Is becoming an agricultural engineer right for me?
The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:
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How to become an Agricultural Engineer
Becoming an agricultural engineer generally involves education, practical experience, and ongoing professional development.
- Obtain a Bachelor's Degree: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Engineering or a related field, such as biological systems engineering or environmental engineering. Look for programs that include coursework in agricultural sciences, machinery design, irrigation systems, and soil conservation, and take advantage of any co-op or internship opportunities.
- Gain Practical Experience: Participate in internships or cooperative education programs during your undergraduate studies. These opportunities help you apply your knowledge in real-world settings and build practical skills while connecting with professionals in the field.
- Pursue Advanced Degrees: Consider earning a Master’s or Doctoral Degree in Agricultural Engineering or a related field to specialize or pursue research and teaching roles. Advanced degrees also allow you to explore areas such as sustainable agriculture, precision farming, or bio-process engineering.
- Obtain Professional Licensure (Optional): Becoming a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) is optional but can enhance credibility and open up more career opportunities. Licensure requires passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, gaining work experience under a licensed engineer, and passing the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam.
- Seek Employment: Look for job openings in agricultural companies, government agencies, research institutions, consulting firms, or manufacturing companies. Joining professional organizations like the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) and attending industry events can help you connect with potential employers.
- Continuous Learning and Professional Development: Stay up to date with advancements in agricultural engineering by attending workshops, conferences, and seminars. Continuing education and certifications can further improve your skills and keep you current with new technologies and sustainable practices.
Certifications
Several recognized certifications and licenses can enhance an agricultural engineer’s credentials, skills, and professional credibility.
- Professional Engineer (PE) License: This license lets an agricultural engineer legally sign off on engineering plans, take responsibility for designs, and practice independently. To earn it you must graduate from an ABET‑accredited engineering program, pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, complete required work experience, and pass the PE exam.
- Engineer‑in‑Training (EIT) / Engineer Intern (EI) Certification: After earning a qualifying bachelor’s degree, you can pass the FE exam to become an EIT or EI. This designation marks you as a certified candidate on the path to PE licensure and is often required before taking the final exam.
- Certified Crop Adviser (CCA): Offered by the American Society of Agronomy, CCA certification verifies expertise in crop production, nutrient management, and agronomy — helpful if you work on crop systems or soil-related engineering projects.
- Certified Professional Agronomist (CPAg): Also through the American Society of Agronomy, this certification recognizes advanced agronomic knowledge, soil science, and crop production systems — useful for engineers working in agriculture, land use, or sustainable farming.
- Certified Irrigation Designer – Landscape: Provided by the Irrigation Association, this credential is valuable if you focus on irrigation systems, drainage, or water-management engineering in agricultural or landscape settings.
- Board‑Certified Environmental Engineer (BCEE): For agricultural or environmental engineers working on waste management, water quality, or pollution prevention, this certification from the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists provides recognized specialty credentials in environmental engineering.