AGEN Planning

Educational Objectives

The faculty in the Department of Biological Systems Engineering have established several broad goals for students. These goals emphasize education instead of training, and they focus on the whole person, rather than narrow technical skills.
The overall objective of the educational programs of the Department of Biological Systems Engineering is to provide students the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of science and engineering and apply them to improved methods of producing and processing food, agricultural, and biological materials with consideration to wise and responsible use of resources for the benefit of global society.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Engineering (AGEN) is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. All ABET-accredited programs must publish their Program Objectives for access by employers, parents, students, and others interested in what graduates of the program are expected to be capable of doing once they enter the workforce. The following are the Program Objectives for Agricultural Engineering at the University of Nebraska.
A few years after graduation, AGEN graduates (whether they are involved in machine design, product and performance testing, soil and water resources, or other professional endeavors such as business or law) will be:

1. Applying their unique educational backgrounds in agricultural engineering by providing appropriate solutions to problems and adding value to the research, development, and design processes encountered in a variety of work environments;

2. Considering systems as a whole when solving problems, looking beyond components and subsystems individually;

3. Confidently using the necessary elements of mathematics, statistics, physical science, engineering, computer-based measurement and analysis tools and current literature in solving problems and providing design solutions;

4. Successfully integrating their technical knowledge with organization, communication, and interpersonal skills, leading and working effectively in teams, and understanding cultural diversity and social and political forces that impact engineering decisions, as well as having the capability of competing in an international atmosphere;

5. Responsibly addressing issues of health and safety, ethics, and environmental impacts of engineering decisions; and

6. Continuing their personal growth, professional development, and professional and community service, through various opportunities provided by institutions, professional organizations, and other venues.