Application Process

Undergraduates

To apply to the Technical Systems Management program you will apply to the College of ACES and select Technical Systems Management.

To apply to the Agricultural and Biological Engineering program you apply to the College of ACES and select Agricultural and Biological Engineering. 

University Admissions Requirements

• For high school students
• For transfer students from community college or other universities

Graduates

Degree programs

The ABE department offers M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in agricultural and biological engineering.

Students who enter the Master of Science program usually have a bachelor's degree in agricultural engineering or a closely related engineering field and have at least a 3.0 GPA on the last 60 hours of undergraduate work. Students with a non-engineering degree but with a strong background in mathematics, physics, and the sciences may be admitted provisonally and, with the approval of their advisor and the deaprtment head, may take the prerequisite courses concurrently with graduate courses. This M.S. program introduces you to research methodology while providing study in advanced coursework. In consultation with an advisor, students design and execute a research plan, analyze the resulting data, and write a thesis. The M.S. degree includes at least 25 hours of coursework and 8 hours of thesis research, and requires 18 to 24 months beyond the B.S. degree. M.S. graduates are highly sought after and are typically employed in industry, governmental agencies, or consulting firms.

Admission to the Doctor of Philosophy program is limited to those who have demonstrated exceptional ability in obtaining their M.S. degree and/or through a high degree of technical and professional accomplishment. The Ph.D. candidate is expected to attain a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of the professional field while becoming an expert in the methods of research. The student must be able to conduct independent, original research. The Ph.D. degree includes at least 32 hours of coursework and 32 hours of dissertation research. Candidates take a prelimanary examination once they have completed the required coursework and prepared a research proposal. After the dissertation is completed, the student defends it in a final oral examination. Normally, the duration of the Ph.D. program is two to three years beyond the M.S. degree. Ph.D. graduates are typically employed in academia, governmental agencies, industry or consulting firms.

The Graduate Handbook contains more specific information regarding degree requirements.

Application process

Prospective graduate students are encouraged to apply online through Grad Connect, a university-wide web-based application system for graduate admissions. Grad Connect allows students to track their admission progress and conduct most of the admission process - including paying the application fee - electronically. Students may also apply by downloading and printing application forms from the Graduate College application website. There are two forms: one for domestic applicants (US citizens and permanent residents) and one for international applicants. The same forms are used to request financial aid.

Click here to apply 

If you have any questions, email grad@illinois.edu

In addition to completing the Graduate College Application form, all ABE applicants must complete and submit to the department the following forms/material: Official copies of transcripts of all completed university coursework, and Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general aptitude tests (verbal, quantitative, and analytical portions).

International applicants, whose native language is not English and who have attended a university in an English-speaking country for less than two years, must submit a score for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The TOEFL score must be at least 570; however, if it is below 620, an English as Second Language Placement exam must be taken on the campus and the courses required by its results must be taken. Rank in class should also be submitted for international applicants.

Application deadlines

All materials, credentials, and test scores must be received by:

• January 15 for admission to the summer session or fall semester
• October 1 for admission to the spring semester

If you cannot apply online, you are encouraged to download the application materials. If that is impossible, you may request an application form by emailing abe@illinois.edu. Please include the term for which you plan to apply.

Application checklist

If you have questions regarding any aspect of the ABE graduate program, use the request information form.

1. Complete the Graduate College application form online (or send paper copy to The Graduate College)
2. Pay Application fee
3. The following items should be sent directly to the ABE department:
4. Official copies of transcripts of all completed university coursework.
5. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general aptitude test scores (Verbal, Quantitative, Writing or Analytical portions). A GRE subject test is not required.
6. Mail these items to:​
   • Graduate Program Coordinator
     338 Agricultural Engineering Sciences Building
     1304 W. Pennsylvania Avenue
     Urbana, IL 61801