The doctoral program in agricultural economics provides intensive training in the
application of economic theory and quantitative methods to the economic problems of
the food sector and rural areas.
The OSU Department of Agricultural Economics has a long tradition of being one of
the more relevant and applied departments in the country with a focus is on solving
problems. The department has an environment conducive to considerable interaction
among students and where students interact regularly with faculty.
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.
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.