University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign – The Grainger College of Engineering

Master of Science in Agricultural and Biological Engineering

M.S. with Thesis

The thesis option is a research-oriented program of study that spans approximately two years and involves a minimum of 24 credit hours of coursework and 8 credit hours of thesis research. Students interested in pursuing a Ph.D. are encouraged to choose the thesis option.

M.S. Non-Thesis

The non-thesis option requires 36 credit hours of coursework and documentation of a significant research experience with a significant writing experience.

Areas of Study

Regardless of the option chosen. students choose to pursue one of our specialized areas of study:

• Agricultural and industrial safety and health
• Bioenvironmental engineering
• Bioprocess engineering and industrial biotechnology
• Digital and precision agriculture
• Off-highway vehicle and equipment engineering
• Renewable energy systems
• Soil and water resources engineering
• Synthetic biological engineering

#8 Agricultural Engineering Graduate Program

#7 Overall Engineering Graduate Program

(U.S. News & World Report, 2025)

Student learning outcomes are based on educational outcomes suggested by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) and the objectives of the program:

1. An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering;
2. An ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data;
3. An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability;
4. An ability to function in multidisciplinary teams;
5. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems;
6. An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility;
7. An ability to communicate effectively;
8. The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context;
9. A recognition of the need for and an ability to engage in life-long learning;
10. A knowledge of contemporary issues;
11. An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice;
12. Conduct independent research with expertise in research design, methods, and analysis;
13. Function effectively in leadership roles in their professional careers and activities in professional societies.

Student learning outcomes are based on educational outcomes suggested by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) and the objectives of the program:

• An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering;
• An ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data;
• An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability;
• An ability to function in multidisciplinary teams;
• An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems;
• An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility;
• An ability to communicate effectively;
• The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context;
• A recognition of the need for and an ability to engage in life-long learning;
• A knowledge of contemporary issues;
• An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice;
• Conduct independent research with expertise in research design, methods, and analysis;
• Function effectively in leadership roles in their professional careers and activities in professional societies.