Top 10 Agricultural Engineering Programs

The field of agricultural engineering plays a vital role in ensuring food security, sustainable farming practices, and environmental stewardship. As the global population continues to grow, the demand for agricultural engineers who can develop innovative solutions for food production, water conservation, and resource management becomes more critical. According to the US News & World Report's 2009 rankings of America's Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs for Agricultural Engineering (at schools whose highest degree is a doctorate), several universities are recognized as leaders in this field. These institutions offer exceptional programs that blend agricultural sciences with engineering principles to equip students with the skills needed to tackle the challenges facing modern agriculture.

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) stands at the top of the list as the leading institution for agricultural engineering. UIUC has long been recognized for its comprehensive engineering programs, and its agricultural engineering department is no exception. The university's College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences (ACES) offers an interdisciplinary curriculum that allows students to explore both the technical aspects of agricultural engineering and the broader issues related to food systems, sustainability, and environmental impact. UIUC’s program focuses on areas such as bioengineering, water resources, energy management, and environmental sustainability, providing students with a strong foundation to address global challenges. The university’s extensive research facilities, including the Agricultural Engineering Sciences Building and the Water Resources Engineering Research Laboratory, support cutting-edge research in agricultural technologies, and students have opportunities to collaborate with industry partners on innovative projects. Additionally, UIUC’s strategic location in the Midwest, a hub of agriculture in the United States, further enhances students’ exposure to real-world agricultural engineering problems and solutions.

Following closely in second place is Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is one of the most prestigious in the world, and its agricultural engineering program benefits from the university’s strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research. Cornell’s Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering is highly regarded for its work in areas such as precision agriculture, environmental sustainability, and agricultural waste management. The university's close ties to the agricultural industry, along with its strong commitment to addressing global food security challenges, make it an ideal place for students interested in agricultural engineering. Cornell offers students the opportunity to engage in research projects that focus on enhancing crop yields, improving water management techniques, and developing energy-efficient farming systems. With state-of-the-art facilities, including the Cornell Agricultural Experiment Station, students can gain hands-on experience with emerging technologies in agricultural systems. Additionally, Cornell’s global outreach programs and connections to international agricultural organizations allow students to gain a broader perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing agriculture worldwide.

In third place, Texas A&M University in College Station offers a robust agricultural engineering program that combines engineering principles with a focus on solving real-world problems in agriculture. The university’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and its Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering emphasize research and innovation in areas such as water management, soil science, and agricultural automation. Texas A&M is well-known for its commitment to sustainable agricultural practices and has made significant contributions to the development of technologies that help farmers optimize production while minimizing environmental impact. The university’s extensive research centers, such as the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, provide students with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research projects. Texas A&M also boasts a strong industry network, giving students access to internships and job opportunities with leading agricultural companies and organizations. The university’s location in the heart of the agricultural industry in Texas further enhances its reputation as a leader in agricultural engineering education.

Iowa State University, ranked fourth, is another top-tier institution for agricultural engineering. Known for its strong focus on agricultural research and education, Iowa State’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences provides students with a solid foundation in both engineering and agricultural sciences. The university offers a comprehensive program in biological systems engineering, which covers areas such as environmental control systems, agricultural machinery design, and renewable energy systems. Iowa State’s Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering is a leader in research related to precision agriculture, soil conservation, and sustainable farming technologies. Students have access to cutting-edge facilities, such as the Iowa State University Agricultural Engineering Building, which houses laboratories dedicated to research in agricultural production systems, automation, and biofuels. Iowa State’s collaboration with local farmers, industries, and governmental agencies ensures that students are exposed to practical, real-world agricultural challenges and solutions.

In a tie for fifth place are Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, and the University of California, Davis in Davis, California. Both institutions offer exceptional programs in agricultural engineering and are known for their strong emphasis on sustainability, innovation, and agricultural technologies.

Purdue’s College of Agricultural and Biological Engineering is highly regarded for its interdisciplinary approach to agricultural engineering. The university’s program combines engineering principles with a deep understanding of biological systems and agricultural processes. Purdue is recognized for its research in areas such as crop and soil management, bioenergy, and food safety, and students have access to state-of-the-art labs and research centers. The university’s strong ties to the agricultural industry and its location in the heart of Indiana’s farming community provide students with ample opportunities for internships, research collaborations, and job placements. Purdue’s commitment to sustainability and innovation ensures that its graduates are well-equipped to tackle the challenges of modern agriculture.

UC Davis, located in one of the largest agricultural regions in the United States, also offers a highly respected agricultural engineering program. UC Davis’ College of Engineering, in collaboration with the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, provides a program that focuses on both the engineering and biological aspects of agriculture. The university is renowned for its research in areas such as water conservation, precision agriculture, and sustainable food systems. UC Davis is home to the UC Davis Agricultural Engineering Program, which is one of the oldest and most established programs of its kind in the U.S. The university’s extensive research facilities, including the Agricultural Sustainability Institute and the UC Davis Energy Efficiency Center, allow students to work on cutting-edge research projects that aim to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability. UC Davis’s strong ties to the agricultural industry and its location in California, a leader in agricultural production, provide students with unique opportunities to engage in hands-on research and fieldwork.

The University of Florida, ranked seventh, offers a comprehensive agricultural engineering program through its College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. The university’s Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering is known for its research in areas such as water management, irrigation systems, and environmental control. UF’s strong emphasis on sustainable agricultural practices ensures that students are well-prepared to address the challenges of feeding a growing global population while minimizing environmental impact. The university’s proximity to Florida’s diverse agricultural industry provides students with access to real-world challenges and research opportunities in areas such as crop management, animal agriculture, and bioenergy.

Ohio State University, ranked eighth, and Pennsylvania State University, also ranked eighth, both offer strong agricultural engineering programs with a focus on sustainability, innovation, and agricultural productivity. Ohio State’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences provides a program that blends engineering with biological sciences to address critical issues in modern agriculture. The university’s research focuses on areas such as agricultural machinery design, environmental systems, and renewable energy sources. Similarly, Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences offers an agricultural engineering program that emphasizes precision agriculture, environmental sustainability, and bioenergy systems. Both universities are known for their strong industry connections and research facilities, providing students with valuable opportunities for internships, hands-on experience, and future employment.

Finally, the North Carolina State University in Raleigh, ranked tenth, is another top institution for agricultural engineering. NC State’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences offers a robust program that focuses on sustainable agriculture, bioengineering, and environmental management. The university’s Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering is a leader in research related to food production systems, water quality, and renewable energy. Students at NC State have access to cutting-edge labs and research centers, including the Center for Environmental Farming Systems and the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Center.

In conclusion, the US News & World Report’s 2009 rankings of America’s Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs in Agricultural Engineering highlight a number of top institutions that provide students with exceptional educational opportunities in the field. These universities—UIUC, Cornell, Texas A&M, Iowa State, Purdue, UC Davis, UF, Ohio State, Penn State, and NC State—offer rigorous academic programs and are at the forefront of research and innovation in agricultural engineering. With their strong emphasis on sustainability, technological innovation, and real-world problem-solving, these schools are preparing the next generation of agricultural engineers to tackle the global challenges of feeding the world’s growing population and ensuring a sustainable agricultural future.

America's Best Undergraduate Engineering Program 2009: Agricultural
(At schools whose highest degree is a doctorate)
League Table 2009:
1 University of Illinois--Urbana-Champaign
2 Cornell University Ithaca
3 Texas A&M University--College Station
4 Iowa State University
5 Purdue Univ--West Lafayette
5 U of California--Davis Davis
7 U of Florida Gainesville
8 Ohio State Univ--Columbus
8 Pennsylvania State University--Univ Park
10 North Carolina State Univ--Raleigh
Source: US News & World Report