Agricultural Economics, PhD

Curriculum

The PhD program in agricultural economics includes a core of courses to assure that all students obtain a satisfactory background in the various areas of the field. The broad background enables students to consider a wide variety of jobs upon completion of the degree as well as in future years. The desired specialization is normally obtained through the selection of electives and a dissertation topic.

A minimum of 60 credit hours is required for students who have a MS degree or equivalent. The required number of hours depends on the advisory committee’s evaluation of the course work and research needed to provide depth and breadth of preparation. Students may earn a minor in statistics by completing 18 hours in statistics including hours earned at the MS level.

Research and Faculty

The research program in the OSU Department of Agricultural Economics aims to create practical, empirical knowledge that will increase the efficiency and productivity of Oklahoma agriculture and rural communities and the well-being of Oklahomans. Through collaborations in interdisciplinary projects, we make significant contributions to the research literature in many disciplines.

Meet our Departmental Faculty

Admissions

The application requirements for the agricultural economics graduate degree program in the OSU Department of Agricultural Economics are as follows:

• Submit an application for admission to the OSU Graduate College.
• Provide original transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
• Provide three recommendation writer names and email addresses in the application.
  • Recommendation writers may upload their recommendation into the application. Recommendations should be completed by individuals familiar with your academic performance.
• (Optional) To apply for an assistantship, complete the assistantship information in the application.
  • For best consideration for assistantships, applications should be submitted by January 5 for fall admission and July 1 for spring admission.
• Provide a statement of purpose and résumé.
• Provide GRE scores. Institute code 6546, Department code 0101.
• (International Students only) Provide TOEFL/IELTS scores. Institute code 6546, Dept. code 99.

Please submit all the required documents by uploading the documents into the application for admission.

Cost and Assistance

Many students help finance graduate education through part-time, paid employment as a graduate assistant. As a graduate assistant, you can expand and apply your knowledge and skills under the supervision of faculty or staff. After admission by the Graduate College, a student who is making satisfactory progress toward a graduate degree may be appointed to an assistantship.

The OSU Department of Agricultural Economics awards a number of research and teaching assistantships each year. Stipends for these assistantships are reviewed annually and adjusted as needed. Stipend rates are competitive with those of other outstanding agricultural economics departments. Students who are sufficiently employed as teaching or research assistants and are sufficiently enrolled are eligible for tuition waivers.

Cost and Aid
Assistantships and Funding Opportunities