该跨学科计划为领导者做准备，并提供新知识，以帮助社区制定基于社区的计划，计划和政策，以维持和增强文化，资源基础，建筑环境和经济健康。作为该计划的学生，您将与教授和社区领袖合作，帮助真正的爱达荷州社区克服发展和规划挑战，以实现可持续增长的愿景。您将培养扎实的研究和解决问题的能力，以及实施系统的保护规划和管理策略以积极塑造下一代的社区的能力。
Although Penn State is a large university, the atmosphere in the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering is typical of a small university or college. Graduate students in our Department are invited and encouraged to participate in all academic, professional, and social activities with the faculty and staff. Other features to enhance professional development for the graduate students include financial support to attend national professional meetings and clerical and technical support for assistance with research activities. Students have identified the following positive attributes of graduate study in Agricultural and Biological Engineering at Penn State: Professors know students' names and treat them as individuals. Thesis research is on the cutting edge. Linkage with industry is strong and active. Good collaboration exists with other departments at Penn State. Good flexibility exists in the graduate program. Assistantship support is generally available. On-campus graduate housing is available. Penn State consistently ranks in the top ten. State College is a rural location, yet close to large cities.