College: College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
Designation: Department
Major: Biological Systems Engineering
Degrees Offered: M.S., Ph.D.
Other: Ph.D. Minor
Faculty: Professors Walsh (chair), Bohnhoff, Etzel, Gunasekaran, Hanna, Hartel, Holmes, Kammel, Kung, Muck, O'Leary, Reinemann, Rowell, Schuler, Shinners, Straub; Associate Professor Denes; Assistant Professors Connelly, Karthikeyan, Thompson
Graduate work in the Department of Biological Systems Engineering leads to the master of science and doctor of philosophy degrees. Graduates of the program help fill the need for highly educated engineers in industry, consulting, government agencies, and educational institutions.
Students who undertake graduate studies in biological systems engineering normally have as their goal a better understanding of the current theories, principles, issues, and problems in biological and agricultural systems. They desire a better understanding of how knowledge is generated, how to critically evaluate data, and how research contributes to the solution of problems. Graduate studies improve the student's ability to think critically and creatively, and to synthesize, analyze, and integrate ideas for decision making and problem solving.
The department offers students an opportunity to undertake research and advanced study in specialization areas such as biological and agricultural systems, environmental quality and natural resource engineering, waste management, food process engineering, machinery systems, physical properties of biological materials, and agricultural safety and health.
Financial assistance in the form of research assistantships, project assistantships, and fellowships is available on a highly competitive basis.
The department requires a strong engineering background for admission to its graduate program. Most applicants have a bachelor of science degree from an ABET/EAC-accredited engineering program or an engineering undergraduate degree from an international institution. Applicants who do not have a bachelor of science degree from an ABET/EAC-accredited engineering program may be eligible for admission into the biological systems engineering graduate program upon completion of supplemental work. Contact the department for details concerning additional requirements. Applications are judged on the basis of previous academic record, letters of reference, and the educational objectives as provided by the applicant.
For more information: Chair, Department of Biological Systems Engineering, 460 Henry Mall, Madison, WI 53706; 608/262-3310; fax 608/262-1228; bse@facstaff.wisc.edu; bse.wisc.edu.