(MBAE)
This department offers master’s study in biological and agricultural engineering, as well as the interdisciplinary PhD in engineering science through the College of Engineering. Students pursuing advanced degrees are expected to have completed a BS in an accredited biological and agricultural engineering program or other engineering discipline. Students who do not have a BS degree in engineering may pursue an MS in the College of Engineering’s interdepartmental program.
The master’s program requires 24 hours of approved graduate course work and six hours of thesis credit. Master’s degree programs usually require 18-24 months beyond the time required to complete the BS. The interdisciplinary PhD in engineering science typically requires two to three years of work beyond the time required to complete the master’s degree.
The departmental-level academic course plan for each student will be developed in consultation with and approved by the student’s graduate advisory committee. The committee will include the student’s major advisor and at least two additional members of the graduate faculty such that the LSU Graduate School’s requirements for graduate committees are satisfied.
The MBAE degree requires a thesis. Thirty hours of credit at the graduate level must be earned including a maximum of six hours of credit in thesis research. The curricular requirements include:
- At least 12 hours at the 7000 level or above.
- No more than two 7909 Special Topics courses may normally apply; at least one advanced Math course at 4000 or graduate level for three credit hours and one credit of BE 7500 are required.
The student must pass a final exam consisting of a thesis defense and a comprehensive oral exam. At the discretion of the student’s advisory committee, a written exam may be required.