Brookings Main Campus
Become an agricultural problem solver
Agricultural and biosystems engineers have a passion for using engineering skills to solve agricultural problem. Agricultural engineers design equipment and facilities that increase agricultural productivity while protecting the environment. Most employment opportunities are located regionally in production agriculture areas.
Agricultural engineers will continue to be in high demand for as long as there is a need for food production. Agricultural engineers work in a wide variety of settings. Projects include: designing tractors and other agriculture and off-highway equipment, planning climate control systems that increase the comfort and productivity of livestock, creating systems for animal waste disposal, integrating artificial intelligence and geospatial systems, improving efficiency in fertilizer application and automating harvesting systems. Many graduates balance their career while continuing help with farming operations.
Is it for you?
This program will be a good fit if you:
- Prefer hands-on learning experiences.
- Enjoy learning how things work and solving problems.
- Enjoy working in agriculture environment, including outdoors.
- Like the idea of inventing creative new solutions to real problems.
- Are looking for a personal connections with teachers.
Career Opportunities
- Designing the next generation of agriculture vehicles, which will include automation.
- Designing irrigation and drainage systems that protect and preserve surface and ground water quality.
- Designing innovative livestock facilities to improve animal comfort, air quality and efficiency and profitability for producers.
- Design and manage the processing facilities to turn commodities, like corn, soybeans and milk, into high value products such as plastics, fuel, specialty feeds and high quality foods.
Recent Employers
- Vermeer
- Raven Industries
- AGCO
- Natural Resource Conservation Services (NRCS)
- Scherer Inc.
- John Deere
- POET
- Terex Utilities
Internship Opportunities
- Bobcat
- Natural Resource Conservation Services (NRCS)
- Raven
- SD Water Resources Institute
- Sudenga Industries
Suggested Certificates
Suggested Minors
Suggested Accelerated Programs
Clubs and Organizations
- American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) Student Branch
- Quarter Scale Tractor Team
- ABE/AST/PRAG Student Club
- Joint Engineering Council
Undecided or still deciding on a major and future career?
If you are uncertain about your major and have questions about career planning, you are not alone. Choosing a major or career can be a very difficult decision. The exploratory studies program may be a good fit if you are unsure of your major and career focus. Entering the university in the exploratory studies program will help you gain confidence and valuable insights on majors and minors available at SDSU and future career choices.
In addition, FOCUS 2 Career, a self-guided assessment, education and career planning program, will help you reflect on your values, interests, personality traits and skills to provide valuable insight as you explore major and career choices. SDSU students may access FOCUS 2 Career by using their student email and password. After completing FOCUS 2 Career, you may find it helpful to discuss your results with a career coach in the Office of Career Development.