Why BBE @ UMN?

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What is BBE?

Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering is a unique major that has similarities with chemical engineering and environmental engineering, but with some big differences: BBE is focused on using bio-based, renewable materials to improve existing products (like clothing, food, and fuel) and natural ecosystems (like rivers, wetlands, and lakes) in a sustainable way, moving our world away from petroleum and unsustainable engineering practices that harm the environment. This major offers three specializations:

  • Bioproducts engineers design and develop engineering solutions for sustainable manufacturing and end-use applications of “green” products, including biofuels, bioenergy, biodegradable plastics, building materials, paper, and chemicals.
  • Environmental and ecological engineers focus on engineering applications to land and water resources, air and soil quality, land-use management, ecosystem services, ecological restoration, and waste management.
  • Food engineers design and develop systems for production, processing, distributing, and storing food and agricultural materials.

Close-knit community

With smaller class sizes, students get to know their professors, providing students with more opportunities in undergraduate research, co-ops, and internships across the country. Over 75 percent of our undergraduates have hands-on engineering experience before graduation.

Outstanding Career Outcomes

Closely aligned with employer demand, this accredited program offers excellent career opportunities in industry, government agencies, corporations, and consulting firms. BBE graduates have a 95% job placement rate within one year of graduation.