Ph.D. Agricultural Economics

Our Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics is a premier STEM program that produces leaders who find success in academia, government and leading industry positions.

This program offers rigorous training in economics and quantitative methods, with a strong emphasis in applied economics applications. Students choose between three field areas:

  • Agribusiness
  • Applied Market Analysis
  • Natural Resource and Environmental Economics

Within each field area, you’ll work collaboratively with professors to ask important industry questions and relentlessly pursue an understanding of the complex world of economics and our global society.

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Program Details

We offer two routes to the Ph.D. Our traditional route is for those who have obtained a master’s degree. We also offer a 96 credit hour option for those who have obtained a bachelor’s degree, but have not completed a master’s degree. In both, students will explore economic theory and gain a robust research skillset for applying that theory to solve complex agricultural issues. The planning guides with the degree curriculum can be found in the Graduate Handbook. The page numbers for the planning guides can be found in the Table of Figures listed in the handbook.

Students applying to the Ph.D. program are required to submit GRE scores with their application.

  • Degree: Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics
  • Credit Hours: 64 (traditional) or 96 total credit hours
  • Stem Approved: International students are eligible for the 24-Month Stem Extension of Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Program Requirements

Field Areas

Students pursuing a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics choose from one of three field areas. This allows students to narrow their focus and refine their expertise to best align with their professional career goals. Within the agribusiness field area, students can also choose to specialize even further, through one of four emphasis areas.

The planning guides with the degree curriculum can be found in the Graduate Handbook. The page numbers for the planning guides can be found in the Table of Figures listed in the handbook.

Agribusiness

Students who opt for this field specialization will acquire a unique skill set enabling them to excel in teaching agribusiness and conducting research in various professional arenas, including academia, government, and consulting. This program delivers a robust foundation in economic theory and its practical application. For those seeking to further hone their expertise and tailor their skills, students within the agribusiness field specialization can choose to concentrate on one of the following research focus areas.

Applied Market Analysis

Students who opt for this field specialization will develop a unique skill set that equips them to excel in teaching agricultural economics and conducting in-depth research in information economics and food markets. This field of study empowers students to acquire expertise in various crucial areas, including market and demand analysis, product valuation, the utilization of directed acyclic graphs in economic analysis, commodity futures and options, information acquisition, price dispersion, industrial organization, and auctions.

To further enhance their knowledge and refine their skill set, students pursuing the Applied Market Analysis field specialization can choose to focus on one of the following research areas:

Natural Resource and Environmental Economics

Students selecting this field specialization will acquire a distinctive skill set that qualifies them to excel in teaching agricultural economics and conducting applied economic research. This research is dedicated to assessing the utilization, transfer, and allocation of natural resources, contributing valuable insights to inform environmental policies and strategies for natural resource management. Through this specialization, students will gain expertise in the application of economic tools and theories to promote the health and sustainability of our natural world.

To further enhance their expertise and refine their skill set, students pursuing the Natural Resource and Environmental Economics field specialization have the opportunity to concentrate on one of the following research focus areas:

Graduate Admissions

Texas A&M University is the premier choice to gain a graduate degree, thanks to our national academic ranking and high financial value. Joining the Aggie Family and gaining an advanced degree from Texas A&M puts students in the highest class of job candidates.

Learn More about Graduate Admissions and Deadlines

Questions?

Please Direct all Admission Questions to:

AGEC Graduate Program Assistance

Graduate Program Administration