ABEN Curriculum
The Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (ABEN) program prepares men and women for careers requiring application of physical, biological, and engineering sciences to solve problems that involve living systems. Agricultural and biosystems engineers provide engineering for the necessities of life.
Agricultural and biosystems engineering integrates engineering topics, engineering design, and biological sciences in a single program with two concentrations; agricultural engineering (AGEN) and biosystems engineering (BSEN).
Courses in the first two years are similar to those required in mechanical, civil, electrical, and industrial engineering. Agricultural and biosystems engineering courses are emphasized in the last two years of the program. Successful completion of 133 semester credits is required for graduation. While there is considerable overlap between the AGEN and the BSEN concentrations, requirements for the BSEN concentration include a heavier concentration on fundamental biological and chemical sciences. The AGEN concentration includes a heavier concentration in the engineering sciences.
Although not required for graduation, a cooperative education internship with industry is highly encouraged. Internships usually include one semester and a summer work experience, but length and timing vary by company. An internship gives you the opportunity to experience engineering prior to graduation. Many companies now look for cooperative work experience when hiring new graduates.
The curriculum is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202-4012 - telephone: 410-347-7700. ABEN students are well qualified and encouraged to take the national Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination during their last semester of college. This is the first step in the process of becoming a registered professional engineer.
