Learning Engineering

This page explains how NCSU Biological and Agricultural Engineering studies prepare students
for real-world engineering and technology jobs.

Preparing Work Ready Students

Photo: Hands-on training in agricultural engineering is the best way to learn.

Bio&Ag students are prepared for the real-world jobs by participating in research data collection and equipment monitoring or helping with local extension projects. Students may participate in undergraduate level field research or laboratory challenges proposed by faculty or participate in the "NC State Undergraduate Research Symposia." All Biological Engineering Degree students are required to complete a capstone senior design project and student are encouraged to participate in industry internships, co-op opportunities, journalized research and related extension work experiences. Students may also apply to participate in summer fellowships at this and other universities. With additional university-level field experiences, Bio&Ag students are prepared for the varied job opportunities they may seek after graduation.

This university is also proactive in helping students and alumni prepare to find work. Programs are available at every university level. See BAE Career Development page.

Related Organizations Offering Career Guidance

Environmental engineers plan out the

An example of how a environmental engineer challenges a river flow problem.

Many Biological and Agricultural Engineers working in the Environmental Engineering area specialize in resolving problems in water control and management. Engineers are involved with the initial planning, installation process and final monitoring of a project. It's the job of the engineer to choose the best plan of action for all phases of the project.

This project will resolve a problem with the flow of a river bed. It has been decided that a culvert control structure is needed. The massive structure shown in the photo to the right will require the calculation of the riser width and height, determining the culverts diameter, its opening and the structure's optimal placement in the river bed. This one structure may not solve all the water flow problems so the engineer will likely coordinate additional measures resolving more related concerns like a stream to river flow. On a projects like this dozens of interrelated factors require engineering decisions to achieve a natural balance.

Learning Engineering

Preparing Work Ready Students

What it takes to do an engineer's job...