Bachelor's Degree (BS) in Biosystems Engineering
OVERVIEW
Who is this program for?
The bachelor's degree program in Biosystems Engineering is designed for students passionate about using engineering to solve environmental and agricultural challenges. With expertise in areas like sustainable resource management, bioenergy, and water systems, graduates are well-prepared for careers as environmental engineers, agricultural systems designers, or bioenergy specialists, working in fields focused on sustainability and ecological innovation.
Program Overview
Tackle global challenges in sustainability, agriculture, and environmental health with our Biosystems Engineering bachelor's degree. This interdisciplinary program integrates engineering principles with biological sciences to develop innovative solutions for issues such as water resource management, renewable energy, and sustainable food production. With hands-on learning and cutting-edge research opportunities, you’ll gain the skills to design and implement systems that improve quality of life and protect natural resources. The University of Kentucky is the only college in Kentucky that offers Biosystems Engineering as an undergraduate major. The Biosystems Engineering Program is a partnership between the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture Food and Environment and the Pigman College of Engineering and includes more specialty areas than similar departments across the country. This flexibility in the curriculum allows for each student to customize their technical electives to their future career goals.
The First Year Engineering Experience
All first-year Engineering majors participate in the First Year Experience Program offered by the Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering. The First-Year Engineering (FYE) Program is designed to orient students to the wide range of engineering disciplines and allows students to take engineering classes on day one. FYE classes present foundational knowledge from all our undergraduate majors and equip students with the confidence to pursue any degree program they are interested in.
Our Accreditation
This program is accredited by ABET, the recognized global accreditor of college and university programs in applied and natural science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology. This accreditation ensures that our programs meet the highest standards of quality and prepare students to enter the global workforce as well-qualified engineering professionals. Read more about this accreditation.
Admission Requirements
- Official High School Transcript with Pre-College Curriculum: View transcript requirements on the Undergraduate Admission webpage.
- Test Scores (optional): ACT or SAT scores can be submitted but are not required for university admission.
Any "Program Specific Requirements" that display below are specific to the program and will be required for admission to the program.
Application Requirements
Completed applications include an official high school transcript, application fee ($50 domestic/$60 international) and optional official ACT/SAT score (the University of Kentucky is test-optional for admission and scholarships through the 2028-29 academic year).
Program Specific Requirements
Students apply and enter this program as "Pre-Biosystems Engineering" majors. Students are fully admitted to the program when they complete the pre-major requirements. View specifics in the Academic Catalog.
The minimum entry requirements for admission into the Pigman College of Engineering as a first-time freshmen student are both:
- ACT math score of 25 or higher, or the SAT equivalent of 590 or higher, and an
- Unweighted high school GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Students electing to apply without test scores can view alternative entry criteria in the Undergraduate Catalog under the Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering entry.
Transfer Students
Engineering has established transfer pathways with nearly two dozen partner institutions enabling students to seamlessly transfer into any of our degree programs.
Application Deadlines
Freshman
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Early Action
- 12/01/2025 Apply early to be considered for Lewis Honors College, scholarships, or on-campus living.
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Regular Decision
- 02/15/2026
Transfer
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Fall Scholarship
- 06/15/2026 Apply early to be considered for scholarships.
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Fall
- 08/01/2026
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Spring
- 11/15/2025
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Summer
- 04/15/2026
FIND OUT EXACTLY
What You'll Learn
The Bachelor of Science in Biosystems Engineering program applies engineering principles to biological systems, focusing on the sustainable use of natural resources, environmental protection, and agricultural innovation. Students study areas such as fluid mechanics, soil and water systems, renewable energy, and bioprocessing, while gaining hands-on experience in data analysis, modeling, and system design. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary problem-solving at the intersection of biology, engineering, and the environment. Expand the menu below to view a sample curriculum plan.
Degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.
Transfer in using our KCTCS Pathway
This program has a degree pathway from KCTCS, allowing students a seamless transfer process to obtain their bachelor's degree from the University of Kentucky.
View Pathways
Get a Head Start with an
Accelerated Pathway
This program is part of the Accelerated Master's Pathways program. If you plan to obtain a master's degree, AMP can save you time and money with dual credit hours by signing-up when you have earned between 60-105 credit hours as an undergraduate student at UK.
Attend an Upcoming Event for this Program
These events are designed to answer your questions and give you a glimpse into what it’s like to be a part of our program.
Register Now“Biosystems engineering opens you up to so many possibilities. Now that I’ve found this passion, I feel prepared to go anywhere.”
Katharine Estep
2019 Biosystems Engineering Graduate
Explore Financial Aid Options
Undergraduate degree-seeking students have access to a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and student loans, designed to make education more affordable.
Tuition Rate
For residents of the states listed below, this program qualifies you to receive the University of Kentucky's in-state tuition rate through the Academic Common Marketplace.
Delaware
Georgia
West Virginia
Get Involved!
Students who get involved in activities outside of the classroom tend to do better academically and develop meaningful relationships with others at UK. Our network of student organizations and activities has something for everyone, from academic to professional to fun!
Join the Engineering Living Learning Program
The ELLP provides a welcoming community for engineering and computer science students to be supported academically and establish meaningful connections with other students.
This residential experience complements classroom expectations by integrating students into the engineering community with programs centered on professional development and academic support. In addition, the ELLP provides students with opportunities to interact with College of Engineering faculty, alumni, industry partners, academic advisors, engineering student organizations, and Peer Mentors. Peer Mentors are hand-selected to support new students during their transition to the University of Kentucky.
Get More Information
Complete the form to get the latest updates on this program, including special events and application deadlines.
Discover your Future
At the University of Kentucky, we provide personalized support, innovative resources, and countless opportunities to help you turn your aspirations into achievements.
