Program

Agricultural Engineering Technology focuses on applied science and engineering, using existing technology to solve real world problems in the food, fuel and fiber industry.

Our courses encompass five broad areas:

• Power and Machinery
• Structures and environment
• Soil and water
• Food and processing engineering
• Electronics and information systems

In addition to instruction in the physical concepts, courses include laboratory and practicum sessions that develop student critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Students have an opportunity to work with the diagnostic equipment, measurement devices, engineering handbooks and computer software that are used by industry in problem solving. 

Beyond the core classes, students can choose from one of three options:

• Agricultural Engineering Technology
  This option allows students to create their own plan of study that is applicable to their interests within the major.
• Environmental Engineering Technology
  Students electing this option will complete additional course work in Chemistry, Biology, and environmentally-related electives. Individuals entering this field work to solve technical environmental problems, such as preventing harmful effects from pollution, cleaning up contaminated areas and designing products and systems that minimize the generation of waste.
  
• Mechanized Systems Management
  This option was developed for students interested in supplementing their engineering skills with Agricultural Economic courses, providing a background in Agricultural Business.

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities in the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields are on the rise. More people are consuming more food and agricultural products, resulting in a greater need for trained professionals to design environmentally sound production systems. This means more jobs in service, sales, development and application of mechanical systems in agriculture and in protection and management of water, soil and air resources. Starting salaries for AET graduates are among the highest at UWRF, between $40,000-$55,000.

Our graduates are employed across a wide spectrum of the engineering profession - as test engineers and technical support for large equipment manufacturers; as plant managers, process engineers and project managers within the food and feed, and construction industries; and as consultants on waste management and erosion control issues.