Biosystems Engineering

Biosystems Engineering

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Bachelor of Science in Biosystems Engineering

Certificates / Endorsements

Computational Biology

Top 5 Reasons to Study

01

MSU's BSE program exposes you to concepts from multiple engineering and agriculture/natural-resources fields, preparing you for a career solving a broad array of agricultural and natural-resources problems requiring engineering expertise.

02

BSE’s two emphasis areas, Autonomous Agricultural Systems (AAS) and Natural Resources and Ecology (NRE), provide you exciting opportunities to specialize in expanding fields as you complete your degree.

03

Develop the capability to create machine components and monitoring devices by building design skills, expertise in computer-aided design software like SolidWorks, and knowledge of additive and subtractive manufacturing.

04

Gain hands-on skills by engaging in cutting-edge research as an undergraduate student.

05

Study abroad and experience other cultures, histories, and geographies while taking courses for degree credit.

Core
Skills

  • Engineering design
  • Understanding of agriculture or natural resources and ecology
  • Broad problem solving
  • Computer programming

Sample
Jobs

  • Environmental Engineer
  • Research Engineer
  • Renewable Energy Engineer
  • Sustainability Engineer

Successful Career Outcomes

95% of Biosystems Engineering students report successful career outcomes within six months of degree completion.

Top
Employment
Industries

  • Agricultural Machinery (Design, Manufacturing, Standards, Quality Assurance, Sales)
  • Regulatory Agencies (USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, Mississippi Department of Transportation, Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality)
  • Environmental Consulting Firms (Land Development and Permitting, Natural-Resources Infrastructure)

Experiential Learning Opportunities

Co-ops and Internships

Co-ops and internships allow you to alternate semesters of paid, full-time work with academic study, giving you extended, hands-on experience before you graduate. You’ll apply what you learn in the classroom to real engineering projects, build professional skills, and often graduate with a stronger resume, industry connections, and a clearer sense of your career goals.

Spotlight

Thrive in Five

Academically talented juniors may apply for the Thrive in Five program, which allows you, as an undergraduate, to take classes at the graduate level for dual credit in both your undergraduate program and for graduate credit. A maximum of nine credit hours may be applied. 

Biosystems Engineering

2025-2026 Major Map

Bachelor of Science in Biosystems Engineering

Get the Courses You Need

1st Year

Building Your Foundation

You’ll develop core engineering skills through mathematics, chemistry, and physics while beginning biosystems engineering coursework focused on programming, design, and manufacturing.

2nd Year

Expanding Your Knowledge

You’ll complete physics, advanced calculus, statics, and dynamics while taking ABE 4803: Simulation In Biological Systems, learning how engineers model biological and environmental systems.

3rd Year

Craft Your Expertise

You’ll take advanced biosystems engineering courses, such as ABE 3813: Biophysical Properties of Materials and ABE 3303: Transport Phenomena in Biological Systems, along with electives in sensing, water resources, and geospatial computing. Labs and design work help you apply these concepts to real problems.

4th Year

Knowledge Meets Experience

You’ll complete a senior capstone project focused on a real-world biosystems engineering challenge, supported by advanced labs and electives that prepare you for industry or graduate study.

Hands-On Learning

1st Year

The Journey Begins

This is your introduction to hands-on engineering. You’ll start exploring design through introductory courses and may choose to join organizations like the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) to connect with other students who enjoy building and problem-solving.

2nd Year

Additional Experience

As your confidence grows, this is a great time to look into internships with industry or government partners and begin exploring undergraduate research opportunities that match your interests.

3rd Year

Lead

By your third year, you may be ready to take on leadership roles, deepen your research experience, or help guide younger students as they start their own engineering journey.

4th Year

Master and Launch

Your final year brings everything together. You’ll complete your capstone design sequence and graduate with real project experience and results you can confidently share with employers or graduate programs.

Connect with Community

1st Year

Get Involved

Start building connections by attending guest speaker events, participating in outreach activities, and getting involved in the Bulldog community on campus.

2nd Year

Step Into Leadership

As you settle in, you may take on leadership roles in organizations like ASABE and help lead outreach efforts that connect engineering to the broader community.

3rd Year

Mentor and Inspire

This is a great year to attend conferences, meet recruiters, and support newer students as they find their place in the program.

4th Year

Professional Pathways

In your final year, you can expand your involvement in regional and national organizations while continuing to build a professional network that will support you after graduation.

Explore the World

1st Year

Discover

Begin exploring study abroad options and learn more about the global engineering leadership minor to see how international experiences could fit into your degree.

2nd Year

Plan and Explore

Attend the Study Abroad Fair and start investigating global programs that align with your academic and personal interests.

3rd Year

Experience and Lead

If the timing is right, you may pursue an international experience or attend national conferences to gain a broader perspective on the field.

4th Year

Showcase and Expand

As you wrap up, you can complete minor requirements and connect with biosystems engineers around the world, highlighting your global experiences along the way.

Launch Your Career

1st Year

Chart Your Course

Your career planning starts early. You can explore options through Career Expos and Career Center workshops while beginning to build a resume that reflects your growing interests.

2nd Year

Gain Real Experience

This is a natural time to pursue internships or co-ops and continue strengthening your interview and professional communication skills.

3rd Year

Target Your Path

With clearer goals in mind, you can align electives and research with your career interests and explore options like Thrive in Five, which accelerates progress toward a master’s degree, or graduate study.

4th Year

Make Your Move

In your final year, you’ll apply for jobs or graduate programs with support from the Career Center, ready to take the next step with confidence.

Learn More

Apply to MSUBagley College of EngineeringDepartment of Agricultural and Biological Engineering