Illinois’ agricultural and biological engineering graduate program ranked No. 4 nationally
URBANA, Ill. — The agricultural and biological engineering graduate program at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is once again ranked No. 4 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. With its undergraduate program ranked No. 2, Illinois is among the top programs in the country.
The graduate ranking returns to its 2023 position, reflecting the department’s continued investment in student success, research excellence, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Notably, the department provides a five-year funding guarantee for its doctoral students. The ranking also reflects the accomplishments of Illinois ABE graduates, who have gone on to make significant contributions across academia, industry, and beyond.
“We are intentional about building a graduate experience that prepares students to lead in a rapidly evolving field,” said department head and professor Ronaldo Maghirang. “This recognition reflects the strength of our faculty, the breadth of opportunities available to our students, and the impact of the work happening here.”
The Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering (ABE) is housed in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences with shared programs in The Grainger College of Engineering. Cross-college ties provide students with scholarships, resources, and support from both ACES and Grainger Engineering.
What sets Illinois apart is an environment that encourages intentional, accessible cross-disciplinary work. As part of a campus known for its strength in engineering, agriculture, and data science, ABE students engage with leading research institutes and facilities that bring together experts from across fields. These connections enable collaboration on complex, real-world challenges while gaining hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies.
ABE graduate students work alongside faculty who specialize in a range of research areas, including digital agriculture and precision technologies, bioprocessing and bioenergy systems, environmental and water resources engineering, controlled environment and plant systems engineering, synthetic and systems biology, and agricultural safety and health.
The department offers a comprehensive portfolio of graduate degrees, including:
- M.S. in Agricultural and Biological Engineering
- Ph.D. in Agricultural and Biological Engineering
- M.S. in Engineering Technology and Management for Agricultural Systems
- Ph.D. in Engineering Technology and Management for Agricultural Systems *New program launched Spring 2026
- Professional Science Master's in Bioprocessing and Bioenergy
- Professional Science Master's in Engineering Technology and Management for Agricultural Systems
- Master of Engineering (M.Eng) in Digital Agriculture (online)
“Our students are tackling complex problems from food production and environmental systems to energy and health,” Maghirang said. “They leave U. of I. prepared to make meaningful contributions in industry, academia, and beyond.”
Prospective students can learn more about agricultural and biological engineering graduate programs by contacting the department’s Director of Graduate Programs Maria Chu at mlchu@illinois.edu.