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Biosystems Engineering

WHAT IS BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING?

Biosystems Engineering is an integration of engineering with biological, environmental and agricultural sciences. Biosystems engineers develop the techniques and processes to work with living systems, including microbes, plants and animals. They provide engineering input to produce and process food, fiber, energy, and pharmaceuticals.

WHAT DOES A BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEER DO?

Biosystems Engineers work in a wide variety of industries. Some common tasks include: 

  • Creating solutions for systems used in distribution of goods and services and broader operations

  • Improving agricultural machinery design

  • Developing chemical products, sensors, and life-saving medical equipment

  • Creating environmental protection solutions to improve water quality and control air pollution

  • Designing and creating equipment and devices to detect and treat illnesses and conditions

  • Improving sustainability of production systems to decrease environmental hazards and preserve natural resources

  • Developing systems that convert biological waste into energy

  • Designing manufacturing processes to improve safe and sanitary food production

CONCENTRATIONS

Although not required, MSU Biosystems Engineering majors can add a concentration to align with a specific academic or career interest. Concentrations include:

Bioenergy & Bioproduct Engineering Biomedical Engineering

 Ecosystems Engineering

Food Engineering

CAREER DATA

Below you will find data collected from graduates for the period 2021 – 2023. The data provides a sampling of industries, companies, and jobs that Biosystems Engineering graduates pursue. However, this data set is not the only story. Biosystems Engineering graduates work within a variety of industries and jobs. This information is meant to encourage your exploration. It’s your journey and we’re here to help. Connect with a career coach to discuss options and possibilities.  ​

Common Industries

 

  • Food & Beverage

  • Information Tech/Health Informatics

  • Biotech & Life Sciences

  • Manufacturing

  • Medical Devices

  • Utilities & Renewable Energy

 

 

Top Employer Representation (Companies hiring 2 or more graduates during the period 2021 – 2023)

 

  • Epic Systems     

  • Stryker

  • Cargill

  • Archer Daniels Midland

  • Gallo

  • General Mills

  • Pfizer

  • Point Blue Conservation Science

 

 

Common Entry-Level Job Titles (Sample job titles from graduates during the period 2021 – 2023)

 

  • Technical Solutions Engineer

  • Project Engineer

  • Quality Assurance Engineer

  • Design Engineer

  • Water Resources Engineer

  • Process Engineer

  • Analyst

  • Agricultural Engineer

KEY STATISTICS

Learn about the specific data associated with Biosystems Engineering graduates so that you can better understand the average compensation and placement rates within the major. (Represents 2023 data.)

92.6%
Placement Rate
(Employment/Education)

$68,768
Average Starting
Salary

$20.56/hr
Intern Average
Hourly Wage 

RELATED STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

  • Biosystems Engineering Club

  • Engineers Without Borders

  • Environmental Engineering Student Society

​

Full list of MSU Engineering Student Organizations

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