About the Department

Science and technology to feed the world, protect natural resources, and improve quality of life.

The Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering is Penn State’s home for advancing the engineering, business, and technical management of biological and agricultural systems through teaching, research, and outreach.

We are a small, inclusive group united by our fascination with the technology and processes that make life better for everyone.

We boast state-of-the-art facilities and world-class faculty composed of engineers and scientists with years of working experience in their fields.

Student success drives the department. Our undergraduate majors offer hands-on learning with real-world applications, excellent internship experiences, robust scholarship opportunities, and high job placement.

Our graduate programs offer master of science and doctor of philosophy degrees rooted in research through our core engineering, science, and management disciplines.

Penn State is a Tier 1 Research University. Students are highly encouraged to participate in meaningful research starting the first semester of their freshman year.

Meet our faculty, staff, and students, and learn more about our academic home. Welcome!

Latest News

February 2, 2026

‘Key informants’ report farmers accept mental health help but face barriers

Governments and organizations that provide mental health support to farmers dealing with depression, anxiety and isolation have traditionally focused on overcoming the stigma associated with getting help — but that isn’t the barrier farmers face, according to a new study by a research team led by rural sociologists at Penn State. The bigger issues, they found, are rural health care shortages, long wait times for appointments and travel time, as well as high health care costs.

January 6, 2026

Fall 2025 Graduates

Congratulations to our 2025 Fall Graduates!

December 4, 2025

Eyes for an agricultural robot: AI system identifies weeds in apple orchards

To help apple growers achieve such precise management, researchers at Penn State are developing an automated, robotic weed-management system.

December 3, 2025

Penn State Pullers club provides unmatched practical experience for students

Drew Trostle, of Mercersburg, is looking forward to a career in the agricultural equipment industry. The fourth-year student is pursuing a major in biological engineering and a minor in off-road equipment, both in the College of Agricultural Sciences. Trostle said he credits the Penn State Pullers club with providing real-world knowledge beyond the classroom.

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