ABET Accreditation

The Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science administers THREE undergraduate programs:

  • Biosystems Engineering
  • Environmental and Soil Sciences
  • Construction Science and Management

The Bachelor of Science in Biosystem Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission(s) of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Biological Engineering Program Criteria.

Logo of ABET

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 ABET Program Educational Objectives that align with the objectives of the University of Tennessee. Graduates are prepared to:

  1. Successfully apply engineering principles to complex biological systems, with principles grounded in improving ecological systems and water quality, sustainable food and fiber production and processing, renewable energy production and implementation, efficient mechanical designs and automation, innovative instrumentation and sensors, or related fields,
  2. Continue developing as professionals and leaders in society, through professional involvement and/or lifelong learning, and
  3. Incorporate a wide range of social and cultural issues and corresponding solutions into engineering and professional activities.

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 YearEnrollmentDegrees Awarded
FallSpringFallSpringSummer
2011 – 127170263
2012 – 137064280
2013 – 1465573122
2014 – 155956181
2015 – 165660082
2016 – 176056284
2017 – 1854532101
2018 – 1952550101
2019 – 205954091
2020 – 2155530111

Please contact us at bess@utk.edu with your feedback.