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Dr. Duke Bulanon

208.467.8047

engineering@nnu.edu

 

Agricultural Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Engineering

Are you interested in using cutting-edge technology to improve the agriculture industry? Our unique concentration is unlike anything you’ll find at other universities across the nation. Rather than focusing predominantly on biology, our agricultural engineering degree program is centered around using sophisticated GPS, sensor and robotics technology that’s transforming how farmers operate today. Best of all, ours is the only degree program offered within the context of Christian higher education.

Our educational objectives and core curriculum are training professional engineers, from agricultural engineers to electrical engineering.
  • GRADUATES FROM NNU’S ENGINEERING PROGRAM have high Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam pass rates and job placement rates
  • SMALL CLASS SIZES with an average class size of 16
  • PROFESSIONAL FACULTY have years of industry experience

Transform the Future with an Agricultural Engineering Degree

With an agricultural engineering degree, you can lead the way in transforming farms and making our world a better place. With an ABET-accredited degree and a multidisciplinary approach, learn how to revolutionize the world of farming using GPS, sensors and robotics technology. Imagine automating labor-intensive processes like planting, picking, pruning, irrigating, spraying and food processing. Not only does this address the growing problem of farmworker shortages, but it’s also environmentally friendly by conserving water, minimizing chemical use and reducing air pollution.

degree details

Bachelor of Science in Engineering

On Campus

The Benefits of Our Bachelor of Science in Engineering Degree: Agricultural Concentration

  • ABET-accredited engineering program tailored explicitly toward agricultural automation
  • Gain hands-on experience innovating agricultural technology with our cutting-edge research projects
  • Learn from dedicated faculty members with industry experience to draw on
  • Benefit from personalized mentorship with an average class size of 16
  • Earn an accredited degree that will prepare you for success on the FE exam and in job placement
  • Receive a holistic education with access to spiritual and residential campus experiences
  • A comprehensive education in agricultural technology that is rooted in liberal arts studies
  • Our unique program focuses on agrarian automation and is the sole program available in Christian higher education

Goals & Outcomes for Agricultural Engineering Majors

  • Receive a quality education from an accredited university
  • Gain the skills and knowledge necessary to qualify for professional engineering licensure
  • Learn a variety of specialties in agricultural and biosystems engineering to prepare for career success
  • Earn high FE exam pass rate, grad school placement rate and job placement rate
  • Work with professionalism, integrity, ethics and Christian principles
  • Develop skills to identify, formulate and solve complex engineering problems with confidence

Additional Information About Studying Engineering with a Concentration in Agriculture at NNU

Program Emphasis
The agricultural engineering concentration is oriented towards agricultural systems technology using GPS, sensors and robotics technology known as precision farming. With this focus on agricultural automation, our program is the only one available in Christian higher education because it is unlike most agricultural engineering programs in the nation, which are predominately oriented toward biological engineering.

Agricultural engineering uses robotic automation for labor-intensive agriculture production such as planting, picking, pruning, irrigating, spraying and food processing. This is important to solve problems related to increasing farmworker shortages. Besides making these processing systems less work intensive, robotic automation is environmentally beneficial by minimizing water use, chemical use and air pollution.

Agricultural Engineering Program Information

For this College of Engineering degree, you will take courses in the mechanical engineering discipline, geographic information systems (GIS) and agricultural automation and complete a senior research project tailored toward this area of study. This coursework complements the ongoing department research projects in agricultural production, giving you opportunities to gain hands-on experience innovating agricultural systems technology.

Besides access to cutting-edge research, you will have professors with years of industry experience to draw on in mentoring you and giving you hands-on training with fabrication and lab equipment. With an average class size of 16, you get to know your professors, who care about you, both in and out of the classroom. At the same time, you benefit from NNU’s broad liberal arts educational, spiritual and residential campus experience.

Accreditation & Regulations

NNU’s Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.

With a bachelor's degree, agricultural engineers work in a variety of specializations in private and government agencies, including natural resources engineering, food production, water resources, and agricultural and biosystems engineering.

Career Paths for Agricultural Engineering Majors

Start your path to an exciting career in agricultural engineering and become part of the next generation of innovators and problem solvers. Get access to top-notch graduate programs and job placements in various fields, including agricultural equipment design and manufacturing, specialty and row crop production, food processing and robotics.

Architecture and Engineering Occupations

Agricultural Engineer

Meet Our Faculty

NNU has given me a great stepping stone to leap into [aerospace] industries, by allowing me to get hands-on experience working with spacecraft through undergraduate research projects, providing a good educational experience through great professors, and by providing connections and guidance in helping me navigate into my dream career.
Ben Campbell

BS Engineering

Frequently Asked Questions About the Agricultural Engineering Program

Here are some common questions students have about our Northwest Nazarene University engineering degree programs.

What are some of the ways agricultural engineering is transforming farming?

The world of agricultural engineering is a vibrant and thriving field where innovation and sustainability meet. At Northwest Nazarene University, we’re harnessing the power of technology to revolutionize farming.

Our agricultural engineering program is at the forefront of precision farming. This approach uses GPS, sensors and robotics to streamline labor-intensive agrarian tasks such as planting, picking, pruning, irrigating, spraying and food processing. By minimizing human intervention, we’re addressing farm labor shortages and enhancing efficiency and productivity.

Our pioneering use of robotic automation brings significant environmental benefits. It allows for precise application of water and chemicals, reducing waste and pollution. The result? A farming process that’s not just productive but also sustainable.

What sets our program apart is its unique focus on agricultural automation. While most agricultural engineering programs lean heavily towards biological aspects, ours is rooted in the technological revolution sweeping the farming landscape. And, as the only program of its kind in Christian higher education, we offer a distinctive blend of faith-based learning and cutting-edge innovation.

From automated farming addressing global population challenges to the fusion of agricultural engineering and advanced technologies, agricultural engineering is redefining farming. At NNU, you’ll be part of this exciting transformation, equipped with the skills to shape the future of agriculture.

What are the benefits of using GPS, sensors and robotic technology in agriculture?

Step into the future of farming with Northwest Nazarene University’s agricultural engineering program, where technology and agriculture intertwine to create a new dawn of sustainable and efficient farming.

  • GPS, sensors and robotic technology are transforming the face of agriculture, turning traditional farming on its head. These advanced tools are ushering in an era of precision farming, allowing farmers to cultivate their land with an accuracy that was once unimaginable.
  • GPS technology offers unparalleled mapping capabilities, creating precise digital twins of farmland that detail every inch of the terrain. This allows for targeted cultivation, minimizing waste and maximizing yield.
  • Sensors play an instrumental role in monitoring vital parameters such as temperature and moisture. They provide real-time data, enabling farmers to make informed decisions that enhance crop health and productivity.
  • Robotic technology is the game-changer in this mix. From tillage robots that enhance cultivation quality to harvesting robots that pick crops at the optimal time, these machines free farmers from heavy labor while increasing efficiency. They’re also environmentally friendly, reducing the need for excessive water and chemical use.

At NNU, we harness these cutting-edge technologies in our agricultural engineering program. Our students learn to navigate this technological revolution, preparing them to lead in sustainable, efficient and innovative farming practices.

Join us at NNU and be part of this exciting transformation in agriculture!

What career opportunities are available to those with an agricultural engineering degree?

Imagine stepping into a world where innovation meets agriculture, where your passion for technology and the environment can transform the future of farming. Welcome to the exciting field of agricultural engineering at Northwest Nazarene University (NNU).

With an agricultural engineering degree from NNU, many career opportunities await you. Our program equips you with skills in mechanical engineering, geographic information systems (GIS) and agricultural automation, opening doors to diverse sectors within the farming industry.

You could find yourself designing cutting-edge machinery for farming operations, developing advanced irrigation systems or revolutionizing food processing techniques. Your expertise could also lead to a role in environmental consultancy, helping farms minimize their ecological footprint.

The rise of precision farming has created a demand for professionals skilled in GIS and remote sensing. These tools are vital for managing large-scale farming operations and ensuring optimal productivity.
For those inclined towards research, opportunities abound in developing new sensing technologies for orchard management or exploring the potential of robotic automation in agriculture.

At NNU, we don’t just prepare you for a job; we prepare you for a fulfilling career. Our ABET-accredited engineering program ensures you graduate with a solid foundation in engineering principles, ready to innovate and lead in your chosen field.

Why choose NNU to study agricultural engineering?

Choosing Northwest Nazarene University (NNU) to pursue your degree in Agricultural Engineering is choosing a path of innovation, personal growth and community. At NNU, we’re more than just a university; we’re a vibrant community committed to nurturing your academic and spiritual journey.

Our ABET-accredited program stands out with its unique focus on agricultural automation. We delve beyond the traditional agricultural engineering curriculum, enabling you to gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge agricultural technology. Our dedicated faculty, boasting years of industry experience, guide you through this exciting journey.

At NNU, we believe in the power of personalized mentorship. Our average class size of 16 ensures you receive the individual attention you need to thrive. As you navigate the complexities of agricultural engineering, you’ll be supported by mentors who genuinely care about your success.

Our program doesn’t just prepare you for a career; it equips you for life. We provide a comprehensive education rooted in liberal arts studies, fostering critical thinking and creativity. Graduates leave our program ready to excel in the FE exam and job placement.

As the first AG engineering program focused on agricultural automation offered at a Christian university, we infuse faith into our learning environment. You’ll be part of a residential campus experience that cultivates spiritual growth alongside academic achievements.

Choose NNU, where we’re transforming farming and shaping futures.