Education Required to Become an Agricultural Engineer
Agricultural engineers must have at least a bachelor's degree in agricultural engineering, but many employers prefer applicants with a master's degree.
A bachelor's degree typically takes four years to complete, while a master's degree usually takes two years.
Most programs in agricultural engineering include course topics such as engineering principles, soil and water conservation, soil mechanics, hydrology, power and machinery, agricultural structures, and bioprocess engineering.
In addition to classroom instruction, students may participate in hands-on laboratory and field experiences such as lab tests, soil sampling, and equipment maintenance.
Graduates of an agricultural engineering program may be eligible to take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, which is required to become a professional engineer. After completing the FE exam and a certain amount of work experience, engineers can take the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam to be certified as a professional engineer.
Agricultural engineers must also stay up-to-date on new technologies, trends, and regulations in the field. To stay current, some agricultural engineers pursue continuing education opportunities to stay abreast of new developments in the field.
Overall, earning a degree in agricultural engineering provides a strong foundation for a career in the field.
With the right educational background, agricultural engineers should be well-prepared to take advantage of the growth and opportunities in this field.