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The Biological Systems Engineering Graduate Program focuses on strengthening teaching and research capabilities in biological systems engineering while preparing the next wave of experts to tackle issues related to sustainable biological material production, management, and utilization. Participants develop specialized expertise in applying engineering principles to optimize the production, distribution, and processing of biological goods—including food, animal feed, and textiles—while protecting natural resources, maintaining environmental integrity, and safeguarding public health. UC Davis's College of Engineering provides exceptional opportunities through this graduate program, helping students reach their highest potential. Our primary goals include advancing biological systems engineering education and research, as well as equipping future professionals to handle sustainability challenges in biological resource utilization.
The Ph.D. program in Biological and Agricultural Engineering prioritizes the scientific and investigative aspects of engineering. Graduates will acquire the skills to contribute to expanding fundamental knowledge in biological systems engineering. Students beginning with a bachelor's degree typically complete the program in 5 years, while those entering with a master's degree usually finish in 4 years. Alongside coursework, the program concludes with comprehensive written and oral exams, as well as a dissertation.
Highly qualified students with or without a BS or MS degree in engineering may apply. However, students with a non-engineering BS degree need to meet additional prerequisites for admission and should make up deficiencies in engineering core and upper division courses. Applicants will have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or a graduate GPA of 3.25. Under some exceptional circumstances, students who only hold an undergraduate degree with a GPA below 3.0 may be conditionally admitted with a coursework only option for the purposes of demonstrating the ability to maintain a qualifying GPA at the graduate level prior to full admission.
TOEFL iBT - Minimum Score: 80
IELTS - Minimum Score: 7.0 on a 9-point scale
Duolingo English Test - Minimum Score: 115
Admission Deadlines
Priority: Jan 15
General: Apr 1
Space Available: Jun 1