must begin in the first year program.

The Engineering program (BE degree) has three very distinct engineering concentration areas they are Environmental, Bioprocess and Agricultural Engineering. These concentrations were developed to keep up exponentially with the increase in agricultural & environmental scientific knowledge as well as the technological expansion of information in the general biological sciences.

Course Overviews:

(BS) BIOLOGICAL ENGINEERING Degree

Are you looking for the Biomedical Engineering program? To serve the increase in numbers of students interested in biomedical engineering the University separated the original BAE biomedical concentration from Bio&Ag and created a new department in 2000.

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The Technology Program (AET degree)

The Agriculture and Environmental Technology (AET degree) is a program administered from within the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences it is not an engineering program but a technology program which earns a Bachelor of Science degree. The AET Program is for non-engineers where students gain knowledge of engineering technologies and practices and learn how to implement them. AET freshman are required to take basic courses in the College of Agriculture and Life Science.

Course Overview:

Career opportunities for Bio&Ag undergraduates

What types of Industries employ Bio&Ag graduates?

Biological Engineers are employed as: In these industries:
  • Process Engineers
  • Quality Controllers
  • Fermentation Specialists
  • Structure Designers
  • Machinery Experts
  • Waste and Wastewater Specialists
  • Pollution Control Specialists
  • Consulting Engineers
  • Technical Sales Representatives
  • Agricultural Machinery
  • Environmental Consulting
  • Food & Beverage Industry
  • Biotechnology
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Nutraceuticals
  • Renewable Energy
  • Consulting Engineers
  • Government Agencies
Agricultural and Technology graduates are employed as: In these industries:
  • Research Technicians
  • Technical Service Representatives
  • Agricultural Machinery Technicians
  • Farm/Facilities Managers
  • Erosion Control Specialists
  • Energy Conservationists
  • Environmental Systems Technicians
  • Agricultural Machinery and Equipment
  • Waste Industry
  • Government Agencies
  • Farming
  • Energy Production
  • Environmental Industry
  • Transportation