(MBAE)
This department offers master’s study in biological and agricultural engineering, offered with both thesis and non-thesis options as well as the interdisciplinary PhD in Engineering Science through the College of Engineering. Students pursuing advanced degrees are expected to have completed a previous degree in an accredited biological and agricultural engineering program or similar program. Students who do not have a BS degree in engineering may pursue an MS in the College of Engineering’s interdepartmental program.
The thesis option requires 24 semester credit hours of approved coursework, plus six additional hours of thesis research credit, and successful defense of a research thesis. The non-thesis option requires a minimum of 36 semester hours of coursework including a three-credit hour project course. The project course incorporates a written report and oral presentation to the graduate advisory committee. Additional coursework may be necessary for students lacking the proper course prerequisites or as required by the graduate advisory committee and specified on an approved plan of study.
The interdisciplinary PhD in engineering science typically requires two to three years of work beyond the time required to complete the master’s degree. See PhD website for further information.
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 curricular requirements include:
- At least half of coursework hours at the 7000 level or above.
- At least half of coursework hours in Engineering.
- No more than two BE 7909 courses may normally apply unless such a course was offered as a formal classroom course; at least one advanced Math or Statistic course at 4000 or graduate level for three credit hours or more and one credit of BE 7500 are required.
The student must pass a final comprehensive oral exam. At the discretion of the student’s advisory committee, a written exam may be required.