College of Agriculture & Natural Resources│College of Engineering Department of Biosystems & Agricultural Engineering

Applying to the Department of Biosystems Engineering Graduate Program

This page serves as a guide for successful application submission to our program. For questions or assistance with applications or the process, please contact Kate Balgoyen.

All applicants must include the following materials:

• Complete Application: Complete the online Michigan State University application form. The MSU code for the PhD program is 0501, and the MSU code for the MS program is 0502. Application completion requires an application fee of $65 USD for Domestic Graduate or $75 USD for International Graduate.
• GRE Scores: An official copy of your Graduate Record Examination (GRE) - general test. Codes: 1465 for MSU, 1602 for Biosystems Engineering.
• Personal Statement: A written personal statement explaining your area of interest and reasons for seeking a graduate degree in Biosystems Engineering. This can be added to the body of your application in the appropriate section--but we recommend uploading a separate, well-formatted document to the application portal.
• Academic Statement: An academic statement indicating your qualifications and professional goals, specifying which faculty member(s) you're interested in working with if you are selected for admission. This can be added to the body of your application in the appropriate section--but we recommend uploading a separate, well-formatted document to the application portal.
• CV or Resume: Your current CV/Resume uploaded to the application portal.
• Letters of Recommendation: Three (3) Letters of Recommendation, completed by instructors or supervisors familiar with your work. If you are currently in a graduate program, one letter of recommendation letter must be from your current graduate advisor. There are two options to submit Letters of Recommendation:
  • Use the function within the Application Portal to request letters from recommenders.
  • Or, for recommenders who cannot use the electronic option, use the Letter of Recommendation for Admission Form along with letters sent by mail. See below for the address to send them to.

• Transcripts: Official copies of transcripts from all previous universities attended. Only sealed official copies, sent by the university directly to us, will be accepted. Transcripts submitted to us cannot be returned to you. We can accept transcripts in two different ways:
  • By mail addressed to:
    
    MSU Admissions
    250 Administration Bldg.
    East Lansing, MI 48824
  • Electronically via Parchment, or other similar secure method, to the BAE Graduate Program Office at the email address listed below. This option is available for US institutions only.

International Applicants must also include:

• Transcripts (Special Directions): In addition to the directions above, if the original transcripts and degree certificates are not issued in English, please arrange to provide official copies both in the original language, and an official translation to English.
• English Competency Test Scores:  All international applicants and applicants whose first language is not English must be proficient in English as a condition for regular admission to Michigan State University.  A complete list of accepted tests and minimum requirements can be found here.
• Financial Affidavit: A "Statement of Financial Proof and Affidavit of Support", only if you are an international student and can provide your own financial support as a graduate student. 
• Passport You will be asked to submit passport information in the application portal. Be sure to have your valid, unexpired passport on hand. 

Graduate Application Contact Information:

Mail:
Graduate Program Office
Michigan State University
Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering
524 S. Shaw Lane, Rm 216
East Lansing, MI 48824-1323 USA

Phone: (517) 355-4720

Email: BAE.Grad@msu.edu