1. What is needed to complete my application?

a. Online application for admission
b. $50 application fee
c. Official GRE scores when needed (see question #5)
d. One set of Official transcripts from all institutions previously attended.
e. 3 Letters of Recommendation from professionals qualified to evaluate your potential in graduate studies. Obtain forms
f. International applicants must provide an official TOEFL score and complete a Financial Resource Certification Form
g. Letter of Interest

2. What should be included in the Letter of Interest?

The Letter of Interest should include a description of your goals in pursuing a graduate degree. Include the degree and major you are interested in pursuing, and the area of specialization within the major that is of the most interest to you. Please indicate if you have been in communication with a faculty member in the Department regarding graduate study at Nebraska. Inclusion of a short vita (2 pages) is also helpful.

3. Where should I send my letters of reference and my Letter of Interest?

Students applying for an MS degree in Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering or Mechanized Systems Management should send letters of reference and interest; and applicants for the Unified PhD in Engineering with a specialization in Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering should send materials to: 

Dr. Dean Eisenhauer 
Graduate Committee Chair
Department of Biological Systems Engineering
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
238 L.W. Chase Hall
Lincoln, NE 68583-0726

4. Who should provide letters of recommendation?

You should have three professionals provide letters of recommendation. These individuals should be familiar with your past academic history as well as your potential to complete a graduate program.

5. What are the minimum requirements for admission?

a. Graduate Record Examination (GRE): All international applicants must take the GRE. Applicants for MS or PhD degrees in Engineering that do not hold an engineering degree from an ABET accredited institution must also take the GRE. Though the department does not set a minimum required score, GRE scores do weigh heavily (in combination with other factors) in the admission decision.

Graduate School & Professional Admissions Testing

b. Applicants whose native language is not English must present one of the following as proof of English proficiency:
Official TOEFL score of at least 500 (or 173 computer-based test) or equivalent on MELAB or IELTS examinations. Find more information on English proficiency

c. Degree (bachelor's or higher) received from an institution at which English is the official language of instruction.

International students resources and considerations

6. I took the GRE (or TOEFL) several years ago. Do I need to re-take it?

The Graduate Committee will determine whether GRE scores are recent enough to accept. TOEFL scores are for two years from the test date.

7. What is the deadline for application for admission?

While there is no set deadline for applicants, it is recommended that international applicants submit a complete file no later than 180 days prior to the first day of classes. Domestic students should submit a complete file no later than 90 days prior to the start of classes.

8. Can I take a course without seeking a degree?

Students interested in taking courses but not yet ready to begin a degree program should apply for non-degree post-baccalaureate admission to the Graduate College. Use the same application as those seeking an M.S. or Ph.D. degree. Non-degree students intending to apply courses toward a degree program at a later date should consult the department before enrolling.

9. How long will it take to receive a decision on my application?

Once your application file is complete, please allow 6-8 weeks for a decision to be reached. You will be notified once a decision is made.

10. What types of graduate programs do you offer?

The Department of Biological Systems Engineering offers graduate programs leading to the Master of Science with a major in Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering, or Mechanized Systems Management. The Department also participates in a Unified PhD in Engineering with a specialization in Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering. The Department also cooperates in the Master of Science with a major in Environmental Engineering and the Unified PhD in Biomedical Engineering.

Graduate study may be directed toward agricultural power and machinery systems, control systems, soil and water conservation, irrigation system design, ground and surface water management, water quality, plant environment, bioprocessing, animal well-being, risk assessment, environmental engineering, animal waste management, solid and hazardous waste management, materials handling and processing systems, food process engineering, computer applications, monitoring and controlling biological systems, decision support systems, global positioning systems, geographic information systems, biomedical engineering and other areas of engineering science and design.

11. What areas are the faculty currently researching?

The most current and informative description of our faculty and their research programs is listed on the faculty directory. Please contact faculty members directly to learn more about their programs and the potential for working on their team.

12. Where can I find additional information on application procedures?

a. UNL Office of Graduate Studies

b. Office of Graduate Studies
1100 Seaton Hall
Lincoln, NE 68588-0619
(402) 472-2875
1-800-742-8800 (Toll-free in U.S. and Canada only)
Grad Studies Email

For more information on the Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering Graduate program please contact:

Dr. Dean Eisenhauer, Graduate Program Coordinator
University of Nebraska - Lincoln
238 L. W. Chase Hall
Lincoln, NE 68583-0726
(402) 472-1637
fax (402) 472-6338
email: deisenhauer1@unl.edu