Graduate
2
Degrees Available
M.S. & Ph.D.
$88,750
Median Salary
per year in 2023
1,600
Jobs
in 2023
What Do We Offer?
- An unrivaled collaborative environment. UK is one of only eight universities in the country with a major medical center featuring six health sciences colleges and the full spectrum of academic colleges on one contiguous campus.
- Opportunities to work side-by-side with internationally recognized faculty members who are conducting groundbreaking research.
- Preparation for a high-level career in academia or industry.
Our biosystems engineering graduate program is housed within the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.
Biosystems engineers are trained in biological, environmental, and engineering sciences and challenged to improve the sustainability of production systems, decrease or eliminate environmental hazards, and preserve natural resources. Biosystems engineers devise practical, efficient solutions for producing, storing, transporting, processing, and packaging biological and agricultural products. They solve problems related to systems, processes, and machines that interact with humans, plants, animals, microorganisms, and biological materials. They also develop solutions for responsible, alternative uses of biological products, byproducts and wastes and of our natural resources - soil, water, air, and energy.
- MASTER OF SCIENCE IN BIOSYSTEMS AND AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING
- DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
The Master of Science in Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering (MSBAE) degree provides students with a combination of experiences in basic research, design, development, and practical applications. The MSBAE program requires successful completion of 24 credit hours plus a thesis. It is expected that M.S. students beginning their graduate work with a B.S. in engineering will take 2 years to complete their degree
The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) is a research degree granted on the basis of broad knowledge of engineering applications in biology and medicine and an in-depth study in a specific area leading to a dissertation reflecting original and independent work by the candidate. The Ph.D. requires a minimum of 30 course hours (not residency credit) past the Master’s degree (note: the student’s advisory committee can require more credits), with the potential of waiving up to 6 hours with the concurrence of the a) student’s advisory committee, and b) the Director of Graduates Studies, and c) the Department Chair. It is expected that Ph.D. students beginning their graduate work with a M.S. in engineering will take 3 years to complete their degree. Courses for advanced study are determined in consultation with an advisory committee and are tailored to the student’s research direction and career plans.
Graduate Support and Opportunities
Graduate students who pursue a master's degree or doctorate in biosystems and agricultural engineering are eligible, depending on funding and course of study, for assistantships that may include tuition reimbursement and a stipend.
Contact Michael Sama, Director of Graduate Studies, or your current advisor to learn more.
The process for submitting a thesis or dissertation has undergone changes. Please review the University of Kentucky Thesis and Dissertation Submission Guide.
Graduate students who publish papers in peer-reviewed journal articles are eligible to receive a scholarship from the department. The scholarship provides $250 for the first submission and an additional $250 upon acceptance ($500 total). The scholarship also provides $250 upon publication for each additional paper. Talk to your current advisor or Michael Sama, Director of Graduate Studies, to learn more. Note: Only enrolled students will be able to access the link to apply.
Contact
Dr. Michael Sama
Director of Graduate Studies
Associate Professor
michael.sama@uky.edu
Prospective students who have a special area of research interest and can identify a faculty member with similar interests may wish to contact a BAE faculty member directly.
