Digital Agriculture, MENG

Transform the future of farming with a program that merges cutting-edge technology with traditional agricultural practices.

Credential Type

Master's Degree

Cost (2024)

$37,120

Delivery Format

Online

Program Length

32 Credit Hours

Enrollment

Fall or Spring

Eligibility Criteria

Bachelor's degree required

Benefit 1

Acquire cutting-edge digital tech skills for agriculture.

Benefit 2

Lead innovation in sustainable agricultural practices.

Benefit 3

Expand career opportunities in ag-tech sectors.

Overview

This certificate is for agricultural professionals, engineers, and technology innovators. 

It allows you to explore in-depth courses on digital agriculture, enhancing your expertise and capabilities in applying advanced technologies to agriculture.

The M.Eng in Engineering with a concentration in digital agriculture builds on the groundwork laid by other programs which focus more on training and application of the technology making the agricultural system more efficient, resilient and sustainable.

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Skills You Will Learn

Upon completing this degree, you will:

  • Understand and apply data analytics techniques to effectively manage and interpret agricultural data. 
  • Learn how to deploy machine learning algorithms to solve complex problems in agriculture, enhancing crop yields and operational efficiency. 
  • Master precision agriculture technologies that enable optimized field-level management tailored to crop needs. 
  • Utilize remote sensing technology and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to assess and manage agricultural land and resources. 
  • Develop an understanding of sustainable agricultural practices that leverage technology to reduce environmental impact. 
  • Learn about the design and application of robotics in agriculture to automate tasks like planting, harvesting, and weeding. 
  • Apply systems engineering principles to improve the integration and performance of various agricultural technologies. 
  • Understand the regulatory frameworks governing digital agriculture and ethical considerations in technology deployment.
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Build Skills that Matter

Gain the knowledge and practical experience needed to excel in your field and create meaningful impact.

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Course Details

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The Master of Engineering in Digital Agriculture curriculum includes: 

  • 8 hours of Agricultural and Biological Engineering coursework 
  • 4 hours of Computer Science coursework 
  • 4 hours of Crop Sciences coursework 
  • 4 hours of Capstone or Professional Practicum   

12 hours of elective courses from a predetermined list from all three departments will complete the requirements for graduation.

How to Enroll

Applying for this Degree

To apply for a graduate degree program, you'll need to start an online application through the University of Illinois Graduate College

To ensure a smooth application process, please review the following list of required and optional components that you will need to prepare for your submission:

  • Bachelor’s degree: Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. A recommended grade point average (GPA) of 3.2 (A=4.0), or comparable GPA for an international applicant, for the last two years of undergraduate study is a minimum requirement for admission.
  • Graduate Record Examination (GRE): Not required.
  • English proficiency scores (international students only): If you are a non-native English speaker, you must upload your TOEFL or IELTS scores directly to your application. Review the Graduate College’s English proficiency requirements for more details on possible exemptions.
  • Professional resume: This should include personal information (name, address, telephone number, and email address), academic background, work experience (start and end dates for each position and a brief description of responsibilities), educational training, professional associations, and leadership experiences. 
  • Academic Statement and two Personal Statement Short Answer Essays.
  • Letters of recommendation: Not required, but will be considered if included.
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Steps to apply as a student

  1. Navigate to choose.illinois.edu/apply
  2. Create an account or Log in (as a returning users). 
  3. Click Start New Application.
  4. Read the Instructions. Click the Continue button (bottom of page).
  5. Enter your Personal Information. Click the Continue button.
  6. Complete the Residency Information. Click the Continue button.
  7. In the left menu (on a desktop) or from the dropdown list (mobile), click the Program link.
  8. In the “Proposed Program of Study” section, select the following Program and Degree from the dropdown options.
    1. Program: Digital Agriculture 
    2. Degree: Digital Agriculture (Online)-MENG  
  9. Complete the remaining applicable areas of the application and submit.

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