Graduate Programs
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MS in Biological and Agricultural Engineering
| Program and Career Focus | The Master of Science in Biological and Agricultural Engineering (MS) is intended for students interested in advanced research in biological engineering. The MS degree is a thesis-based degree for those individuals who want to pursue an research-oriented degree beyond the Bachelor of Science. Students are required to write a thesis and defend it at the final oral examination. A minor is optional.See NCSU Libraries’ repository of BAE Theses. |
| Concentrations | Engineering – Admission to this concentration requires an engineering degree in biological engineering, agricultural engineering, or a related engineering discipline with a solid foundation in the engineering sciences. Systems Analysis – Admission to this concentration does not require an engineering background. Students who will be attracted to this concentration will have a strong background in science and mathematics, a methodical approach to problems, and an innate desire to understand how things fit together. Selection of the Biological and Agricultural Systems Analysis Concentration at the MS level will be appropriate for students with a BS degree in a STEM field that complements the expertise of the research faculty in this concentration such as microbiology, data science, computer science, climate science, or engineering technology. Students’ background would also include at least one semester of calculus and at least one semester of statistics. |
| Areas of Specialization | Choose your area of specialization: – Bioprocess Engineering – Controlled Environments for Agriculture – Data Analytics and Integrated Modeling – Ecological Engineering – Environmental Engineering – Precision Agriculture and Machine Systems – Sustainable Waste Management |
| Minimum GPA to graduate | 3.0 |
| Total hours to graduate | 30 semester hours of graduate credit, six of which may be thesis research: Our research programs are diverse so selection of courses is decided by the student and committee to support the research project and interests/goals of the student.The minor should complement the major coursework and must conform to the rules of the program offering the minor. |
| Required hours of 500-level courses or higher | 20 |
| Maximum hours transferred from NDS status at NCSU or from another institution | 12 |
| Courses | View full course list |
MS in Biological and Agricultural Engineering (ONLINE)
| Program and Career Focus | The Masters of Biological and Agricultural Engineering online degree is a distance education degree focused toward environmental and ecological engineering. Designed for the working professional, the flexible program has no advisory committee, no final exam and no seminar requirement. |
| Distance Education | Yes Are you interested in a Graduate Certificate? Learn more. |
| Minimum GPA to graduate | 3.0 |
| Total hours to graduate | 30 |
| Degree Requirements | 24 of the 30 hrs must be at the 500 level or above. Three credits of math, biomathematics or statistics at the 400-level (or greater) are required. At least 60% of the courses on the Plan of Work must be BAE courses. |
| Maximum hours transferred from NDS status at NCSU or from another institution | 12 |
Ph.D. in Biological and Agricultural Engineering
| About the Doctoral Program | The Doctor of Philosophy degree in Biological and Agricultural Engineering is pursued by outstanding students with an intense interest in independent study and research.It consists of advanced coursework, a written and oral comprehensive preliminary examination, extended and in-depth research, a written dissertation, and a final oral defense of the research. See NC State Libraries’ repository of BAE Dissertations. |
| Concentrations | Engineering – Admission to this concentration requires an engineering degree in biological engineering, agricultural engineering, or a related engineering discipline with a solid foundation in the engineering sciences. Systems Analysis – Admission to this concentration does not require an engineering background. Students who will be attracted to this concentration will have a strong background in science and mathematics, a methodical approach to problems, and an innate desire to understand how things fit together. Selection of the Biological and Agricultural Systems Analysis Concentration at the PhD level will be appropriate for students with a BS and/or MS degree in a STEM field that complements the expertise of the research faculty in this concentration such as microbiology, data science, computer science, climate science, or engineering technology. Students’ background would also include least one semester of calculus and at least one semester of statistics. |
| Areas of Specialization | Bioprocess Engineering Controlled Environments for Agriculture Data Analytics and Integrated Modeling Ecological Engineering Environmental Engineering Precision Agriculture and Machine Systems Sustainable Waste Management |
| Minimum GPA to Graduate | 3.0 |
| Total Hours to Graduate | 72 (54 for students with a previous master’s degree): Our research programs are diverse so selection of courses is decided by the student and committee to support the research project and interests/goals of the student.A minor is required. The minor should complement the major coursework and must conform to the rules of the program offering the minor. |
| Residency Requirement | 1 year |
What else adds value to our degrees?
- The Graduate School at NC State offers professional development opportunities.
- Participate in the Biological and Agricultural Engineering (BAE-GSA) or other student organizations where graduate students are actively involved.
- Take advantage of the College of Engineering’s Career Fair for exploring job possibilities and finding your future employer.
- Office of International Services (OIS) programs are designed to foster cross-cultural exchange within the campus and Triangle communities. International and American students, scholars, family members, NC State faculty and staff, and community members participate and benefit from these programs.
- Participate in the Graduate Research Symposium to showcase your research to others, including professionals from other institutions, companies, and agencies in the area.