Bioproducts & Biosystems Engineering
About the Major
A Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering major prepares you for a career in developing a plan to restore a wetland or contaminated site; developing an instrumentation system to improve quality control in a food processing line; designing a process and equipment to convert biomass into energy and polymers; or working as a sales engineer to develop technical solutions to meet a client's needs. The curriculum provides an education in engineering with a focus on renewable resources, biological systems, and the environment including issues affecting soil, water, and air. Read more about the major.
Common Entry Level Job Titles
- Design Engineer
- Plant Manager
- Project Engineer
- Environmental Consultant
- Research Engineer
- Sales Representative
- Process Engineer
Types of Employers
- Biotechnology laboratories
- Chemical engineering firms
- Environmental consulting firms
- Food manufacturers
- Government agencies
- Paper and fiber products companies
- Recycling and waste management companies
- Universities and colleges
- Wood products manufacturers
- Biofuel industry
Salary and Employment Statistics
See the employment and salary page for statistics on the most recent graduates and previous years.
Top Career Resources
- BBE Department Career Resources, including job board.
- American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists (AAEES)
AAEES is dedicated to excellence in the practice of environmental engineering to ensure the public health, safety, and welfare to enable humankind to co-exist in harmony with nature. See website for career info and opportunities. - American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE)
Information on engineering applications to agricultural, food, and biolgoical systems. - TAPPI, the leading technical association for the worldwide pulp, paper, and converting industry.
Additional Resources
In addition to these resources we recommend the following strategies to locate more information about careers related to your major:
- O*NET and Careerwise. These tools provide comprehensive information about a wide range of careers including typical duties, salaries, employment outlook, skills and interests.
- Locate professional associations related to your major or career interests by conducting a Google Search on “(Name of major/career area/industry) professional associations.” Try these keywords: bioproducts, Biosystems, engineering, plants, research, biofuels, resources, management, ecology, restoration, waste, production, processing
- Get involved in one of the many industry-related student groups on campus. These groups provide links to experiences, guest speakers, and discussion with like-minded students.
- Study Abroad Information for Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering