A PhD in Agricultural Economics provides a degree tailored to produce a highly skilled applied economist focused on quantitatively-based economic research and analyses of managerial and policy questions as well as natural resource and environmental issues.
Students (regardless of their primary interests) are encouraged to take not only advanced courses covering various fields within the department but also essential supporting courses in other departments. Students are expected to acquire knowledge of economic theory, its application to contemporary agricultural production, agribusiness and resource problems, and the ability to employ analytical techniques in making policy and business decisions.
The teaching and research activities are grouped broadly as follows: agribusiness management and finance, production economics, markets and trade, policy analysis, and resource economics. The present and expanding program of research in the department affords the student diverse options and capable guidance in dissertation research.