The Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science administers two undergraduate programs:
- Biosystems Engineering
- Environmental and Soil Sciences
Only the Bachelor of Science in the biosystem engineering program is accredited under the Biological Engineering criteria by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET. This program has been accredited continuously since October 1, 1964, and our next accreditation review will take place in 2017-2018.

Program Educational Objectives
The biosystems engineering program at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, provides an exceptional breadth of background in science and engineering, a strong emphasis on design throughout the curriculum, and a focused application of engineering principles to complex biological systems. The program enables its students to perform in a manner that reflects positively on the program and the institution’s reputation.
The biosystems engineering program has program educational objectives (PEOs) that align with the objectives of the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture. Recent graduates are prepared by the program to:
- Be successful in securing employment in the profession or a position in graduate or professional school,
- Continue developing as professionals, and
- Demonstrate success in their chosen career paths.
Student Learning Outcomes
Student learning outcomes (SLO) 1-7 have been chosen by the faculty to establish a framework for our students to realize the program educational objectives. For continuous improvement, each outcome has achievement measures taken throughout the course of study. This faculty feedback helps to ensure that our engineering students at their graduation have the necessary career skills and knowledge.
SLO 1. an ability to identify, formulate and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
SLO 2. an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
SLO 3. an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
SLO 4. an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgements, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
SLO 5. an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
SLO 6. an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
SLO 7. an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies
Enrollment/Degrees Awarded
Academic Year | Enrollment | Degrees Awarded | |||
Fall | Spring | Fall | Spring | Summer | |
2011 – 12 | 71 | 70 | 2 | 6 | 3 |
2012 – 13 | 70 | 64 | 2 | 8 | 0 |
2013 – 14 | 65 | 57 | 3 | 12 | 2 |
2014 – 15 | 59 | 56 | 1 | 8 | 1 |
2015 – 16 | 56 | 60 | 0 | 8 | 2 |
2016 – 17 | 60 | 56 | 2 | 8 | 4 |
Please contact us at bess@utk.edu with your feedback.