Agricultural and Applied Economics, Ph.D.

About the Agricultural and Applied Economics Doctoral Program

The doctoral program in agricultural and applied economics requires a minimum of 70 credit hours of coursework beyond the baccalaureate degree and at least 20 credit hours for dissertation. The program is designed to develop a broad-based competence in advanced economic theory, techniques of quantitative analysis, and public administration of agricultural and economic issues. The program has several committee-approved electives that can be taken inside or outside the department with approval of the student’s advisory committee. These courses can be mixed from other departments or concentrated to form a formal minor in another department. We have a unique relationship that allows students to pursue a minor in personal financial planning, a joint Ph.D. program between the department and the College of Human Sciences. Completion of the doctoral program in agricultural and applied economics with a minor in personal financial planning qualifies graduates to take a test administered by the Certified Financial Planning Board of Standards to become Certified Financial Planners.

Each Ph.D. candidate is expected to demonstrate competency by satisfactorily completing (1) a comprehensive written examination addressing core topics administered by the department, (2) a dissertation research project that demonstrates original independent scholarly research, and (3) a final oral exam.

Before being recommended for admission to a degree program with a major in agricultural and applied economics, the student may be required to take (without graduate credit) undergraduate leveling courses as specified by the department.