Application process

If you are interested in graduate studies with ABE, apply with the Graduate College. You can track your admission progress and conduct most of the admission process - including paying the application fee - electronically. You may also download and print application forms there. There are two forms: one for domestic applicants (US citizens and permanent residents) and one for international applicants. The same forms are used to request financial aid. If you have any questions, email grad@illinois.edu.

In addition to completing the Graduate College Application form, all ABE applicants must complete and submit to the department the following forms/material: Official copies of transcripts of all completed university coursework, and Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general aptitude tests (verbal, quantitative, and analytical portions).

Application Deadlines

All materials, credentials, and test scores must be received by:

  • January 15 for admission to the summer session or fall semester
  • October 1 for admission to the spring semester

If you cannot apply online, you are encouraged to download the application materials. If that is not possible, you may request an application form by emailing abe@illinois.edu. Please include the term for which you wish to apply.

Application Checklist

  1. Complete the Graduate College application form online (or send paper copy to The Graduate College)
  2. Pay application fee
  3. Send the following items directly to the ABE department (see address below):
    • Official copies of transcripts of all completed university coursework.
    • Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general aptitude test scores (Verbal, Quantitative, Writing or Analytical portions). A GRE subject test is not required. [**Note: at this time, because of the pandemic, GRE is optional until further notice**]
  4. Mail these items to:​
    • Director of Graduate Studies
    • 338 Agricultural Engineering Sciences Building
    • 1304 W. Pennsylvania Avenue
    • Urbana, IL 61801

GPA and Testing Requirements

  • The University's Graduate College enforces minimum GPAs of 3.0 for M.S. admittees and 3.25 for Ph.D. admittees. Successful applicants typically have a GPA higher than the required minimum. Fellowship applicants typically have a GPA of 3.6/4.0.
  • The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test is required of all applicants. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the IELTS is also required of all applicants who have attended a school in a country where English is not the primary language. This test must be less than two years old at the time of admission. The TOEFL score must be at least 570; however, if it is below 620, an English as Second Language Placement exam must be taken on the campus and the courses required by its results must be taken. Rank in class should also be submitted for international applicants.
  • While there is no official minimum requirement, the Admissions committee looks for Quantitative GRE scores above the 80th percentile and Verbal and Analytical GRE scores above the 50th percentile, or an overall score above the 60 percentile. GRE scores should be less than three years old at the time of admission.

Graduate Programs

The Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering offers the following graduate and professional degrees:

Students who enter the M.S. programs usually have a bachelor's degree in agricultural engineering or a closely related engineering field and have at least a 3.0 GPA on the last 60 hours of undergraduate work. Students with a non-engineering degree but with a strong background in mathematics, physics, and the sciences may be admitted provisionally and, with the approval of their advisor and the department head, may take the prerequisite courses concurrently with graduate courses. This M.S. program provides two options:

  • Thesis Option - The thesis-based M.S. degree program is a research-oriented program of study that is usually completed in two years. Students complete at least 24 hours of coursework and 8 hours of thesis research. 18 to 24 months beyond the B.S. degree are required.
  • Non-thesis Option - This non-thesis option requires 36 hours of coursework and documentation of a significant research experience with a significant writing experience.

M.S. graduates are highly sought after and are typically employed in industry, governmental agencies, or consulting firms.

Ph.D. in Agricultural and Biological Engineering

A Ph.D degree program is a research-oriented program of study that is usually completed within 3-5 years. Students complete coursework, research, and a dissertation. Admission to the program is limited to those who have demonstrated exceptional ability in obtaining their M.S. degree and/or through a high degree of technical and professional accomplishment. The Ph.D. candidate is expected to attain a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of the professional field while becoming an expert in the methods of research. The student must be able to conduct independent, original research. The Ph.D. degree includes at least 32 hours of coursework and 32 hours of dissertation research. Candidates take a preliminary examination once they have completed the required coursework and prepared a research proposal. After the dissertation is completed, the student defends it in a final oral examination. Ph.D graduates are typically employed in academia, governmental agencies, industry, or consulting firms.

Graduate Programs in Technical Systems Management

The department offers a M.S. degree in Technical Systems Management (TSM), thesis or non-thesis option, and Professional Science Master's (PSM) in TSM or Bioprocessing and Bioenergy.

Students who enter the M.S. program in TSM usually have a bachelor's degree in technical systems management, agricultural engineering or other related fields and have at least a 3.0 GPA on the last 60 hours of undergraduate work. Combining knowledge of science, systems management, and applications engineering, the TSM program provides excellent preparation for careers in the production, processing, and manufacturing of food, fiber, feed, fuel and construction management. The M.S. degree includes at least 24 hours of coursework and 8 hours of thesis research, and requires 18 to 24 months beyond the B.S. degree. In addition, there is a non-thesis option for M.S. students.  This non-thesis option requires 36 hours of coursework and documentation of a significant research experience with a significant writing experience. Students focus on the application of engineering principles, the study of technology used in agriculture, and the integration of business concepts in the food and agricultural industries.

The PSM degree program is a non-thesis, professionally oriented program of study that is usually completed in 16 months (three semesters and one summer term). Students complete coursework and, typically, a professional development activity. PSM programs are designed to allow students to gain the advanced skills they will need for an industry position. PSM programs require students to complete business courses to help round out their technical skills and prepare them for management-level positions. Skills gained in the program help graduates compete for higher salaries and leadership positions with greater responsibility and recognition. PSM programs are non-thesis, non-research, coursework-based programs designed for students who do not plan to pursue a Ph.D.