Agribusiness, PhD

Plan of Study

At least 30 credit hours (including research credit) of the approved doctoral program and 12 dissertation credit hours must be completed after admission to the doctoral program. Students may not apply credit hours earned for a previously awarded doctorate degree from ASU or another institution toward their current ASU doctorate. However, at the individual academic unit's discretion, students may apply up to 30 credit hours from a previously awarded master's degree toward their doctoral plan of study. Agribusiness doctoral students are expected to develop a program of study that consists of three elements. Students study core theory and quantitative methods coursework in economics and management from the Morrison School of Agribusiness as well as advanced courses in at least one of these areas in the W. P. Carey School of Business: economics, finance, marketing, supply chain management or management. Students also complete a three-course sequence of doctorate-level theory and methods from the Morrison School of Agribusiness as applied to issues and concepts specific to the agribusiness sector. The agribusiness doctorate is designed to allow flexibility with focus; each student's program of study is distinct but is designed to produce the highest level of research competency in the student's chosen area of interest.

Comprehensive Examinations

After the student has completed all necessary coursework on their approved program of study, the academic unit may initiate the student's comprehensive examination process. The examination consists of, at minimum, a written exam; an oral exam may also be required at the discretion of the academic unit.

Candidacy

Doctoral students are notified that they have achieved candidacy status in a letter from the dean of the Graduate College after passing the comprehensive examinations and successfully defending the dissertation prospectus.

Dissertation Requirements

Students are required to present a dissertation to satisfy the research requirement for the doctorate. The dissertation is defended in an oral examination commonly known as the dissertation defense. Students must be enrolled in at least one credit hour that appears on the plan of study or one hour of appropriate graduate-level credit, such as 795 Continuing Registration, during the semester (including summer session) in which the student defends the dissertation. For detailed information regarding the university's doctoral degree requirements, students should refer to the Graduate College policies and procedures.

Maximum Time Limit

Doctoral students must complete all program requirements within 10 consecutive years.