Applied Economics, PhD

Program Requirements

The PhD program in Applied Economics develops students who are well-trained in economic theory and its empirical application to research in a variety of fields. Applicants to the program should have a strong economic and quantitative background.

The PhD in Applied Economics requires 60 hours of coursework, including 18 dissertation hours. Demonstration of competence by passing core course sequences in the initial year of study and subsequently passing qualifying exams in economic theory and applied econometrics is required. Fields in agricultural economics, agribusiness, economic development, and agricultural and environmental economics are offered. Coursework in these fields is generally undertaken in the second and third years of study, with the goal of developing a significant research program leading to successful completion of the dissertation within four or five years.