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Agribusiness, PhD

Agribusiness, PhD

Academic programs / Graduate degrees / Agribusiness, PhD

approved for STEM-OPT extension, marketing, resources

Program description
Degree awarded: PHD  Business Administration (Agribusiness)

The discipline of agribusiness applies theory and quantitative methods in economics, finance, marketing and management to issues involved in the production, distribution, and marketing of food and fiber. Doctoral students of agribusiness are involved with research in the following:

  • agribusiness management
  • derivatives, commodity marketing and risk management
  • food and fiber supply chain management
  • food marketing
  • food policy and promotion
  • global agricultural trade and policy
  • strategic marketing by food retailers

The interdisciplinary PhD program in business administration with a concentration in agribusiness produces scholars trained in the latest methods of business and economic analysis who can emerge on the forefront of problem-solving in a vital sector of the global economy. Agribusiness graduates are expected to assume teaching and research positions at top-ranked research universities.

This program is offered by the W. P. Carey School of Business and the Morrison School of Agribusiness.

STEM-OPT for international students on F-1 visas

This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 36 months. This OPT work authorization term may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.

The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing the degree through ASU Online.

At a glance
Degree requirements

84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation

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 student's 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 consisting 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, so 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
Upon completion of all necessary coursework on a student's approved program of study, the academic unit may initiate the student's comprehensive examination process. The comprehensive examination consists of, at minimum, a written exam, and at the discretion of the academic unit an oral exam may also be required.

Candidacy
Doctoral students are notified of achieving candidacy status in a letter from the dean of the Graduate College upon 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.

Admission requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the W. P. Carey School of Business.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. official GRE general exam or GMAT scores
  4. personal statement
  5. current curriculum vitae
  6. three letters of recommendation
  7. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency. Complete information on the English proficiency exams and other required documents can be found on the Graduate Admission Services website.

ASU does not accept the GRE® General Test at home edition.

Applicants must submit all the items listed above to complete an application file. Incomplete files will not be reviewed or considered until complete.

An explanation of the applicant's goals should be addressed in the personal statement.

Students should see the program website for application deadlines. Late applications may still be considered for the same application term or for the next term of admission; however, the department reserves the right to deny or not review a late application.

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Career opportunities

Graduates of the doctoral program in business administration at one of the largest public universities in the U.S. have learned from thought leaders in their respective fields and benefitted from the university's tremendous resources. These graduates are fully prepared for careers in research and academia.

Careers opportunities include:

  • data scientist
  • economic consultant
  • market analyst
  • professor
  • research economist
Contact information
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is WRGP (Western Regional Graduate Program)?
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.

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