Overview of Agricultural Engineering

Agricultural engineering is a multidimensional field of engineering that focuses on the application of engineering principles to solve problems related to agriculture, agricultural production, and environmental stewardship. Agricultural engineers combine engineering principles, technology, and scientific principles to increase the efficiency of agricultural operations, study and develop new and more efficient ways of utilizing natural resources, and improve the sustainability of agricultural production systems.

Career Opportunities Associated with Agricultural Engineering

Agricultural engineers work in a variety of industries, from farming to technology, providing expert advice and design solutions for various agricultural production issues. Common career paths for agricultural engineers include crop producers, farm and ranch consultants, soil and water resource specialists, and agricultural engineering professionals in the private and public sector. In addition, agricultural engineers consult in the food processing industry, engineering design firms, and universities.

Internship or Co-op Opportunities Related to Agricultural Engineering

Many colleges and universities offer internship or co-op programs related to agricultural engineering. Participants in these programs can gain practical experience in crop production; soil and water conservation; machine design; and environmental, soil, and water engineering. They can also get exposure to current research topics, and gain an understanding of field operations for the industry through hands-on training. Additionally, internships provide a great chance to develop key skills, such as communication, problem-solving, and project management.

Specialized Tracks or Concentrations within Agricultural Engineering

Agricultural engineering programs may specialize in crops, plant genetics, soil conservation, genetic engineering, robotics, or precision agriculture. Program coursework may include biochemistry, ecology, mathematics, physics, plant physiology, soil science, statistics, and other related topics. Students may also take courses specific to their concentration, such as agricultural economics, hydrology, data processing, and agricultural machinery systems.

How Agricultural Engineering Prepares Students for Graduate School or Further Education

Agricultural engineering students gain invaluable knowledge from their undergraduate coursework that can be applied to graduate studies. Additionally, developing a strong knowledge base in engineering fundamentals and the science of agriculture can help students become successful in the profession. Furthermore, internships and other career-related experiences provide invaluable insight into the field.

Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Agricultural Engineering

The combination of artificial intelligence with agricultural engineering holds tremendous potential to increase crop yields, improve sustainability, and reduce resource usage. Artificial intelligence technologies used in agriculture includes machine learning, predictive analytics, drone-based sensing, space-based remote sensing, and biological computing. These technologies enable farmers and researchers to gather more accurate information about current and future conditions, and make more informed decisions in order to improve agricultural operations and increase efficiency.

The Career Outlook for Agricultural Engineering

The career outlook for agricultural engineers is expected to remain strong in the coming years due to the increasing demand for improved agricultural productivity and more efficient use of natural resources. Additionally, the emergence of new technology in the field is creating new job opportunities for experienced professionals. Agricultural engineers also are in high demand in the food processing industry and in governmental agencies responsible for environmental protection and resource management.

Here are the top reported starting salaries for graduates in Agricultural Engineering:

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, Salary: $67,924

Purdue University-Main Campus, Salary: $63,560

Iowa State University, Salary: $63,141

University of Wisconsin-Madison, Salary: $61,703

South Dakota State University, Salary: $61,007

University of Maryland-College Park, Salary: $60,946

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus, Salary: $60,836

The Pennsylvania State University, Salary: $60,836

Texas A & M University-College Station, Salary: $60,523

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Salary: $60,131

For privacy reasons, not all schools report the first year salaries for students who earned their bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering.