Master of Science in BioRenewable Systems

Although Penn State is a large university, the atmosphere in the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering is typical of a small university or college. Graduate students in our Department are invited and encouraged to participate in all academic, professional, and social activities with the faculty and staff. Other features to enhance professional development for the graduate students include financial support to attend national professional meetings and clerical and technical support for assistance with research activities. Students have identified the following positive attributes of graduate study in Agricultural and Biological Engineering at Penn State: Professors know students' names and treat them as individuals. Thesis research is on the cutting edge. Linkage with industry is strong and active. Good collaboration exists with other departments at Penn State. Good flexibility exists in the graduate program. Assistantship support is generally available. On-campus graduate housing is available. Penn State consistently ranks in the top ten. State College is a rural location, yet close to large cities.

Completion of an undergraduate degree in a science, applied science, or technical field of study is required for direct admission to the BRS Graduate Program. Some examples of suitable undergraduate majors include Agricultural Systems Management, Biology, Biochemistry, Biorenewable Systems, Environmental Resource Management, Materials Science, and Wood Science.
Statement of Purpose

Please submit a 1- to 2-page (2-page maximum) written essay describing your purpose in pursuing graduate study. You may want to include the following types of information in your statement:
Reasons for wanting to pursue a graduate degree
Specific area of interest within the degree you plan to pursue
Long-term plans for professional career
Experiences from previous graduate or professional work that have influenced your decision to pursue graduate study
Previous experience in engineering design, research, and/or teaching and outreach
Other information that will help us to better understand your purpose for applying to join our graduate program.
Resume

Resume or Curriculum Vita

Letters of Recommendation

Three letters of recommendation are required from teachers and/or professional colleagues, who are knowledgeable about your character and qualifications as they relate to your potential to succeed in an advanced graduate degree program. You can identify them in the online application. You may provide four letters of recommendation if you are concerned that one of your references may not provide a letter by the deadline. Applications which do not have 3 letters of recommendation by the deadline will not be reviewed. Note: Please do NOT submit Individual Education Plans (IEPs), medical records, statements from medical physicians or psychologists, legal documents, or and other documents that have not been requested, especially if they have personal identifiable information. No documents will be returned!

Admission into the ABENG and BRS graduate programs in the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering is granted jointly by the graduate school and the department. No single item is used to determine your admission status. Therefore, it is important that you provide all the requested information below promptly for processing your application.

Official Transcripts

Scan official transcripts from each institution of higher education attended, both undergraduate and graduate.
Upload scans of official transcripts to online application
International applicants must take and submit scores for the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System), with the exceptions noted below. The minimum acceptable score for the TOEFL is 550 for the paper-based test, 213 for the computer-based test, or a total score of 80 with a 19 on the speaking section for the Internet-based test (iBT). Applicants with iBT speaking scores between 15 and 18 may be considered for provisaaional admission, enrollment, and, if necessary, remedial course work. The minimum composite score for the IELTS is 6.5. Revised TOEFL PBT July 2017 and later 60