Program of Study
Agribusiness Ph.D. students develop a program of study that consist of three elements:
- A core of theory and quantitative methods course work in economics and management from the W. P. Carey School
- Advanced courses in at least one of economics, finance, marketing or management from the W. P. Carey School
- A two-course sequence of doctoral-level theory and methods as applied to issues and concepts specific to the agribusiness sector
At the conclusion of your coursework, you must pass a comprehensive exam, determining your ability to conduct dissertation research to the standards of the W. P. Carey School, with a grade of "B" or higher to begin work on your dissertation.
The dissertation represents an original body of research that contributes to the knowledge in your chosen field. You are expected to complete and defend a dissertation proposal by the end of the third year of coursework. The proposal outlines the research problem, objectives, research methods, and potential implications of the dissertation research. Once the proposal is approved, the student is formally advanced to candidacy.
The final oral defense of your dissertation is mandatory and must be held on the campus of Arizona State University. The Ph.D. degree is granted upon successful completion of the oral defense and any revisions to the dissertation required by committee members.