Joseph Dvorak, Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies
Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering
joe.dvorak@uky.eduBiosystems engineering integrates aspects of traditional engineering fields like mechanical, chemical and civil engineering with biological sciences, and focuses on agricultural and environmental applications. Biosystems engineers are challenged to improve the sustainability of production systems, decrease or eliminate environmental hazards and preserve natural resources. Biosystems engineers devise practical, efficient solutions for producing, storing, transporting, processing and packaging biological and agricultural products. They solve problems related to systems, processes and machines that interact with humans, plants, animals, microorganisms and biological materials. They also develop solutions for responsible, alternative uses of biological products, byproducts and wastes and of our natural resources—soil, water, air and energy.
The University of Kentucky is the only college in Kentucky that offers Biosystems Engineering as an undergraduate major. The Biosystems Engineering program includes more specialty areas than other similar departments across the country too. This flexibility in the curriculum allows for each student to customize their technical electives to their future career goals. Undergraduate certificates are also available in power and energy as well as distillation, wine and brewing studies.
“Biosystems engineering opens you up to so many possibilities. Now that I’ve found this passion, I feel prepared to go anywhere.”
2019 Biosystems Engineering Graduate
The Pigman College of Engineering offers multiple pathways to undergraduate admission -- both as an incoming freshman or transfer student.
Admission requirements for incoming freshmen can be accessed here.
Admission requirements for transfer students can be accessed here.
Engineering Standing
All incoming freshmen and transfer students admitted to the Pigman College of Engineering have their major listed as "Pre-Aerospace Engineering", "Pre-Biomedical Engineering", etc. on their admission letter and in our academic system, myUK. Engineering Standing will be achieved, and the pre- designation will be dropped from the major name, once the student achieves a minimum cumulative GPA and a minimum GPA in select courses. You may view the select courses in the University Bulletin.
The smartest, most talented engineers around the world are devoting themselves to tackling immense global challenges. As a student in the UK Pigman College of Engineering, you get to join them!
In 2008, the National Academy of Engineering identified 14 “Grand Challenges for Engineering in the 21st Century”—opportunities to greatly increase humanity’s sustainability, health, security and joy of living. Themes include making solar energy economical, enhancing virtual reality, reverse-engineering the brain, securing cyberspace, providing access to clean water and more.
These ambitious goals demand engineers roll up their sleeves and get to work, which is why we put them front and center during your first year as an engineering student. We have designed the First-Year Engineering (FYE) program to inspire you. We want you to discover your passion. We want you to explore where you might make your unique contribution. We want you to get your hands dirty and make stuff that might, one day, lead to a breakthrough.
Why wait until you’re taking upper-level classes to figure out what interests you? Through real engineering classes taught by top faculty and exposure to engineering’s greatest challenges, the FYE program gets you into the game from day one.
The following curriculum meets the requirements for a Bachelor of Science in Biosystems Engineering, provided the student satisfies the graduation requirements of the Pigman College of Engineering.
2023-24 Curriculum Previous CurriculaIn addition to scholarships from the Office of Admission, undergraduate students who enroll in biosystems engineering are eligible for scholarships from both the Pigman College of Engineering (COE) and the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (CAFE).
Thanks to special agreements through the Academic Common Market, residents from the following states may enroll in the University of Kentucky Biosystems Engineering program and qualify for in-state tuition rates:
These agreements are subject to change without notice. For the most up-to-date information on the Academic Common Market, click here.
The BAE Student Branch is the main student organization for Biosystems Engineering students, a student chapter of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers. The BAE Student Branch is an educational and scientific organization dedicated to the advancement of engineering applicable to agricultural, food, and biological systems. Activities include monthly meetings with speakers, professional development, and social activities.
The Wildcat Pulling Team provides a 360° engineering experience. The team is responsible for the designing, manufacturing and testing a quarter scale tractor. Each year the team travels to Peoria, Illinois for a week-long ASABE-sponsored competition, during which a panel of industry experts evaluate design and performance. UK’s team won the 2012, 2014 and 2015 national championships and has consistently placed in the top seven every year since 2002. The Wildcat Pulling Team welcomes students from any major to participate.
Alpha Epsilon is an honor society for outstanding agricultural, biological and food engineers. The objectives of the honor society are to promote the high ideals of the engineering profession, to give recognition to those who manifest worthy qualities of character, scholarship and professional attainment and to encourage and support the profession.
The biosystems engineering program offers numerous opportunities to obtain hands-on experience through summer internships and co-operative education programs with companies throughout the U.S. These experiences often lead to full-time engineering professional positions upon graduation. For those interested in research, the program offers numerous undergraduate research opportunities in each of the specialized areas of biosystems engineering.
The Engineering Career and Co-op Center is a valuable resource for assisting you with developing job and co-op search skills; participating in education-abroad programs and participating in research endeavors and career network development so you can secure a rewarding career in your chosen field of study.
Depending on their interests while at UK, Biosystems Engineering graduates will be prepared to pursue careers in the following industries: natural resource conservation, environmental quality enhancement, machine systems engineering, food and bioprocess engineering, controlled environment systems. Considering the emphasis on biological sciences, graduates can also be prepared for graduate work in biomedical engineering or professional degrees in medicine and veterinary medicine.
Agricultural engineers solve problems concerning power supplies, machine efficiency, the use of structures and facilities, pollution and environmental issues, and the storage and processing of agricultural products.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.
Median Salary
$88,750
per year in 2023
Number of Jobs
1,600
in 2023
10 Year Job Outlook
100
new jobs (average)
Agricultural engineers work mostly in offices, but may spend time traveling to agricultural settings. Agricultural engineers typically work full time.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Read MoreEnvironmental engineers use engineering disciplines in developing solutions to problems of planetary health.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.
Median Salary
$100,090
per year in 2023
Number of Jobs
47,300
in 2023
10 Year Job Outlook
2,900
new jobs (average)
Environmental engineers work both in an office setting and in the field. Most work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Read MoreAgricultural and food scientists research ways to improve the efficiency and safety of agricultural establishments and products.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.
Median Salary
$76,400
per year in 2023
Number of Jobs
35,400
in 2023
10 Year Job Outlook
2,100
new jobs (average)
Agricultural and food scientists work in laboratories, in offices, and in the field. Most agricultural and food scientists work full time.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Read More
Joseph Dvorak, Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies
Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering
joe.dvorak@uky.eduPigman College of Engineering
128 C.E. Barnhart Building
Lexington, KY 40546-0276
(859) 218-4349
