Career Outlook and Opportunities
Biological and Agricultural
Engineering is the branch of science that provides the engineering expertise
to meet the needs of the agricultural industry. Biological and Agricultural
Engineers receive a unique education since they are trained to apply engineering
principles to biological materials and thus make it possible to produce
and process food and fiber. An engineer might work on the design
and construction of a mechanical tomato harvester, a waste treatment system
for a dairy farm, a method that would allow a processing plant to use less
energy, or microcomputer-based controls for an irrigation system.
Biological and Agricultural Engineers have helped to develop and implement
many of the conservation programs used in the U.S. and in other parts of
the world. Virtually all engineering disciplines are currently experiencing
shortages, and agricultural engineering is no exception. It is anticipated
that the demand will exceed the supply for many years to come. Electric
utility companies, machinery manufacturers, government agencies, processing
companies, and others will need more ag engineers than will be available.
This will mean a high number of job opportunities for those who have chosen
the profession with a future, BIOLOGICAL AND AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING.
Representative Employers
Soil Conservation Service, Agricultural
Research Service, Environmental Protection Agency, Extension Service, universities
and colleges, electric companies, machinery manufacturers, processing companies,
irrigation equipment manufacturers, computer companies, and others.
Educational Program
The Biological and Agricultural
Engineering Program is a four-year degree program. The first two
years may be taken at Abraham Baldwin and then the student can transfer
to a senior university or college to complete the degree. The two-year
program at Abraham Baldwin is recognized as providing a firm foundation
on which the final two years can build. Many of today's leaders in
biological and agricultural engineering began at Abraham Baldwin
and continued their education elsewhere.
The program at Abraham Baldwin today is stronger than ever with instruction using the latest in computer technology, comparable to that at a major university. In addition, class sizes at Abraham Baldwin are smaller and, therefore, instructors can give more attention to the individual student and help each one reach his or her full potential.
Course of Study
While at Abraham Baldwin, the
biological and agricultural engineering student will take courses
in calculus, physics, chemistry, biology, and in the humanities area.
In addition to these, there are also courses in the major, such as engineering
graphics (CAD), surveying, and manufacturing processes, plus the student
who attends Abraham Baldwin can also take the required agricultural courses.
This background allows the student to be a full-fledged junior upon transferring
and not be hindered by a lack of prerequisite.
Basic Studies Requirements
Humanities (English): four courses
Science and Mathematics: four
courses
Social Science: four courses
Physical Education courses
Major Area
Biology: one course
Mathematics: two courses
Agricultural Engineering, Agronomy,
Biology, or Physics: two courses
A detailed listing of the courses required for these majors can be found in the ABAC catalog.