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April 10, 2025
COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering (FABE) within both the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) and College of Engineering at The Ohio State University has been ranked ninth in the nation among graduate programs by U.S. News & World Report in its 2025-2026 Best Biological /Agricultural Engineering Graduate Programs rankings, released this week.
This prestigious recognition reflects FABE’s continued excellence in advancing the science and application of engineering in systems involving food, agriculture, and the environment.
“The ranking is not only a sign of our dedicated faculty, but also a testament to the work that our students are doing,” said Scott Shearer, professor and chair of FABE. “Our department is constantly striving to be a national leader and to improve the experience for our students.”
Because FABE is uniquely positioned as a department within both CFAES and the College of Engineering, it offers students the best of both worlds: the extensive resources of a large research university and the personalized attention of a close-knit academic community. Since 2013, FABE research expenditures have increased by over 80%, allowing students to fully immerse themselves in their chosen field of study.
As of the spring 2024 semester, 55 graduate students were enrolled in FABE pursuing their MS or PhD from the department.
“This ranking recognizes the trajectory of efforts to lead in the development of science and technologies to meet the needs of the world both today and in the future,” said Lisa Pfeiffer, senior graduate program specialist for FABE.
FABE faculty, who advise each graduate student, also extend their expertise beyond the classroom through impactful applied research and outreach programming that serves professionals and the public, helping foster innovative, sustainable solutions to pressing global challenges.
In addition to FABE’s top 10 national ranking, the College of Engineering made major strides in the U.S. News & World Report rankings, coming in at 27th overall. The college remains the best in Ohio.
Rankings for specialty graduate engineering programs were based solely on peer assessments by department heads in each specialty area. Biological and Agricultural Engineering was one of 13 specialties ranked, with 37 schools in the individual specialty.
To learn more about the FABE, visit fabe.osu.edu.
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