Moving on up!

The NC State Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering‘s graduate program ranking moved up from No. 10 to No. 8 in this year’s U.S. News & World Report Graduate School Engineering Rankings.

“The department’s ranking is a direct reflection of our already strong program that has been bolstered by hiring some of the best new faculty members in our discipline,” notes Department Head Garey Fox. “The NC State BAE department is experiencing an unprecedented period of growth and development, we have increased our efforts in communicating the impact of our research, extension and academic programs, and we are investing significant financial resources into our laboratories and classrooms. It is an exciting time to be a part of our graduate programs.”

John Classen, the department’s director of graduate programs, agrees.

“New faculty entering the department also bring in new capabilities,” he says. “They are bringing new ways of thinking and solving problems, and there is an emphasis on collaboration within the department, college and university. Updated labs and facilities present even more opportunities.”

Other reasons he cited that the department is a great environment to continue an education in biological and agricultural engineering included the friendly atmosphere, opportunities for research and collaboration, and the location in Raleigh.

While the improved ranking may be something prospective students are interested in, current students are excited about the news as well.

“It means a great deal to be in a top-eight program. It reflects all the hard work done by the faculty and students in our department. I know that when I graduate and go to find a job that having NC State on my CV means a lot,” explains Rachel Taylor, graduate student and president of the Graduate Student Association. “The recognition is well-deserved. Our department is dynamic and evolving to meet the food, water and energy needs of a growing population.”

Learn more about NC State BAE graduate studies.

This post was originally published in College of Agriculture and Life Sciences News.