MSc in Biosystems Engineering-Water Resources in Tucson United States | University of Arizona

The department was founded in 1891. In 2018, it underwent a rebranding, adopting the name Biosystems Engineering for both the department and its graduate programs. Mirroring other Land Grant institutions, this department operates under the joint oversight of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the College of Engineering. Biosystems engineers apply principles of engineering, mathematics, and life sciences to create solutions for soil and water management, food production, biological product development, and big data analysis. Their work spans energy efficiency, material utilization, biochemical applications, and waste recycling. By integrating technical expertise, computational methods, and control systems, they advance agricultural and biological understanding—knowledge that could one day enable extraterrestrial life support systems. Students can focus on water resource engineering or biological engineering.
The Biosystems Engineering Master of Science program provides diverse research opportunities in areas such as Controlled Environment Agriculture, Water Resources, Biometry and Biosystems Informatics, as well as Food, Bioproducts, and Renewable Energy. The curriculum's adaptability lets students tailor their studies with faculty guidance to meet individual career goals.
Our aspiration: BE aims to achieve global recognition for pioneering technologies and systems that ensure sustainable food security, bioenergy production, bioproduct development, and biological data utilization in arid regions. We envision attracting students, partners, and professionals worldwide to engage with our initiatives.
Arizona's future prosperity hinges significantly on water availability and quality, affecting agriculture, industry, and urban development. Key challenges include climate change (projecting hotter, drier conditions), urban expansion, and agricultural growth (like Yuma's leafy greens and biofuel crops). There's potential to support underserved communities—Native American and Hispanic agricultural operators, urban property owners, and small-scale landscaping/horticultural businesses—with specialized engineering solutions.