NCSU Department of Biological and Agriclutural Engineering Skip navigation

Agricultural Overview & Programs

Engineering tomorrow's agriculture ...

Agricultural Engineering photo colage. The First photo shows a student working on a tractor; the second photo is of a tractor attachment and the third photo shows rows of crops

Our programs in agricultural engineering and agricultural and environmental technology reflect North Carolina's strong history and tradition in the agriculture industry.

Photo: Dr. Roberson is showing a student how to adjust the GPS system. They are under a huge agricultural tractor attachment about 7' high. Atop the rectangular apartus are 4 gps receivers.Dr. Roberson works with a student to set up a GPS transmitter and receiver system for a hauling rack.

Photo: shows the animal waste building at Lake WheelerRoad Field Labs. The building has 4 grey cylinders beside it.Research involving animal mortality processing and composting take place at the Animal Waste Facility at NCSU's Lake Wheeler Field Labs.

Photo: Shows drip irrigation at work in a agricultural field.Irrigation practices like drip and wastewater irrigation are of great importance in producing successful yields with minimal resource use.

Photo: shows several cows feeding and one cow is looking directly at the viewer.

Department Fast Facts

What is Agriculture Engineering?

Agricultural engineering incorporates many science disciplines and technology practices to the efficient production and processing of food, feed, fiber and fuels. It involves disciplines like mechanical engineering (agricultural machinery and automated machine systems), soil science (crop nutrient and fertilization, etc.), environmental sciences (drainage and irrigation), plant biology (seeding and plant growth management), animal science (farm animals and housing) and much more.

Areas of interest to Agricultural Engineers

  • Design of ag. machinery, equipment, and structures
  • Environmental control systems, cooling and ventilation
  • Energy Conservation
  • Crop production-seeding, tillage and irrigation practices
  • Soil & water conservation
  • Animal production and care
  • Biofuel production and utilization on the farm
  • Post harvest processing, handling and storage
  • Precision farming technologies, machine vision, gps
  • Farm operations and management
  • Farm safety, security and ergonomics

Who are Agricultural Engineers?

Image: graphic showing see spread
Remote sensing allows
farmers to better manage
their crops and land.

Agricultural engineers must have a wealth of knowledge and skills to function effectively in the diverse agricultural and agribusiness industries. The agricultural engineer obtains training in design and engineering problem solving based on an understanding of engineering sciences including mathematics, physics and biology. They must also have skills in computers, communication, teamwork and instrumentation. The feature distinguishing agricultural engineers from other engineers is their interest and commitment to solving agricultural problems. Learn more about what agricultural engineers do.

Careers

Agricultural engineers are employed as:

  • Researchers
  • Extension Specialists
  • Waste Specialists
  • Land Development Engr.
  • Structure Designers
  • Machinery Designers
  • Electrification and Power Systems Designer
  • Precision Agriculture Applications Engr.
  • Environmental Controls Engr.
  • See more Job Opportunities

Bio & Ag graduates have been hired by NC Department of Transportation, NC Department of Agriculture, Archer Daniels Midland, Agri-Waste Technologies, John Deere Company, Gruer Engineering, Long Manufacturing, and NC State University.

Are you interested in becoming an agricultural engineer?

See the Undergraduate and Graduate Programs.

Graphic lettering reads "We gring Engineering to Life"