The Master of Science in Biological and Agricultural Engineering (MSBAE) program at Kentucky State University (KSU) is housed in the School of Engineering and Technology within the College of Business, Engineering, and Technology (CBET). This graduate program is designed to prepare students to address global challenges in sustainable agriculture, food processing, water resource management, and renewable energy systems through interdisciplinary education and research. Students gain advanced expertise that builds on undergraduate foundations in engineering and agricultural sciences, focusing on both theoretical knowledge and applied problem-solving.

The MSBAE degree offers students the flexibility to pursue either a thesis or a non-thesis/capstone pathway within a 36-credit-hour program. The thesis option emphasizes original research and scholarly contribution. Students are expected to plan, conduct, and analyze a comprehensive research project and present their findings in a formal thesis. The non-thesis/capstone option is tailored for those seeking a professionally oriented experience, requiring the completion of advanced coursework along with a capstone or directed studies project that integrates and applies learned skills.

Students in the MSBAE program may choose from specialization areas including food process engineering, bioenergy and bioproducts, hydrology and water systems management, and soilless food systems. The program is uniquely positioned within CBET to incorporate knowledge from business and computer science, including artificial intelligence and supply chain management, enhancing the economic, operational, and sustainability outcomes of agricultural and biological systems.

Objective: The overarching objectives of the MSBAE program are to foster research competency, critical thinking, and professional development. Students are trained to design and conduct experiments, analyze and interpret data, and apply engineering principles to solve complex, multidisciplinary problems. The program also emphasizes the importance of professional ethics, effective communication, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Grounded in the goals of ABET-accredited undergraduate programs, the MSBAE prepares graduates for careers in academia, industry, and public service, where they can contribute innovative solutions to real-world biological and agricultural engineering challenges.

Admission to the Master of Science in Biological & Agricultural Engineering Program

The Master of Biological & Agricultural program (MSBAE) admits only students whose preparation indicates potential for a high level of success. All applicants must meet the minimum standards for admission to graduate study at Kentucky State University. However, applicants are admitted into the specific graduate program to which they apply. The MSBAE Graduate Admissions Committee will use the following materials for admission considerations:

• Applicants write a personal statement outlining their goals and career objectives. The application is through GradCAS, and it can be found at https://gradcas.liaisoncas.org/apply/.
• Transcripts: Copies of all official transcripts must be submitted through GradCAS.
• GRE scores are not required.
• Three letters of recommendation (professional and/or academic) on official letterhead with a signature must be uploaded to GradCAS.
• A resume 

The following types of admission will be available to candidates for the MSBAE program:

1. Regular: Requirements for this unconditional admission are:
   1. A complete application package in GradCAS, including official transcripts, test scores, and letters of recommendation.
   2. Baccalaureate degree in Biological & Agricultural Engineering or related discipline from an institution in the United States with regional accreditation or from a foreign institution with comparable accreditation. 
   3. Satisfactory completion of course prerequisites for the MSBAE program.
   4. An overall undergraduate grade-point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
   5. TOEFL (Internet Based 70), IELTS (6.0), or Duolingo (100) score is required for international students.

2. Provisional: If an applicant is unable to provide all the necessary documents before the application deadline prior to matriculation but otherwise meets the admissions criteria, he/she may be granted provisional admission. Provisional admission may not be permitted for more than one semester, and all credentials must be received before the end of the semester in which the student has registered. Students must meet all regular admissions requirements to move from provisional status to regular admission status.

Graduate Assistantships and Scholarships

A limited number of graduate assistantships may be available for full-time students pursuing the Master of Science in Biological & Agricultural Engineering program. Students holding these positions will work 20 hours per week and receive a stipend. Graduate Assistants assist the faculty members in their instructional and research activities. Assistantships are awarded on the basis of financial need and high academic achievement. Other than assistantships, there may be scholarships available to qualified domestic students. Students interested in such positions apply to the Division’s office.

Degree Requirements

The MSBAE program is made up of 36 credits, including thesis or capstone project work. It should be noted that the capstone project is typically less comprehensive than a traditional master’s thesis, so students choosing this option are required to take one additional elective course. Students interested in pursuing the master’s degree full-time should plan to spend about two years in residence.

Thesis Option

The thesis option degree requires students to complete advanced coursework and to become skilled in research methodology. Students are expected to plan, conduct, and analyze a comprehensive research project, and to report the findings in a thesis, a scholarly document of research in proper scientific publication style. It is distributed at the orientation at the beginning of your first semester. Experience in the literature review, experimental design, data collection, statistical analysis, and manuscript preparation are obtained by students completing the thesis option. Students who intend to further their graduate education (e.g., obtain a doctoral degree) should choose this option because doctoral programs often require students to demonstrate their ability to successfully complete a master’s thesis. Required courses and a thesis topic must be approved by the student’s graduate committee.

Capstone Project Option

Graduate students enrolled in the non-thesis option are required to complete a capstone project as determined by their major professor and approved by their committee. Examples might include a literature review, a public service project, etc. A detailed proposal is submitted for approval to the student’s committee before the project is conducted, and a final project report must be approved by the student’s committee.

Required Courses (18 credit hours)

Elective Courses (9 hours for Thesis Option; 12 hours for Non-Thesis/Capstone)

Thesis Option

Non-Thesis/Capstone Option

Time Limitation of Assistantships

Graduate students are expected to complete the requirements for the M.S. Degree within two years based on Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA‘s). The master’s degree program must be completed within six years of initial enrollment as a degree-seeking graduate student. Please also see Section II under Graduate Academic Regulations and Policies in this publication.

Graduate Committee

The Graduate Committee consists of three School of Engineering and Technology faculty members, and it can include one additional member from outside the school/college. Students are required to hold their first committee meeting during their first semester and present a thesis/caption proposal in the second semester of study.

The major professor will guide the student on research, analysis, writing, and other scholarly aspects of the work. Members of the student's committee contribute, but the primary responsibility is that of the major professor.

Submission of a thesis or Capstone manuscript is defined as the time at which the first complete draft of such is submitted to the major professor for review. After the major professor approves the draft for committee revision, the student will then submit the manuscript for critical review by the committee. Each may suggest improvements and refuse approval pending additional work. When committee members and the major professor sign the Approval Page, they certify that the thesis or capstone manuscript is clear and accurate, that it represents an original and worthwhile contribution, that the suggestions made by them are incorporated into the final work, and that the work conforms to the standards of Kentucky State University College of Business, Engineering and Technology (CBET). No faculty member will sign a thesis until it is of foremost quality and meets all requirements. The major professor and committee members must sign their names personally. There can be no temporary substitute members, and no other person may sign a committee member's name on an Approval Page, even with the authorization of the committee member involved and the major professor. Electronic signatures are allowed for students completing their degree online.

Written Comprehensive Exams

All MSBAE students pursuing a thesis or non-thesis/capstone track will complete a written comprehensive exam to be administered by the faculty mentor with questions from the student’s faculty mentor and committee members. This exam must be administered before the student defends, and must have a majority of the committee members award a passing grade on the questions they have provided.