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. Two options are offered for the Doctor of Philosophy degree in the agricultural and applied economics program. The first option allows graduate students to select a minor of their choice in business administration, finance, mathematics, public administration, statistics, sociology, or other possible areas of study. The program has been designed to take advantage of the strengths of the department and areas of interest to students. The second option allows graduate students to select 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 in each specialty field chosen, (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.