Agricultural Biorenewable Systems Management Major
The future of bio-based products, renewable energy, and sustainable practices.
Harness renewable resources to create sustainable production systems in agriculture and beyond. Take a unique, interdisciplinary approach that offers the technology, science, and management know-how you'll need to develop and implement innovative solutions for a greener future.
The right tools for the future.
America is trending biorenewable. Wood, cotton, hemp, and other agricultural commodities will be the building blocks of tomorrow. This major offers the science, business, technology, and analysis skills to grab this industry by the horns and launch a meaningful career.
Jobs await.
According to USDA, new college graduates with degrees in agricultural programs can expect approximately 59,400 job opportunities annually through 2025. Graduates earning degrees with emphasis in food, agriculture, renewable natural resources, and the environment (FARNRE) will account for 61 percent of the annual supply pool of graduates.
See the University Bulletin for details on program requirements, suggested academic plan, and more.
Dig deeper into corners of the biorenewable world in these focus areas:
Ag Technology
The technology behind sustainable production. Be part of advancing the development of next-generation mobile equipment and master the principles of off-road machines and precision agriculture. Dive into the world of maximizing productivity while minimizing environmental impact.
Example courses
- Marketing and Sales
- Power Transmission in Agriculture
- Principles of Off-Road Machines (hydraulics)
- Safety and Health in Agricultural and Biorenewable Industries
- Precision Agriculture
Bioproduct Development
Bioproduct Development Focus on the design, manufacture, and maintenance of the next generation of green products. Learn to identify the right biomaterials and develop processes to create products that can be sustainably manufactured and maintained.
Example courses
- Biobased Fiber Science
- Deterioration and Protection of Bioproducts
- Energy Analysis in Biorenewable Systems
- Foundations of Sustainable Business
- Processing and Manufacturing Systems for Bioproducts
Sustainability Management
Companies are looking for leaders to meet the technical challenges of moving toward more sustainable operations. Learn to apply the systems analysis tools that guide the reduction of negative impacts on society and the environment.
Ag Journeys
"I discovered that ag is about farming—and a whole world more."
–Nelson DiBiase
The curriculum is just the beginning.
Learning outside the syllabus has a huge impact, too. Our clubs are a great place to make friends and have fun. More important, they are a place to link up with like-minded students, returning alumni, and industry professionals who bring invaluable career insights.
Same goes with our internship opportunities. Companies compete to bring Penn Staters on board for the summer, and many students return to campus with a summer of practical experience and a job offer waiting in the wings. There are research opportunities, foreign travel opportunities, and more to gain experience and academic credit.
Craft your experience.
Related clubs and teams
- Biorenewable Systems Club
- Penn State Pullers
- American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE), Penn State Student Branch
- Robotics Competitions Club
- Environmental Resource Management Society
- Student Farm
- Sustainable Agriculture Club
- See all clubs and teams
Internships
- Crop Harvest Field Test Product Validation
- Quality Assurance
- Research
Examples of popular study abroad
- Bioproducts in Germany
- Dairy Production in Austria and Switzerland
- Natural Resources in Chile/Patagonia
- The University of Limerick in Limerick, Ireland
A practical, workforce-ready degree—and a college experience you’ll love.
Penn State Agricultural and Biorenewable Systems Management grads are in the boardroom, in the lab, out on the job, in the halls of government, in the front of the classroom, all over the globe, right now.
Our alumni out in the world
- Laboratory Technician, Avery Dennison
- Technical Specialist, Huber Engineered Woods
- Territory Manager, Husqvarna Group
- Ag Product Specialist, Kubota, Inc.
- Equipment Test Supervisor, CNH Industrial
- Manager Trainee, Baillie Lumber Co.
- Senior Consultant of Energy, Sustainability, and Infrastructure, Guidehouse
- Senior Strategy Associate, Assembly Global
Example Career Pathways
A Penn State Agricultural and Biorenewable Systems Management degree paves the way to a career you want in agriculture, business, and more. Here's food for thought—a few jobs our alumni work in now:
Field Operations Manager
A field operations manager oversees the technical testing and evaluation of equipment.
What will I do?
- Test off-road equipment performance in field operations, such as agricultural or construction settings
- Evaluate the test results to help determine points of concern and to optimize equipment performance
- Work with engineers for design modifications based on the outcomes
- Train and supervise technical staff for assisting with evaluations
Regional Sales Specialist
A biorenewable regional sales specialist coordinates the sale of biorenewable products.
What will I do?
- Stay current on the cutting edge of biorenewable development to effectively educate customers and drive your company’s production
- Create effective marketing strategies and materials that showcase biorenewable benefits
- Create and follow sales leads and nurture relationships with existing customers
Technical Risk Appraiser
A technical risk appraiser for a biorenewable company assesses computer equipment, software, training, and processes with an eye on greater efficiency, profitability, and sustainability.
What will I do?
- Conduct audits of company tech infrastructure as it relates to machinery and procedures for producing biorenewable products
- Compare audits to desired outcomes and available technologies
- Make recommendations for improvements and changes
Agricultural Biorenewable Systems Management Students in the News
February 13, 2023
Biorenewable systems major selected as a USDA Future Leader in Agriculture
Makaila Holston Smith, a junior biorenewable systems major in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a Future Leader in Agriculture.
Read More
August 18, 2022
Penn State students aiding project to reduce plastics and support Chesapeake Bay
As doctoral students in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, Wei-Shu Lin and Parisa Nazemi Ashani are dedicating their academic studies and future careers to improving ecosystems, including the Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in the United States.
Read More
September 3, 2021
Task force created to significantly reduce Penn State's carbon emissions
A Carbon Emissions Reduction Task Force has been created to reconsider Penn State’s greenhouse gas emissions goal with a view toward setting a more aggressive target as well as a revised timeframe.
Read More
July 31, 2018
Small amounts of pharmaceuticals found in north central Pa. rural well water
Drinking water from wells in rural north central Pennsylvania had low levels of pharmaceuticals, according to a study led by Penn State researchers.
Read More
Explore more
Resources
- Admissions
- Tuition and Financial Aid
- Scholarships
- Student Life
- Study Abroad
- Internships
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation
See the University Bulletin for details on program requirements, suggested academic plan, and more.
Contact
- Director of Student Recruitment and Activities
- Email mnm11@psu.edu
- Office 814-863-3942
