Shape the Future of Agriculture, Food, and the Environment

At North Dakota State University, the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering is where innovation meets impact. We prepare students to lead in a rapidly evolving world—where technology, sustainability, and biology converge to solve some of today’s most pressing challenges.

As a student in our program, you'll gain hands-on experience and a strong engineering foundation that opens doors to dynamic careers in agriculture, food systems, environmental stewardship, and beyond. Whether you're passionate about sustainable farming, precision ag technology, or protecting natural resources, our department offers the tools, mentorship, and real-world learning experiences to help you thrive.

Our mission is to discover and apply cutting-edge knowledge through teaching, research, and outreach. From developing more efficient agricultural systems to enhancing food processing technologies and advancing environmental resource management, our work has real-world impact—and you can be a part of it.

You’ll also benefit from our active research programs and statewide Extension outreach, which connect students directly with the communities we serve. Whether you want to work in the field, in the lab, or in policy and planning, you’ll graduate ready to make a difference.

faculty member flies a drone over a field

Our Programs

Engineering Solutions for a Sustainable World

The Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (ABEN) program at North Dakota State University prepares students to tackle real-world challenges at the intersection of engineering, biology, and sustainability. Our graduates apply their knowledge to design innovative solutions that support food production, environmental protection, and energy efficiency—ultimately helping meet the essential needs of life.

In ABEN, you'll gain a solid foundation in math, science, and engineering while developing specialized expertise in biological systems. Our program equips you to solve complex problems related to:

  • Producing and processing food, feed, fiber, and fuel
  • Protecting soil, water, and air quality
  • Designing machines, sensors, and systems for agriculture and the environment

Students solve real-world problems

Agricultural and biosystems engineers are uniquely qualified to use their knowledge of mathematics, biological and physical sciences, and engineering principles to solve problems relating to the production, handling, and processing of biological materials for food, feed, fiber, and fuel; the preservation of natural resources and environment quality; and the design and production of machine systems.

Wide range of careers

  • Design Engineer
  • Test Engineer
  • Project or Plant Engineer
  • Quality Control or Process Engineer
  • Environmental Consultant
  • Energy Advisor

Career Ready Graduates

With near 100% job placement over the past several years, our program offers strong career prospects for students from all backgrounds who want to make a meaningful impact in agriculture, the environment, and beyond.

Powering the Future of Smart, Sustainable Agriculture

The Agricultural Technology program at North Dakota State University prepares students to lead in the fast-changing world of modern agriculture. By blending science, technology, and business, this program equips students with the technical expertise and problem-solving skills needed to manage advanced agricultural systems and technologies.

Students gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge tools and practices, including:

  • Unmanned aerial systems (drones)
  • Remote sensing and GPS technologies
  • Artificial intelligence and machine learning
  • Robotic systems and precision machinery
  • Cloud computing and big data analytics
  • Site-specific crop and resource management
student working on a piece of machinery

Career Ready Graduates

You’ll also learn the fundamentals of agribusiness—marketing, sales, operations, and distribution—ensuring you graduate ready to support producers, ag retailers, and technology providers in making data-driven decisions that improve efficiency and sustainability.

Program Options

Precision Agriculture (PAG): Focused on using and managing technologies that drive data-based decision-making in crop and livestock production.

Agricultural Technology Management (ATM): Emphasizes leadership, operations, and the application of agricultural systems and equipment in real-world settings.

Opportunities for All Backgrounds

Whether you come from a rural or urban setting, the Agricultural Technology program offers the flexibility to pursue your unique career path in one of agriculture’s most innovative and high-impact fields.

Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering

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