Doctor of Philosophy in Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication

The PhD in agricultural leadership, agricultural and extension education, and science communication provides a wide range of educational and research experiences designed specifically to prepare graduates with the skills they need to address complex issues associated with agricultural production necessary to feed and clothe a growing population while sustaining the natural environment.  Candidates must complete an approved program of 45 semester hours of coursework beyond the master's degree ( see ALEC PhD Course Checklist ) , satisfactory performance on written and oral examinations, and a formal dissertation. The ALEC PhD degree program is available face-to-face on the Athens campus.

Candidates in the ALEC PhD program will focus in one of these tracks:

  • Agriculture and Environmental Sciences Leadership
  • Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Education
  • Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Communication

Graduates of the ALEC PhD program will be equipped for:

  • Faculty roles
  • Leadership and communication positions within NGOs, government agencies, school districts, and teaching and Extension
  • Careers in international agricultural development

More Information

  • ALEC PhD on the Graduate School Website
  • ALEC Graduate Student Handbook and Forms

What Can I Do with a Graduate Degree in Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communication?

Imagine PhD allows students to assess their interests, skill sets, and values and how they align with career paths. This is an online planning tool to help students strategize on ways to develop skill sets needed to pursue a career of choice.

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Agricultural and Extension Education, Ph.D.

A candidate for the Ph.D. degree in Agriculture and Extension Education must meet all University, College, Division, and Program requirements as outlined in the WVU Graduate catalog.

Program Requirements

All Ph.D. degree candidates are required to follow a planned program of study. The student develops the plan of study during their first year in the program in conjunction with the graduate committee. The plan must be approved by the candidate's graduate committee, Director of the School of Design and Community Development, and the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs of the Davis College.

Agriculture and Extension Education Requirements 

The doctoral program in Agricultural and Extension Education (AGEE) is designed to develop scholars and researchers in philosophical areas of education and extension. To meet that broad goal, Doctoral Students build program a program of study coursework focusing on foundational AGEE philosophy, research and analysis, and at least one outside concentrate area or cognate. Foundational coursework includes topics related to the diverse areas of education, communication and extension within the context of agriculture. Research coursework includes methods, quantitative and qualitative analysis. Additional cognate courses should include teaching and learning theory, educational psychology, supervision, administration and leadership, and advanced data collection and analysis. The plan of study must include a minimum of 12 hours of research.

The AGEE faculty guiding the program believe that being a scholar includes more than consumption of knowledge. The program is also designed to develop researchers who explore and build an understanding of the world and profession. Student lead research is expected, as is engagement in teaching within the program. A Doctoral Student’s program of study will reflect those expectations with research and independent study hours.

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PhD program 

The Department of Agricultural and Extension Education and Evaluation (AEEE) prepares and supports highly-qualified agricultural and extension professionals to teach, lead, and serve youth and adults. AEEE’s focus is on two of our greatest assets—the agricultural industry and our human capital. Students in this program learn about effective teaching methods and techniques as they prepare for careers in both formal and non-formal educational environments of the agricultural sector.

Concentrations are available in Agricultural Leadership and Development and Teaching in Formal Education. Students interested in the Agricultural Education major should contact the Department of Agricultural and Extension Education and Evaluation for deadlines and specific details about each concentration. Students who anticipate entering the Teaching in Formal Education concentration for teacher certification should inform the faculty advisor at the time the undergraduate program of study is being developed. Students interested in a teacher certification program other than agricultural education should contact the College of Human Sciences and Education.

Agricultural and Extension Education and Evaluation, Ph.D.

The Doctor of Philosophy degree in Agricultural & Extension Education is designed to provide professional advancement in a variety of career contexts including, but not limited to, higher education, state agricultural education leadership, Cooperative Extension, agribusiness, government, and non-profits. This program requires 60 approved credit hours above the Masters degree, successful completion of the comprehensive general examination, and the completion of a doctoral dissertation. The doctoral dissertation is a substantial research project planned, implemented, and reported under the guidance of the student’s graduate committee.

Ph.D. Admission

  • Acceptable GRE score
  • GPA - 3.0 minimum per LSU Graduate School requirements Writing sample
  • Philosophy of Agricultural or Extension Education (maximum of 2 pages)
  • Letter of intent which includes career goals and research interests

Other Requirements

  • Students who have been a part of our master’s program must reapply for the PhD program.
  • PhD program will require a minimum of 61 hours beyond the master’s degree.
  • Students with a bachelor’s degree only will have to complete the master’s degree before being allowed to apply for the PhD program.
  • AEEE—Research Methods in AEE (or its equivalent) and ELRC 4006— Introduction to Applied Statistics in Educational Research (or its equivalent) are leveling courses that all PhD students are expected to have completed as part of their master’s degree program.
  • Students who do NOT have one or both of these courses will be required to take them but CANNOT count them toward the 61 hour requirement.
  • Agricultural education students wishing to pursue a PhD must have 3 years of successful agricultural education teaching experience to be admitted to the PhD program. All other applicants must have 3 years of

Graduate Assistantships

A limited number of graduate assistantships are available at both the M.S and Ph.D. levels. Students who are on assistantship will work within the department for a minimum of 20 hours a week and may have responsibilities teaching course work, serving as a teaching assistant, serving as research assistants, or assisting with departmental programs. Assistantships are competitive and will often require interviews for specific positions. For more information about assistantship availability, please contact Dr. Richie Roberts, Associate Professor and Graduate Coordinator, at [email protected] .

GRADUATE CATALOG

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LSU COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE

Richie Roberts, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Graduate Advisor [email protected] 131 J.C. Miller Hall Baton Rouge, LA 70803 225-578-8549

Michael Burnett, Ph.D. Department Head [email protected] 139 J. C. Miller Hall Baton Rouge, LA 70803 225-578-6194

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  • College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences
  • Ph.D. in Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
  • CONCENTRATION: AGRICULTURAL AND EXTENSION EDUCATION

Ph.D. IN AGRICULTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES, CONCENTRATION: AGRICULTURAL AND EXTENSION EDUCATION

Program overview.

The Agricultural and Extension Education concentration is designed for students wanting to learn more about leadership development and styles, and educational methods for youth and adults used in agricultural and related fields.

Advanced work may involve specialized training in career and technical education and extension education.

Candidates will develop an individual program of study that provides a comprehensive knowledge of the teaching and learning process with a strong theoretical foundation and practical research experience in agricultural education.

Candidates will be prepared for a position of leadership in a variety of educational settings, such as public and private schools, community colleges, universities, business, government, and industry.

Program Outcomes

The program will prepare graduates to:

  • Apply their critical thinking skills to solve complex issues impacting agriculture and environmental sciences.
  • Demonstrate effective communication skills through project and dissertation work and conference presentations.
  • Conduct research or undertake advanced projects in an area of sustainable agriculture and environmental sciences.
  • Be active and effective leaders in their professional societies and will demonstrate and model disciplinary expertise.

Scholarly Engagement

Faculty and students have published in the following top-tier journals in the field of agricultural education: 

The Journal of Agricultural Education, The Journal of Agricultural Education and Extension, International Journal of Agricultural Education and Extension, and the Journal of Career and Technical Education.  Students and faculty are active members of professional organizations and present at various local, national and international academic conferences.

Employment Oppertunities

For more information.

Dr. Chastity Warren English, Program Coordinator [email protected] 336-285-4819

Prospective students should plan to meet with the agriculutral education faculty prior to submitting their applications to discuss their potential research agendas with those professors who their research align and include those ideas in the personal statement.

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Ph.D. Program in Agricultural Education

Ph.d. in education with a focus in agricultural education.

If you have a passion for agricultural/natural resources education, youth leadership development, community and civic leadership and engagement, STEM education, or career and technical education- this is a great opportunity for you!

The Department of Agricultural Education and Agricultural Sciences works closely with the College of Education to offer a valuable degree program that allows our students to be well prepared for faculty and administrative positions in universities, cooperative extension, supervisory, and administrative positions in state departments of education; as well as numerous positions in government and related industries. The program takes 3 years on average for degree completion if entering the program with a master’s degree.

This Ph.D. in education, with an emphasis in agricultural education, was co-developed by both colleges and provides our Ph.D. students with an unique and diverse program. Our graduates are highly sought after and are high performers in their careers.

In addition to receiving a high-quality education, our graduate students are given ample opportunity to receive graduate assistantships to help support them financially throughout their academic journey. Our graduate students positively impact agriculture education nationwide through active involvement in professional organizations, hands-on teaching experiences, research endeavors, and industry engagement.

Graduate students also have multiple opportunities to attend regional and national conferences where they present original research, create professional networks, and seek out new opportunities to grow both personally and professionally.

Explore more information about our program and how to apply below! 

More About the Program

The Agricultural Education doctoral option has a primary focus of preparing candidates to assume faculty positions in colleges or university agricultural education programs. Candidates assemble an individual program of study that provides a comprehensive knowledge of the teaching and learning process with a strong theoretical foundation and practical research experience in agricultural education. This program combines rigorous education with instruction and advising duties, along with multiple opportunities for professional development. 

Assistantships

Qualified candidates will receive assistantship funding to teach graduate and undergraduate courses in agricultural education, leadership, agricultural communications, and agricultural sciences. Assistantships are 9-month, .49 FTE positions with the opportunity for summer teaching employment. Salary and benefits are competitive and funded assistantships include tuition waivers. 

Areas of Research and Interest in Agricultural Education:

  • K-12 and Postsecondary Student Motivation
  • Leadership assessment and development
  • Teacher preparation and early career retention
  • Teaching Methods
  • Teacher recruitment, retention, and professional development
  • Equitable and inclusive practices in agricultural education

Connect with us and tell us more about your research inquiries!

Learning Outcomes 

Agricultural Education Learning Outcomes

Three overarching Graduate Council-approved Learning Outcomes for the PhD program are:

  • Produce and defend an original significant contribution to knowledge
  • Demonstrate mastery of subject material
  • Conduct scholarly activities in a responsible and ethical manner

In addition, the major aim of the Agricultural Education Ph.D. option is to develop students’ analytic skills, knowledge and sensibilities to:

  • Use meaningful and relevant social science literature to better understand and investigate questions in agricultural education research
  • Critically evaluate key social science research to construct arguments which further understanding of research in agricultural education
  • Synthesize a coherent point of view using evidence-based and theoretical arguments relevant to questions in agricultural education research

Application Process/Requirements

The Agricultural Education program is a minimum of 108 credits which include: a core curriculum in quantitative and qualitative research, 13 credits in a specialty area, a practicum, and a dissertation. Additional research methods and elective courses as approved by the major professor (faculty advisor). 

Applicant Requirements:  

  • Ability to pass the state of Oregon background check
  • 3.0 GPA or better 
  • Master’s degree in an appropriate field or equivalent professional experience (preferably in the areas of Agricultural Education, Extension Education, Agricultural Leadership, Agricultural Communications, or other related degrees)
  • Demonstrated capability of working independently as well as in teams
  • Willingness to collaborate in multi-disciplinary projects 

*Applicants are encouraged to contact KJ Joseph to discuss relevant prior experiences and education. 

Preferred qualifications include: 

  • Demonstrated excellent teaching skills
  • Demonstrated outstanding verbal and written communication skills

Application Materials: 

To apply, please send a current resume, unofficial transcript(s), contact information for three professional references, and a 2-page, double spaced personal statement describing your experience with teaching and desire to pursue a Ph.D. graduate degree to either KJ Joseph ( [email protected] ). After reviewing the application materials, qualified candidates will be invited for a video or on-campus interview.

Application Deadlines:  The Agricultural Education option has a rolling application process. Applicants are encouraged to contact KJ Joseph (541-737-5926) if interested. Upon departmental acceptance, applicants will then be asked to apply to the program through the College of Education . 

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Agricultural education

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A doctorate in agricultural education from MU can help you advance your career in agricultural or extension education, communication or informal adult education. If you want to connect with expert faculty members and take an innovative, high-tech approach to agricultural education, this may be the degree for you.

Quick facts

Official name, program type, academic home, delivery mode, accreditation, credit hours, estimated cost.

*This cost is for illustrative purposes only. Your hours and costs will differ, depending on your transfer hours, your course choices and your academic progress. See more about tuition and financial aid .

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Career prospects

This degree has potential benefits for.

  • Classroom or extension educators in agriculture or the environment
  • Communications or public relations professionals
  • International agricultural development specialists
  • Program manager or producers
  • Sales professionals
  • Youth specialists

Program structure

Delivery of this program is 100% online: no campus visits are required.

Courses are semester-based. Students typically take two classes each semester session and finish the program in four years.

Course work covers

  • Instructional design and delivery
  • Teaching and learning theories and practices
  • Educational program planning, evaluation, organization and administration

Calendar system

Typical program length, typical course load.

The University of Missouri is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission , one of six regional institutional accreditors in the United States.

Learn more about this program

Agricultural Education and Studies

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Agricultural Extension Education Specialization

Requirements.

For the Ph.D. degree, a specialization in Agricultural Extension Education can be earned by taking a graduate course in the following areas: instructional methods (AGEDS 520), program planning (AGEDS 524), technology transfer (AGEDS 561), program evaluation (see recommended), and administration (AGEDS 625).  Additionally, the dissertation research must be related to agricultural extension education.

For the M.S. degree, a specialization in Agricultural Extension Education requires a graduate course in each of the following areas: program planning, program evaluation, and instructional methods.  The thesis or creative component must be related to agricultural extension education. 

Students interested in Extension may benefit from taking other elective coursework related to extension education, associated with the Certificate in Education and Outreach for Agriculture and Natural Resources. Students are permitted to earn both a Specialization and the Certificate.

Access the Certificate here .

Declaring the Specialization.  The student must type “Agricultural Extension Education” on the appropriate line of the electronic POSC form under AccessPlus to be routed and approved by the POS Committee. The Specialization, when satisfied, becomes part of the degree and the transcript.

Texas A&M University Catalogs

Doctor of philosophy in agricultural leadership, education, and communications.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications is a campus based degree program and a specialized, research-oriented degree. The program prepares individuals for university faculty positions, opportunities in natural resource management, extension education, international development, public and corporate leadership roles in education, and many other professional careers in agriculture and life sciences.  Coursework gives the candidate a thorough and comprehensive knowledge in the field of study and methods of research. 

A student entering with a Master’s degree must complete 64 credit hours, and a student with a baccalaureate degree must complete 96 credit hours. Students pursuing the PhD may choose to complete a maximum of 12 credit hours of coursework in supporting areas closely aligned to their research interests and professional goals.  

All students in this program must complete a residence requirement. More information about this residency requirement can be found on the Additional Requirements tab . 

In addition to the program requirements required by the Graduate and Professional School, each student is recommended to complete four core courses as part of their degree program to gain content knowledge and skills. 

  • ALEC 610 Principles of Adult Education
  • ALEC 615 Philosophy of Agricultural Education
  • ALEC 640 Methods of Technological Change
  • ALEC 695 Frontiers in Research

Information regarding our programs and the  application process  may be obtained from the  ALEC website . 

Steps to Fulfill a Doctoral Program

Program Requirements

  • Student's Advisory Committee

Degree Plan

Transfer of credit, research proposal.

  • Preliminary Examination

Preliminary Examination Format

Preliminary examination scheduling, report of preliminary examination, failure of the preliminary examination, retake of failed preliminary examination.

  • Final Examination

Report of Final Examination

Dissertation, student’s advisory committee.

After receiving admission to graduate studies and enrolling, the student will consult with the head of his or her major or administrative department (or chair of the intercollegiate faculty) concerning appointment of the chair of the advisory committee. The student’s advisory committee will consist of  no fewer than four members of the graduate faculty  representative of the student’s several fields of study and research, where the chair or co-chair must be from the student’s department (or intercollegiate faculty, if applicable), and  at least one or more of the members must have an appointment to a department other than the student’s major department . The outside member for a student in an interdisciplinary degree program must be from a department different from the chair of the student’s committee.

The chair, in consultation with the student, will select the remainder of the advisory committee. Only graduate faculty members located on Texas A&M University campuses may serve as chair of a student’s advisory committee. Other Texas A&M University graduate faculty members located off-campus may serve as a member or co-chair (but not chair), with a member as the chair.

If the chair of a student’s advisory committee voluntarily leaves the University and the student is near completion of the degree and wants the chair to continue to serve in this role, the student is responsible for securing a current member of the University Graduate Faculty, from the student’s academic program and located near the Texas A&M University campus site, to serve as the co-chair of the committee. The Department Head or Chair of Intercollegiate faculty may request in writing to the Associate Provost and Dean of the Graduate and Professional School that a faculty member who is on an approved leave of absence or has voluntarily separated from the university, be allowed to continue to serve in the role of chair of a student’s advisory committee without a co-chair for up to one year. The students should be near completion of the degree. Extensions beyond the one year period can be granted with additional approval of the Dean.

The committee members’ signatures on the degree plan indicate their willingness to accept the responsibility for guiding and directing the entire academic program of the student and for initiating all academic actions concerning the student. Although individual committee members may be replaced by petition for valid reasons, a committee cannot resign  en masse . The chair of the committee, who usually has immediate supervision of the student’s research and dissertation or record of study, has the responsibility for calling all meetings of the committee. The duties of the committee include responsibility for the proposed degree plan, the research proposal, the preliminary examination, the dissertation or record of study and the final examination. In addition, the committee, as a group and as individual members, is responsible for counseling the student on academic matters, and, in the case of academic deficiency, initiating recommendations to the Graduate and Professional School.

The student’s advisory committee will evaluate the student’s previous education and degree objectives. The committee, in consultation with the student, will develop a proposed degree plan and outline a research problem which, when completed, as indicated by the dissertation (or its equivalent for the degree of Doctor of Education or the degree of Doctor of Engineering), will constitute the basic requirements for the degree. The degree plan must be filed with the Graduate and Professional School prior to the deadline imposed by the student’s college and no later than 90 days prior to the preliminary examination.

This proposed degree plan should be submitted through the online Document Processing Submission System located on the website  http://ogsdpss.tamu.edu . A minimum of 64 hours is required on the degree plan for the Doctor of Philosophy for a student who has completed a master’s degree. A student who has completed a DDS/DMD, DVM or a MD at a U.S. institution is also required to complete a minimum of 64 hours. A student who has completed a baccalaureate degree but not a master’s degree will be required to complete a 96-hour degree plan. Completion of a DDS/DMD, DVM or MD degree at a foreign institution requires completion of a minimum of 96 hours for the Doctor of Philosophy. A field of study may be primarily in one department or in a combination of departments. A degree plan must carry a reasonable amount of 691 (research). A maximum of 9 hours of 400-level undergraduate courses may be used toward meeting credit-hour requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy.

Additional coursework may be added by petition to the approved degree plan by the student’s advisory committee if it is deemed necessary to correct deficiencies in the student’s academic preparation. No changes can be made to the degree plan once the student’s Request for Final Examination is approved by the Graduate and Professional School.

Approval to enroll in any professional course (900-level) should be obtained from the head of the department (or Chair of the intercollegiate faculty, if applicable) in which the course will be offered before including such a course on a degree plan.

No credit may be obtained by correspondence study, by extension or for any course of fewer than three weeks duration.

Students in the Doctor of Philosophy degree program in Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications may complete up to seven courses by distance education and no more than 50 percent of the non-research credit hours required for the program may be completed through distance education courses.

To receive a graduate degree from Texas A&M University, students must earn one-third or more of the credits through the institution’s own direct instruction. This limitation also applies to joint degree programs. 

Courses for which transfer credits are sought must have been completed with a grade of B or greater and must be approved by the student’s advisory committee and the Graduate and Professional School. These courses must not have been used previously for another degree. Except for officially approved cooperative doctoral programs, credit for thesis or dissertation research or the equivalent is not transferable. Credit for “internship” coursework in any form is not transferable. Courses taken in residence at an accredited U.S. institution or approved international institution with a final grade of B or greater will be considered for transfer credit if, at the time the courses were completed, the courses would be accepted for credit toward a similar degree for a student in degree-seeking status at the host institution. Credit for coursework taken by extension is not transferable. Coursework  in which no formal grades are given or in which grades other than letter grades (A or B) are earned (for example, CR, P, S, U, H, etc.) is not accepted for transfer credit . Credit for coursework submitted for transfer from any college or university must be shown in semester credit hours, or equated to semester credit hours.

Courses used toward a degree at another institution may not be applied for graduate credit. If the course to be transferred was taken prior to the conferral of a degree at the transfer institution, a letter from the registrar at that institution stating that the course was not applied for credit toward the degree must be submitted to the Graduate and Professional School.

Grades for courses completed at other institutions are not included in computing the GPA. An official transcript from the university at which transfer courses are taken must be sent directly to the Office of Admissions.

The general field of research to be used for the dissertation should be agreed on by the student and the advisory committee at their first meeting, as a basis for selecting the proper courses to support the proposed research.

As soon thereafter as the research project can be outlined in reasonable detail, the dissertation research proposal should be completed. The research proposal should be approved at a meeting of the student’s advisory committee, at which time the feasibility of the proposed research and the adequacy of available facilities should be reviewed. The approved proposal, signed by all members of the student’s advisory committee, the head of the student’s major department (or chair of the intercollegiate faculty, if applicable), must be submitted to the Graduate and Professional School at least 20 working days prior to the submission of the Request for the Final Examination.

Compliance issues must be addressed if a graduate student is performing research involving human subjects, animals, infectious biohazards and recombinant DNA. A student involved in these types of research should check with the Office of Research Compliance and Biosafety at (979) 458-1467 to address questions about all research compliance responsibilities. Additional information can also be obtained on the website  http:// rcb.tamu.edu .

Examinations

Preliminary examination for doctoral students.

The student’s major department (or chair of the interdisciplinary degree program faculty, if applicable) and his or her advisory committee may require qualifying, cumulative or other types of examinations at any time deemed desirable. These examinations are entirely at the discretion of the department and the student’s advisory committee.

The preliminary examination is required. The preliminary examination for a doctoral student shall be given no earlier than a date at which the student is within 6 credit hours of completion of the formal coursework on the degree plan (i.e., all coursework on the degree plan except 681, 684, 690, 691, 692, 693, 695, 697, 791, or other graduate courses specifically designated as S/U in the course catalog). The student should complete the Preliminary Examination no later than the end of the semester following the completion of the formal coursework on the degree plan.

The objective of preliminary examination is to evaluate whether the student has demonstrated the following qualifications:

a.     a mastery of the subject matter of all fields in the program;

b.     an adequate knowledge of the literature in these fields and an ability to carry out bibliographical research;

c.     an understanding of the research problem and the appropriate methodological approaches.

The format of the preliminary examination shall be determined by the student’s department (or interdisciplinary degree program, if applicable) and advisory committee, and communicated to the student in advance of the examination. The exam may consist of a written component, oral component, or combination of written and oral components.

The preliminary exam may be administered by the advisory committee or a departmental committee; herein referred to as the examination committee.

Regardless of exam format, a student will receive an overall preliminary exam result of pass or fail. The department (or interdisciplinary degree program, if applicable) will determine how the overall pass or fail result is determined based on the exam structure and internal department procedures. If the exam is administered by the advisory committee, each advisory committee member will provide a pass or fail evaluation decision.

Only one advisory committee substitution is allowed to provide an evaluation decision for a student’s preliminary exam, and it cannot be the committee chair.

If a student is required to take, as a part of the preliminary examination, a written component administered by a department or interdisciplinary degree program, the department or interdisciplinary degree program faculty must:

a.     offer the examination at least once every six months. The departmental or interdisciplinary degree program examination should be announced at least 30 days prior to the scheduled examination date.

b.     assume the responsibility for marking the examination satisfactory or unsatisfactory, or otherwise graded, and in the case of unsatisfactory, stating specifically the reasons for such a mark.

c.     forward the marked examination to the chair of the student’s advisory committee within one week after the examination.

Prior to commencing any component of the preliminary examination, a departmental representative or the advisory committee chair will review the eligibility criteria with the student, using the Preliminary Examination Checklist to ensure the student is eligible for the preliminary examination. The following list of eligibility requirements applies.

Student is registered at Texas A&M University for a minimum of one semester credit hour in the long semester or summer term during which any component of the preliminary examination is held. If the entire examination is held between semesters, then the student must be registered for the term immediately preceding the examination.

An approved degree plan is on file with the Graduate and Professional School prior to commencing the first component of the examination.

Student’s cumulative GPA is at least 3.000.

Student’s degree plan GPA is at least 3.000.

At the end of the semester in which at least the first component of the exam is given, there are no more than 6 hours of coursework remaining on the degree plan (except 681, 684, 690, 691, 692, 693, 695, 697, 791, or other graduate courses specifically designated as S/U in the course catalog). The head of the student’s department (or Chair of the Interdisciplinary Degree Program, if applicable) has the authority to approve a waiver of this criterion.

Credit for the preliminary examination is not transferable in cases where a student changes degree programs after passing a preliminary exam.

If a written component precedes an oral component of the preliminary exam, the chair of the student’s examination committee is responsible for making all written examinations available to all members of the committee. A positive evaluation of the preliminary exam by all members of a student’s examination committee with at most one dissension is required to pass a student on his or her preliminary exam.

The student’s department will promptly report the results of the Preliminary Examination to the Graduate and Professional School via the Report of Doctoral Preliminary Examination form. The Preliminary Examination checklist form must also be submitted. These forms should be submitted to the Graduate and Professional School within 10 working days of completion of the preliminary examination.

The Report of the Preliminary Examination form must be submitted with original signatures of the approved examination committee members. If an approved examination committee member substitution (one only) has been made, that signature must also be included, in place of the committee member, on the form submitted to the Graduate and Professional School. The original signature of the department head is also required on the form.

After passing the required preliminary oral and written examinations for a doctoral degree, the student must complete the final examination within four years of the semester in which the preliminary exam is taken. Exams taken in between terms will expire at the end of the term that ended prior to the exam. For example, a preliminary exam taken and passed during the fall 2019 semester will expire at the end of the fall 2023 semester. A preliminary exam taken in the time between the summer and fall 2019 semesters will expire at the end of the summer 2023 semester.

First Failure

Upon approval of a student’s examination committee (with no more than one member dissenting), and approval of the Department and Graduate and Professional School, a student who has failed a preliminary examination may be given one re-examination. In accordance with Student Rule 12.5, the student’s department head or designee, intercollegiate faculty, or graduate advisory committee should make a recommendation to the student regarding their scholastic deficiency.

Second Failure

Upon failing the preliminary exam twice in a doctoral program, a student is no longer eligible to continue to pursue the PhD in that program/major. In accordance with Student Rule 12.5.3 and/or 12.5.4, the student will be notified of the action being taken by the department as a result of the second failure of the preliminary examination.

Adequate time must be given to permit a student to address inadequacies emerging from the first preliminary examination. The examination committee must agree upon and communicate to the student, in writing, an adequate time-frame from the first examination (normally six months) to retest, as well as a detailed explanation of the inadequacies emerging from the examination. The student and committee should jointly negotiate a mutually acceptable date for this retest.  When providing feedback on inadequacies, the committee should clearly document expected improvements that the student must be able to exhibit in order to retake the exam.  The examination committee will document and communicate the time-frame and feedback within 10 working days of the exam that was not passed.

Final Examination for Doctoral Students

The candidate for the doctoral degree must pass a final examination by deadline dates announced in the “Graduate and Professional School Calendar” each semester. The doctoral student is allowed only one opportunity to take the final examination.

No unabsolved grades of D, F, or U for any course can be listed on the degree plan. The student must be registered for any remaining hours of 681, 684, 690, 691, 692, 791 or other graduate courses specifically designated as S/U in the course catalog during the semester of the final exam. No student may be given a final examination until they have been admitted to candidacy and their current official cumulative and degree plan GPAs are 3.00 or better.

To be admitted to candidacy for a doctoral degree, a student must have:

1.       completed all formal coursework on the degree plan with the exception of any remaining 681, 684, 690 and 691, 692 (Professional Study), or 791 hours,

2.       a 3.0 Graduate GPA and a Degree Plan GPA of at least 3.0 with no grade lower than C in any course on the degree plan,

3.       passed the preliminary examination,

4.       submitted an approved dissertation proposal,

5.       met the residence requirements.

The request to hold and announce the final examination must be submitted to the Graduate and Professional School a minimum of 10 working days in advance of the scheduled date. Any changes to the degree plan must be approved by the Graduate and Professional School prior to the submission of the request for final examination.

The student’s advisory committee will conduct this examination. The final examination is not to be administered until the dissertation or record of study is available in substantially final form to the student’s advisory committee, and all concerned have had adequate time to review the document. Whereas the final examination may cover the broad field of the candidate’s training, it is presumed that the major portion of the time will be devoted to the dissertation and closely allied topics. Persons other than members of the graduate faculty may, with mutual consent of the candidate and the chair of the advisory committee, be invited to attend a final examination for an advanced degree. A positive vote by all members of the graduate committee with at most one dissension is required to pass a student on his or her exam. A department can have a stricter requirement provided there is consistency within all degree programs within a department. Upon completion of the questioning of the candidate, all visitors must excuse themselves from the proceedings.

The student’s department will promptly report the results of the Final Examination to the Graduate and Professional School via the Report of Doctoral Final Examination form. These forms should be submitted to the Graduate and Professional School within 10 working days of completion of the final examination. The Graduate and Professional School must be notified in writing of any cancellations.

A positive evaluation of the final exam by all members of a student’s advisory committee with at most one dissension is required to pass a student on his or her final exam. The Report of the Final Examination Form must be submitted with original signatures of only the committee members approved by the Graduate and Professional School. If necessary, multiple copies of the form may be submitted with different committee member original signatures. If an approved committee member substitution (1 only) has been made, his/her signature must be included on the form submitted to the Graduate and Professional School.

The ability to perform independent research must be demonstrated by the dissertation,  which must be the original work of the candidate . Whereas acceptance of the dissertation is based primarily on its scholarly merit, it must also exhibit creditable literary workmanship. The format of the dissertation must be acceptable to the Graduate and Professional School. Guidelines for the preparation of the dissertation are available in the  Thesis Manual , which is available online at  https://grad.tamu.edu .

After successful defense and approval by the student’s advisory committee and the head of the student’s major department (or chair of the intercollegiate faculty, if applicable), a student must submit his/her dissertation in electronic format as a single PDF file. The PDF file must be uploaded to the website,  https://grad.tamu.edu . Additionally, a signed paper approval form with original signatures must be received by the Graduate and Professional School. Both the PDF file and the signed approval form are required by the deadline.

Deadline dates for submitting are announced each semester or summer term in the Graduate and Professional School Calendar (see Time Limit statement). These dates also can be accessed via the website  https://grad.tamu.edu .

Each student who submits a document for review is assessed a one-time thesis/dissertation processing fee through Student Business Services. This processing fee is for the thesis/dissertation services provided. After commencement, dissertations are digitally stored and made available through the Texas A&M Libraries.

A dissertation that is deemed unacceptable by the Graduate and Professional School because of excessive corrections will be returned to the student’s department head or chair of the intercollegiate faculty . The manuscript must be resubmitted as a new document, and the entire review process must begin anew. All original submittal deadlines must be met during the resubmittal process in order to graduate.

Additional Requirements

Continuous registration, admission to candidacy.

  • 99-Hour Cap on Doctoral Degree

Application for Degree

A student who enters the doctoral degree program with a baccalaureate degree must spend one academic year plus one semester in resident study at Texas A&M University. A student who holds master’s degree when he/she enters doctoral degree program must spend one academic year in resident study. One academic year may include two adjacent regular semesters or one regular semester and one adjacent 10-week summer semester. The third semester is not required to be adjacent to the one year. Enrollment for each semester must be a minimum of 9 credit hours each to satisfy the residence requirement. A minimum of 1 credit hour must be in a non-distance education delivery mode. Semesters in which the student is enrolled in all distance education coursework will not count toward fulfillment of the residence requirement.

To satisfy the residence requirement, the student must complete a minimum of 9 credit hours per semester or 10-week summer semester in resident study at Texas A&M University for the required period. A student who enters a doctoral degree program with a baccalaureate degree may fulfill residence requirements in excess of one academic year (18 credit hours) by registration during summer sessions or by completion of a less-than-full course load (in this context a full course load is considered 9 credit hours per semester).

Students who are employed full-time while completing their degree may fulfill total residence requirements by completion of less-than-full time course loads each semester. In order to be considered for this, the student is required to submit a Petition for Waivers and Exceptions along with verification of his/her employment to the Graduate and Professional School. An employee should submit verification of his/her employment at the time he/she submits the degree plan. See  Registration .

See  Residence Requirements .

All requirements for doctoral degrees must be completed within a period of ten consecutive calendar years for the degree to be granted. A course will be considered valid until 10 years after the end of the semester in which it is taken. Graduate credit for coursework more than ten calendar years old at the time of the final oral examination may not be used to satisfy degree requirements.

A final corrected version of the dissertation or record of study in electronic format as a single PDF file must be cleared by the Graduate and Professional School within one year of the semester in which the final exam is taken. Exams taken in between terms will expire at the end of the term that ended prior to the exam. For example, a final exam taken and passed during the fall 2022 semester will expire at the end of the fall 2023 semester. A final exam taken in the time between the summer and fall 2022 semesters will expire at the end of the summer 2023 semester. Failure to do so will result in the degree not being awarded.

A student in a program leading to a Doctor of Philosophy who has completed all coursework on his/her degree plan other than 691 (research) are required to be in continuous registration until all requirements for the degree have been completed. See  Continuous Registration Requirements .

  • completed all formal coursework on the degree plan with the exception of any remaining 681, 684, 690 and 691, or 791.
  • a 3.0 Graduate GPA and a Degree Plan GPA of at least 3.0 with no grade lower than C in any course on the degree plan,
  • passed the preliminary examination (written and oral portions),
  • submitted an approved dissertation proposal,
  • met the residence requirements. The final examination will not be authorized for any doctoral student who has not been admitted to candidacy.

A student is required to possess a competent command of English. For English language proficiency requirements, see the Admissions section of this catalog. The doctoral (PhD) foreign language requirement at Texas A&M University is a departmental option, to be administered and monitored by the individual departments of academic instruction.

99-Hour Cap on Doctoral Degrees

In Texas, public colleges and universities are funded by the state according to the number of students enrolled. In accordance with legislation passed by the Texas Legislature, the number of hours for which state universities may receive subvention funding at the doctoral rate for any individual is limited to 99 hours. Texas A&M and other universities will not receive subvention for hours in excess of the limit.

Institutions of higher education are allowed to charge the equivalent of non-resident tuition to a resident doctoral student who has enrolled in 100 or more semester credit hours of doctoral coursework.

Doctoral students at Texas A&M have seven years to complete their degree before being charged out-of-state tuition. A doctoral student who, after seven years of study, has accumulated 100 or more doctoral hours will be charged tuition at a rate equivalent to out-of-state tuition. Please note that the tuition increases will apply to Texas residents as well as students from other states and countries who are currently charged tuition at the resident rate. This includes those doctoral students who hold GAT, GANT, and GAR appointments or recipients of competitive fellowships who receive more than $1,000 per semester. Doctoral students who have not accumulated 100 hours after seven years of study are eligible to pay in-state tuition if otherwise eligible.

Doctoral students who exceed the credit limit will receive notification from the Graduate and Professional School during the semester in which they are enrolled and exceeding the limit in their current degree program. The notification will explain that the State of Texas does not provide funding for any additional hours in which a student is enrolled in excess of 99 hours. Texas A&M University will recover the lost funds by requiring students in excess of 99 hours to pay tuition at the non-funded, non-resident rate. This non-funded, non-resident tuition rate status will be updated for the following semester and in all subsequent semesters until receipt of a doctoral degree. Please see the  Tuition Calculator  at the non-resident rate for an example of potential charges.

The following majors are exempt from the 99-Hour Cap on Doctoral Degrees and have a limit of 130 doctoral hours:

  • Biochemistry
  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Counseling Psychology
  • Genetics and Genomics
  • Health Services Research
  • Medical Sciences
  • Microbiology
  • Neurosciences (School of Medicine)
  • Oral and Craniofacial Biomedical Sciences
  • Pharmaceutical Sciences
  • Public Health Sciences
  • School Psychology

For information on applying for your degree, please visit the  Graduation  section.

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Doctoral Students

Ph.D. Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications

The Ph.D. in Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications is a campus-based, research-oriented doctoral degree program. This specialized degree provides a wide range of educational and research experiences designed specifically to train scholars equipped to address complex issues relating to the food, agriculture, natural resources and human sciences. Students will graduate with a strong theoretical foundation and advanced research skillset necessary for careers in the public or private sector.

Graduates often pursue university faculty positions, public and corporate leadership roles in education, natural resource management, Extension education, international development and other professional careers in agriculture, life and social sciences.

Program Details

Coursework gives the candidate a thorough and comprehensive knowledge in the field of study and methods of research. The program requires a minimum of 64 semester hours, beyond the master’s degree, including dissertation research and 18 hours of research methods. Without the master’s degree, a student must complete a minimum of 96 semester hours.

Students pursuing the Ph.D. may choose to complete a maximum of 12 hours of coursework in supporting areas closely aligned to their research interests and professional goals. While a majority of the courses must be completed on campus, students are eligible to apply up to seven online courses toward the degree program. Students must successfully pass oral and written preliminary exams and complete a dissertation to fulfill program requirements.

  • Degree: Ph.D. in Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications
  • Credit Hours: 64 total credit hours

Core Curriculum

While students are allowed the flexibility to select support courses to tailor their graduate program to match their academic interests and career aspirations, students are encouraged to complete four core curriculum courses to gain content knowledge and skills. All students will be assessed on their performance in each of these four core courses: 

Identification of basic principles motivating adults to learn. Procedures to implement these principles in bringing about changes in adult behavior.

Historical and philosophical developments in education that brought about education in agriculture; ideas of individuals that culminated in agricultural education institutions and organizations.

Dynamics of cultural change as theoretical framework for planned technological change; methods of planning and implementing change, its effects and how it can be predicted.

Basic concepts of quantitative and qualitative research; understanding the social science research process; using appropriate methods to address research problems; enabling students to effectively evaluate, consume, and communicate research findings.

Graduate Admissions

Texas A&M University is the premier choice to gain a graduate degree, thanks to our national academic ranking and high financial value. Joining the Aggie Family and gaining an advanced degree from Texas A&M puts you in the highest class of job candidates. If students interested in seeking financial assistance, applicants are highly encouraged to submit application materials by the  fall deadline dates .

What Do I Need to Apply?

  • Application through the Texas A&M University GraduateCAS system
  • Official transcripts and records, sent to the Office of Admissions
  • Note: GRE Scores are not required
  • If the GPA is verified as not obtaining the above GPAs, applicants are still eligible to apply. We are fundamentally interested in admitting the best students and recognize that several factors including work experience and life experiences can add to the value of an application. 
  • Statement of purpose outlining intent and professional career goals*
  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae
  • Five letters of recommendation, submitted electronically with your application*
  • Writing samples to demonstrate writing proficiency*
  • Prior to and while in the process of applying, applicants are highly encouraged to meet with and have conversations with faculty in their desired research and interest area. Applicants must secure an ALEC faculty member to agree to support admission and serve as an interim faculty advisor.

Statement of Purpose

Applicants must indicate specific interest area and provide well-defined, focused academic and research objectives, why they wish to pursue the degree, and how the degree will assist them in obtaining your career goals. The statement needs to be very specific indicating what research has been completed and provide specific research objectives.

Letters of Recommendation

Students will provide email addresses of recommenders in the online application. Recommenders will be asked to submit their recommendation letter electronically. Only one letter may be from faculty, staff or student employee in the department. Other ideal recommenders might be an immediate or past supervisor; previous professors; a peer or another person from the above categories.

Writing Samples

Applicants must submit two writing samples. One critique of a department faculty member’s recent refereed publication. Journal article must be within the past five years. Additionally, applicants must write a position paper on a topic related to one’s research interests.

International Students

Official TOEFL scores are required for international applicants. Official scores must be sent by ETS directly to Texas A&M University using the school code: 6003. Exams must be taken within the last two years. Visit the Graduate and Professional School website for a list of requirements, exemptions and other useful information regarding the TOEFL/IELTS Exams. English proficiency can be demonstrated by one of the criteria below:

  • a GRE Verbal Reasoning score of at least 146 (must be taken in last five years) or;
  • a minimum TOEFL score of: 80 internet-based testing; 550 for paper-based testing (from a test date within two years) or;
  • a minimum TOEFL Essentials score of at least 8.5 (from a test date within two years) or;
  • a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 overall (from a test date within two years) or;
  • a minimum PTE Academic score of 53 (from a test date within two years)

Admissions Decisions

Applicants will receive an admissions decision either in a letter from the Texas A&M University Office of Admissions and/or from the department. Candidates will receive a decision letter within a month after application submission.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

By submitting an application, all students are considered for scholarships and fellowships. To be considered for additional funding opportunities outside of the department, students are encouraged to submit the  financial aid application  and a  scholarship application , along with their graduate school application. This ensures students are reviewed for all the types of financial aid that you are eligible for. Remember: each student’s financial aid eligibility may vary. The types of financial aid you are offered is based on the data provided on your financial aid and/or scholarship application. If a student is an international or out-of-state resident and receives a competitive scholarship of at least $1,000, they may qualify for a  non-resident tuition waiver . Students interested in assistantships should visit guidelines for applying for a departmental assistantship.

Cummings, Scott

Scott Cummings

Professor and Extension Specialist, Associate Head for Graduate Programs

[email protected]

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Clarice Fulton

Program Coordinator

979-862-7180

[email protected]

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Human Sciences | Mississippi State University | Home

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Agricultural and Extension Education

Agricultural and Extension Education

The Agricultural and Extension Education Program in the School of Human Sciences offers graduate courses leading to the following degrees:

  • Master of Science in Agricultural and Extension Education with concentrations in:
  • Community and Extension Education
  • Agriculture Teacher Licensure
  • Teaching and Learning

Doctor of Philosophy in Agricultural Sciences with a concentration in Agricultural and Extension Education

Master of science in agricultural and extension education (thesis and non-thesis).

A minimum of 30 hours of coursework in a planned program of study must be completed for the M.S. degree. A minimum of one-half the total credit hours on the program of study must be at the 8000 level. Students wishing to complete a thesis must take at least 6 credit hours of research/thesis (6 of these credit hours substitute for coursework hours) and an approved statistics course.

A written or oral final comprehensive examination is required for the student in the non-thesis option. A student in the thesis option must pass a final thesis defense and submit the thesis.

Community and Extension Education concentration

  • AELC 6103 – Principles and Practices of Extension Education
  • AELC 8203 – Advanced Communications in Agricultural and Extension Education
  • AELC 8243 – Administration and Supervision in Agricultural and Extension Education
  • AELC 8503 – Program Planning and Development
  • AELC 8703 – Evaluation of Agricultural and Extension Education Programs
  • AELC 8803 – Applying Research Methods to Agricultural and Extension Education
  • AELC 8853 – Statistics for the Social and Life Sciences in Agriculture
  • AELC 8000 – Research/Thesis (thesis option) OR AELC 8100 Creative Component Project (non-thesis option)
  • Electives (6 hours)

Agriculture Teacher Licensure concentration

  • AELC 6403 – Development of Youth Programs
  • AELC 6613 – Teaching Agricultural Mechanics
  • AELC 6723 – Pedagogy of Agriscience Programs
  • AELC 6873 – Professional Seminar in Agricultural Education
  • AELC 8403 – Directing Learning Experiences in Agricultural and Extension Education
  • AELC 8603 – Teaching Internship in AEE I
  • AELC 8613 – Teaching Internship in AEE II
  • AELC 8693 – Philosophical Foundations of Agricultural and Extension Education
  • EDX 8173 – Special Education in the Regular Classroom
  • AELC 8000 Research/Thesis (thesis option) OR AELC 8100 Creative Component Project (non-thesis option)

Teaching and Learning concentration

  • AELC or Education electives (6 hours)
  • Agriculture Subject Area electives (6 hours)

The minimum requirement for the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree is the completion of 90 semester hours of graduate credit on an approved program of study above the bachelor’s degree. Required courses for the Ph.D. include 30–36 hours of graduate credit in Agricultural and Extension Education; 16 graduate credits in statistics, research, and evaluation; 12–18 graduate credits in a minor or supporting area, 0–12 graduate elective credits; and 20 credit hours of dissertation research. Students must pass a written and an oral comprehensive examination in both the major and minor/supporting area.

To be eligible for the preliminary/comprehensive examination, a graduate student must have a 3.00 GPA on all graduate courses taken after admission to the degree program. Students must also pass the final dissertation examination. The student’s graduate committee supervises the dissertation and examinations.

Doctor of Philosophy curriculum

  • AELC 8413 – Methods of Planned Change
  • COGNATE (Communications, Extension, Teaching/Learning, or Youth Development) or Minor in appropriate department, or disciplines (12 hours)
  • RESEARCH, EVALUATION, AND STATISTICS
  • AELC 8833 – Instrument and Data Collection Procedures in Social Science Research
  • EPY 9453 – Introduction to Qualitative Research
  • CHOOSE QUANTITATIVE SERIES OR QUALITATIVE SERIES
  • Quantitative Series to include AELC 9103 (Applied Multivariate Analysis in Agricultural Science) or EPY 9213 (Multivariate Analysis) and AELC 9583 (Analysis of Data in AEE)
  • Qualitative Series to include EDF 9463 (Qualitative Data Collection) and EDF 9473 (Qualitative Data Analysis)
  • AELC 9000 Research/Dissertation

Health Promotion Emphasis

Ph.D. students in Agricultural and Extension Education may select an emphasis in health promotion by taking courses in the Food Science, Nutrition, and Health Promotion Department's Health Promotion curriculum. These courses must be approved by the Health Promotion graduate coordinator. This program is designed to equip students for careers as public health educators, health promotion specialists, and health scientists. Students in this emphasis may sit for the Certified Health Education Specialist exam offered by the National Commission on Health Education Credentialing when they have successfully completed at least 25 hours in the Health Promotion area.

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Want to know more? Contact:

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University Catalog 2023-2024

Agricultural and extension education.

Our graduate programs offer flexibility and enable graduates to pursue diverse career options. Prepare for a career teaching agricultural education to middle or high school students, or become an Extension agent helping farmers and families succeed in their communities. Pursue other rewarding positions such as agricultural museum curators, environmental educators, agricultural missionaries, agricultural public relations representatives, or congressional officers.

More information on our programs can be viewed on our website .

Admission Requirements

  • A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0; a minimum graduate GPA of 3.5 for Doctoral applicants
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • A statement of purpose: Prospective graduate students will draft a statement of purpose for graduate work. If the student intends to complete a thesis or dissertation, the statement should also indicate the nature of potential research work, including possible topics or questions, and minimally two professors from the Agricultural and Human Science department whose research areas potentially align with those possible research topics. Prospective students should plan to meet with faculty prior to submitting their applications to discuss the research with those professors and include those ideas in the statement.
  • Relevant experience in extension, teaching, industry, leadership, or other closely related field

Master's Degree Requirements

The Department offers an M.S. degree, which requires a thesis for which the student receives six hours of credit, and a Master of Agricultural and Extension Education (M.R.) as a non-thesis track. The M.S. degree requires a total of 36 credit hours, whereas the M.R. degree requires 30 credit hours. The student’s advisory committee will meet with the student to determine the appropriate courses for their Plan of Work. M.S. students have the option of adding a minor which requires a minimum of 9 credit hours.

Graduate Certificate Requirements

The Department also offers a graduate certificate in agricultural and extension education. This certificate program involves completion of 15 credit hours divided into two focuses: Agricultural Education and Extension Education. 

Sixth-Year Certificate

The Department offers an array of courses that are recognized by the NC Department of Public Instruction as comprising a Sixth-Year Certificate. Students are required to complete 24 hours of advanced graduate work past the Master's degree. Contact the Director of Graduate Programs for details.

Doctoral Degree Requirements

A Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree in Agricultural and Extension Education is offered. A minimum of 72 hours past the Bachelor's degree is required. More hours may be required based upon the past degrees and experiences of the candidate. The student’s graduate committee will determine the specific courses needed. At least six hours of statistics is required. Twelve hours of credit is earned for writing the dissertation ( AEE 895 ). The student’s advisory committee will meet with the student to determine the appropriate courses for their Plan of Work.

Student Financial Support

A limited number of research and/or teaching assistantships are available on a competitive basis. Applications for open positions are due in January for the following academic year. Other financial aid is available from the Office of Financial Aid and on a competitive basis from the Graduate School.

  • Agricultural and Extension Education (MR)
  • Agricultural and Extension Education (MS)
  • Agricultural and Extension Education (EdD)
  • Agricultural and Extension Education (Certificate)
  • Agricultural & Extension Education (Minor)

Department Head

  • Ben Chapman
  • Joseph Donaldson , Director of Undergraduate Programs
  • Annie Hardison-Moody , Director of Graduate Programs

Full Professors

  • Carolyn Bird
  • Koralalage Sunil Upali Jayaratne
  • Sarah Kirby
  • Travis Park
  • Michael Schulman

Associate Professors

  • Jackie Bruce
  • Joseph Donaldson
  • Harriett Edwards
  • Annie Hardison-Moody
  • Wendy J. Warner

Assistant Professors

  • Jamie Alexander
  • Basheerah Enahora
  • Maru Gonzalez
  • Misty Lambert
  • Katherine McKee
  • Catherine Elizabeth Sanders
  • Sudha Sankar
  • Virginia Stage

Adjunct Faculty

  • Amber Beseli
  • Mitzi Downing
  • Autumn Guin
  • Rhonda Sutton

Development and organization of agricultural and extension education in America from colonial times to the present. Emphasis on role of societal and scientific changes, the federal government and philosophy on evolution of agricultural and extension education.

Typically offered in Fall and Summer

Research, theory and principles of youth organization management. Analysis of youth development models and application of leadership theory in a youth organization. Using evaluation models to assess the effectiveness of major youth organization. Web-based course.

Typically offered in Spring only

Trends and Issues in Agricultural and Extension Education. Analysis and appraisal of current trends, problems and issues in Agricultural and Extension Education. May include but not limited to scientific, political, demographic, social, educational, technological, and environmental trends and issues that will contribute to the future structure and operation of agricultural and extension education in the United States.

Organization and operation of formal and nonformal agricultural education and extension systems in the United States and in other countries. Field trip required - cost approx. $175.00.

Typically offered in Fall only

Consideration of the need for planning programs in education; objectives and evaluation of community programs; use of advisory group; organization and use of facilities.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing or PBS status

Designed to meet needs of leaders in adult education. Opportunity to study issues in working with adult groups. Attention given to the problem of fitting educational program for adults into public school and other educational programs and to methods of teaching adults.

Principles of program planning applied to educational programs about agriculture; theory and field experiences in planning, organizing, and evaluating secondary agricultural education programs; development of plans for conducting all aspects of the complete agricultural education programs.

Principles, theory and techniques of using information technologies to provide instruction to learners, both in person and at a distance, in formal and non formal educational settings.

This course is intended to prepare students to be effective managers of volunteer programs. Theory will be emphasized in the course because it is essential to be grounded in theory in order to apply it. Major topics of the course will include, but are not limited to: volunteer recruitment, training, evaluation and reward. Students will be required to be active in and outside of class sessions, including a 20-hour field experience. Students must provide their own transportation for field trips and outside of class activities. Cannot receive credit for both AEE 433 and 533 .

Prerequisite: Junior standing

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

Application of theoretical models and research on effective teaching in secondary agricultural education programs. teaching strategies, planning required, and instructional management for students with varying backgrounds. Evaluation of student learning and teacher evaluation of instruction.

Evaluation is an important part of many social science disciplines and grant projects. The intent of this course is to teach students how to plan and conduct a meaningful and useful evaluation. Students will gain knowledge and skills in planning evaluations; designing evaluation studies and evaluation instruments; collecting and analyzing data; and using evaluation results. Students will learn evaluation theoretical concepts and their application in real-life situations.

Restriction: Graduate Standing or PBS

For students in non-thesis master's programs who have completed all other requirements of the degree except preparing for and taking the final master's exam.

Prerequisite: Master's student

Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer

For graduate students whose programs of work specify no formal course work during a summer session and who will be devoting full time to thesis research.

Typically offered in Summer only

This course provides an opportunity to learn about global agricultural and extension education issues, challenges and opportunities relating to agricultural development. The course emphasis is on building necessary knowledge and skills for analyzing global agricultural and extension education issues and formulating alternatives for agricultural development. This course has been designed to help graduate students understand agriculture and extension education with a global perspective.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing

Exploration of topics of special interest not covered by existing courses by individual students under faculty member's directions. Readings and independent study, problems or research not related to a thesis.

Faculty-supervised practicum in an educational, extension or agricultural industry setting.

Teaching experience under the mentorship of faculty who assist the student in planning for the teaching assignment, observe and provide feedback to the student during the teaching assignment, and evaluate the student upon completion of the assignment.

Prerequisite: Doctoral student

Instruction in research and research under the mentorship of a member of the Graduate faculty.

Dissertation research.

For students who have completed all credit hours, full-time enrollment, preliminary examination, and residency requirements for the doctoral degree, and are writing and defending their dissertations.

Agricultural Education and Human Sciences

The role and structure of modern agricultural education within the overall educational system. School organization and governance, curriculum, teacher roles and responsibilities, educational philosophy and history, multiculturalism, special need students, impact of technology, professionalism, and current educational trends and issues.

This course will critically compare and evaluate the major human development theories and their application to family life and youth development and examine the usefulness of theory in describing, explaining, predicting, or changing behavior.

In preparation for professional positions in family life & youth development, students will work with a faculty member or organizations to design a Masters capstone study project that aligns with their professional goals. Faculty supervision required.

A major and critical element in all programs of vocational education is provision for appropriate student learning experiences in a real and simulated employment environment. Due to recent developments in education and agriculture, new and expanded concepts of occupational experience devised. Current research substantiates need and desire of teachers of agriculture for assistance in implementing new concepts. Also designed to develop depth of understanding of theoretical foundations underlying new developments in occupational experiences to stimulate individual growth and creativity in implementing further developments.

Applications of theories and research about interpersonal relationships and family dynamics to issues facing families over the life course, emphasizing the interplay of social, developmental and health factors in affecting change, continuity and well-being.

Design and development of data based curriculum and curriculum evaluation procedures in agricultural and extension education. Critique of curriculum development models, contemporary trends and issues, curriculum resources and accountability tools.Analysis of the use of national and state standards as well as local community needs in curriculum development.

Family resource management theory is used to examine personal financial management concepts. Family systems and stress theories will be employed to emphasize the interconnections between families, communities, resources through topics such as personal management (decision-making, time & organizational management, stress management); human and social capital (education, skill building, health, employability, relationships); physical capital (transportation, real estate, and housing); financial management (credit and debt, budgeting, retirement issues, bankruptcy).

Prerequisite: Graduate student status or any PBS student.

This course will examine educational intervention strategies for family issues that pose particular difficulty for Family Life and Parenting Educators. Topics include: addictions/substance abuse; child abuse and neglect; domestic abuse; Illness, death and dying; divorce/mediation; step-families & single parenting; gang memberships, suicidal ideation, sexuality/teen pregnancy; and rape and other acts of violence. The course will include a discussion of evidence-based prevention and treatment options for referring clients, and a debate of the role of educators in this process.

R: Graduate Standing or Permission of Instructor

This course will provide students with an advanced understanding of the physiological, psychological, social and cultural aspects of sexual development throughout the lifespan. This includes, but is not limited to, emotional and psychological aspects of sexuality; gender and sexuality; reproductive health and family planning, and the intersections of sexuality and interpersonal relationships. While some cross-cultural information will be included, the main focus will be sexuality in the United States.

AEHS 538 focuses on issues of social and cultural diversity, social identity, and societal manifestations of power, privilege, and oppression within the context of youth and family sciences. Using a social justice education framework, this course will critically examine and analyze social identity development, social group differences, socialization, intergroup relations, and levels and types of oppression in the United States as they relate to youth and families. Students will reflect on their own identities and learn how to work collaboratively toward inclusion, equity, and social change with youth and families.

The course will include an examination of social, economic, and behavioral housing theory, historical and current housing policy and its relationship to the housing, neighborhoods and community development and an investigation of diverse populations and their housing/neighborhood concerns.

Theoretical and empirical literature in lifespan, family life, and parent education will be explored along with implications for issues affecting families including content, delivery, and evaluation of parent education programs. Offered either face-to-face or in person via Distance Education.

This course examines communication in families and integrates the coach approach to communication including identifying individual and family issues; appreciating differences; discovering purpose; practicing forgiveness; resolving conflict; conducting successful critical conversations; mending relationships; effective communication; direct and indirect communication; the art of saying no; the power of words; powerful questions; work/life balance; identifying values; stress management.

YFCS 547: Family Life Coaching prepares family science practitioners to meet the growing demands of improving family life through family life and parent Coaching. This graduate-level course examines family life coaching as an approach to services for families and youth. Students will be introduced to coaching as a vital service for helping families better communicate and reach goals and will explore theoretical and empirical literature in coaching. Through practice and skill building exercises, students will learn to coach and will examine the implications for future coaching practice.

Leadership is ubiquitous in our society. It remains one of the world's favorite buzz words. However, just because it's everywhere, doesn't mean everything labeled so, is leadership. This graduate course in leadership theory will require you to critically examine your ideas of leadership, and reflect on your own (and society's) notions of "what is leadership". In this class we will separate the skills you gain from going out and doing leadership (the do) and the theories that provide the foundations for leadership (the think). Many successful leaders learn their skills via practice; that is important. AEE 550, however, is a leadership education course where we study leadership theory. We will take those theories, long associated with the academic study of leadership, and deconstruct them using critical theory as our lens. Then, using the text as guide, reconstruct them in new ways to meet today's pressing challenges.

This course examines the application of classic and contemporary theories and models of leadership to the work of community-based organizations. Students will examine leadership from diverse perspectives; then analyze the strengths and weaknesses of leadership theories and models when applied to organizational development of community-based systems.

Historical and contemporary foundations of program development and evaluation in non-formal, community-based family life and youth development settings are examined including theory, research, and three holistic program development constructs: 1) planning; 2) design and implementation; 3) impact evaluation and accountability.

This course explores the fundamental concepts of child and youth development (including early childhood through adolescence) as applied to programmatic and organizational contexts. A special focus is placed upon the concepts as applied to Community Youth theories & practice.

This course will cover local food systems history, terminology, research, and model projects in North Carolina. It also includes the economics of local food systems, from basic business plans and structures to the triple bottom line, and a focus on local food value chains, including market channel assessments and value-added ventures. Emphasis is placed throughout on providing existing and aspiring Extension professionals with resources to support translation of research into practice using interdisciplinary, systems approaches.

R: Admission to the Graduate School or approval of instructor. Non-degree students (NDS PBS) are included.

Preparation for current and future community-based youth and family professionals to better manage volunteers in local program service delivery. Specific foci include: volunteerism as a social phenomenon; volunteer resource management; new forms of volunteerism; and future trends in volunteerism. Restricted to graduate and post-baccalaureate students only.

In-depth examination of current and emerging issues and trends impacting volunteer involvement in community-based youth and family organizations to prepare current and future youth and family professionals to manage volunteers in local program delivery; examining contemporary research related to trends and issues, and evaluating historical and current social phenomena so as to understand their impact upon volunteer involvement and consider future challenges for volunteer administrators. Restricted to graduate and post-baccalaureate students only.

This course is intended to prepare students to be effective members of organizations, both as team members and team leaders. Theories of organizational behavior will be emphasized in the course; in so much as it is essential to be grounded in theory in order to apply it. Major topics include: motivation, job design, managing diversity, decision making, power, ethics, and organizational design.

The Community Leadership course will prepare graduate students for leadership roles within an array of community settings. The three core competencies for community leadership will be shared which include farming ideas, building and using social capital, and mobilizing resources. Tools associated with each of these competencies will be examined as well as the ways in which to apply these tools to various community situations. Leadership theories that have been learned in AEE 550 will also be discussed to show how to move from theory to practice. This is a course that will require student participation both during class sessions and outside of class where students will be engaged in a team project. The course will be offered in the spring of odd years.

Prerequisite: Graduate student status and AEE 550: Leadership Theory

Processes by which professional change agents in agricultural and extension education influence the introduction, adoption, and diffusion of planned change. This course requires admission to any program of the NC State University Graduate School such as full graduate status, graduate unclassified status, post-baccalaureate studies, evening degree programs, etc. It has no other prerequisites, requisites, or restrictions.

Restriction: Graduate Standing or PBS status.

Philosophy, design, interpretation and practice of scientific research in agricultural and extension education, with a particular focus on the skills necessary to be an effective and critical "consumer" of research that is practiced within the field. Web based course.

The course emphasis is on designing research and development of research proposals for graduate research or competitive grants in agricultural and human sciences. This course involves critical analysis of research in agricultural and human sciences and proposed research. In consultation with the students' academic advisors, this research proposal may become the basis for either the graduate thesis or a graduate research article (for the non-thesis option). Students are encouraged to discuss this course with their academic advisor and the instructor to fully understand how the course fits into their graduate course of study.

P: AEHS 578 - Research Methods in Agricultural and Human Sciences; R: Students must be MS or EdD students in the Agricultural and Human Sciences Department, and they must have the permission of their advisor to enroll in this course

Typically offered in Spring and Summer

This course explores contemporary issues facing youth, family, and community professionals in the United States. Students will explore respective social, cultural, political, and/or organizational underpinnings of issues as focused in two major domains: (1) professional ethics and practice and (2) family law and public policy. Emphasis will be placed on issues affecting family life educators and their understanding of the legal issues, policies, and laws influencing the well-being of families, along with understanding the character and quality of human social conduct. This includes the ability to critically examine ethical questions and issues as they relate to professional family life education practice.

Special Topics Family Life and Youth Development

Presentation of material not normally available in regular graduate course offerings or for offerings of new 500 level courses on a trial basis.

Current topics and issues in agricultural and extension education. Selection and research of topics, presentation of seminars, and leading group discussions.

Instruction in research and research under the mentorship of a member of the Graduate Faculty.

Thesis research

For students who have completed all credit hour requirements and full-time enrollment for the master's degree and are writing and defending their thesis.

Theory and practice of effective teaching in agricultural and life sciences. Emphasis on course planning, teaching and learning styles, instructional techniques, laboratory instruction, text construction, student evaluation, instructional technology, and faculty roles and responsibilities.

Qualitative research methods continue to gain popularity in the disciplines of agricultural & life sciences. It is becoming increasingly important for graduates to have a practical working knowledge of the development, implementation, and evaluation of these methodologies. Topics in the course will include but not be limited to: the foundation of qualitative research, data collection and analysis techniques, and review of qualitative research. Students are encouraged to have completed an introductory research methods course prior to enrolling. Introductory Research Methods course taken at the graduate level.

This course will examine the richness and diversity of scholarship in agricultural and human sciences and its applications to professional practice in a colloquium setting. A primary purpose is to build capacities for individual, professional, and civic work as students apply their learning to develop scholarship and professionalism. The course explores advanced topics and research methods and supports students in presenting and defending their research and research proposals. In successive fall semesters, graduate students participate in three, one-credit colloquia that engage faculty and students from across the Department of Agricultural and Human Sciences. This course requires admission to any program of the NC State University Graduate School such as full graduate status, graduate unclassified status, post-baccalaureate studies, evening degree programs, etc.

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2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog

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phd agricultural extension

College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics

Ph.d. degree.

afrephgraduation

  • Ph.D. students establish competency in the fields of microeconomic theory and econometric methods (courses taught in the  Department of Economics ), applied microeconomics, and a major field in Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics.
  • Major fields are offered in Development Economics, Environmental and Resource Economics, and Food and Agricultural Economics . Students with an interest in  regional economics and/or state and local government policy select a major field based on their area of specific interest. Each student works with their guidance committee to develop a course program that supports the student’s long-term career goals and meets degree requirements.
  • Students must meet grade requirements in microeconomic theory, econometric methods, and applied microeconomics to be qualified to proceed in the Ph.D. program.
  • By the end of their third year, students are required to produce and present an original paper. The original research component, which must go beyond a literature review, should be sufficiently well-developed to convince the student’s research paper committee that the paper is publishable. Evaluation of the written paper and oral presentation constitutes the student’s comprehensive exam for the Ph.D.
  • After passing the comprehensive exam, students proceed to defend a dissertation research proposal, complete the dissertation, and defend it at a final oral examination.

Students typically complete the Ph.D. degree in four to five years. Full details on Ph.D. degree requirements are available in the Department’s Graduate Policy and Program Handbook.

Completed Dissertations

View the dissertations written by AFRE Ph.D. graduates since 1990.

Graduate Research Symposium Papers

View a list of authors and titles of research papers presented at Graduate Research Symposiums to date.

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Agricultural Sciences (Ph.D.)

Tom Davis quinoa greenhouse lettuce

Why pursue a Ph.D. in agricultural sciences at UNH?

A Ph.D. in a gricultural s ciences will help you advance your career in an agriculture-related field, whether you are working in agricultural production, agribusiness, policy areas in government or nonprofit sectors, education and/or research. As a graduate student in the department of agriculture, nutrition and food systems , you will part of an interdisciplinary department focusing on the farm to fork wellness continuum and a holistic approach to solving problems. You will also develop independent and team research experience and graduate prepared to pursue a wide range of caree rs .

Program highlights

UNH is among the nation’s highest-performing research universities, having earned a Carnegie Classification R1. Our research portfolio brings in more than $110 million in competitive external funding each year. Federal and state funding is available for research on diverse aspects of sustainable agriculture, foods and agricultural sciences. You’ll have the opportunity to partner with state and regional growers and producers and collaborate with leading researchers worldwide. As a graduate student at UNH, you’ll have the opportunity to work in several top-notch teaching and research facilities, including the New Hampshire Agricultural Experiment Station, one of the university’s largest research organizations.

Potential career areas

  • Agribusiness
  • Commercial plant/animal production
  • Private consulting
  • Education  and Extension
  • Government/regulatory
  • Policy making
  • Nonprofit sector

Andre Brito

Contact Information

UNH doctoral candidate Joshua Addo

Curriculum & Requirements

Program description.

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Agricultural Sciences graduate program offered by the Department of Agriculture, Nutrition, and Food Systems (ANFS) offers a flexible course of study that provides education and research experience plant and animal agriculture, aquaculture, food systems, and related fields. As a graduate student in ANFS, you will be engaged in an interdisciplinary department focusing on the farm to fork wellness continuum and a holistic approach to solving problems. You will also develop independent and team research experience.

As an Agricultural Sciences student, you will have the opportunity to optimize your graduate course work to suit your interests and career goals. Our faculty offer education and research opportunities in the diverse components of food systems and plant and animal agricultural systems including breeding and genetics, physiology, environmental interactions, organismal health, agroecology, and pathology. Student are exposed to diverse production systems, including field based, hydroponics, and aquaculture, as well as post-harvest practices. Beyond the classroom and the lab, you will hone communication skills that essential for professional scientists through teaching, extension, and outreach opportunities with stakeholders and constituents.

With a Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences, students are prepared to pursue careers in college teaching and research positions in industry and government. Students may work in plant and animal agriculture, aquaculture, food production and distribution systems, teaching, public service, research in federal, state, nonprofit, private organizations, or related fields.

The Ph.D. program is thesis-based, with the expectation of generating and publishing substantial new knowledge in the field of interest.

Requirements for the Program

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) graduate students work with their advisor and Doctoral Guidance Committee to plan a program of study including the required core courses, competencies, and develop a research proposal. To complete the degree, students must complete a research proposal, pass a qualifying exam, conduct dissertation research, and complete and defend a dissertation.

Guidance and Dissertation Committees : During the first semester, the student and advisor jointly select members of a guidance committee. A nomination form must be sent to the graduate school to officially appoint the committee membership. The Guidance Committee consists of 5 members and is responsible for approving the proposal and oversees the qualifying examination. Once the student has advanced to candidacy, the Doctoral Dissertation Committee is formed. The Dissertation Committee is responsible for administering the dissertation exam.

Dissertation Proposal and Defense: All Ph.D. students are required to develop a formally approved research proposal typically by the end of the third semester and no later than the fourth semester. Proposals are approved by the dissertation committee and the major advisor. In addition to the written proposal, students are expected to present a proposal defense presentation. This proposal should consist of the following:

  • comprehensive review of the literature related to the student’s research topic.
  • statement of need/justification.
  • research goal with a list of research objectives with stated hypotheses that address the major research questions.
  • plan of work describing the experimental approaches or methods to be used in answering the thesis questions.
  • Expected outcomes and potential pitfalls for each objective.
  • Timeline for completion of the work.
  • preliminary research where appropriate.

Candidacy: Following approval of the research proposal and completion of coursework, doctoral students should advance to candidacy. Candidacy is reached after passing a formal qualifying examination that assesses both broad basic knowledge of the student’s field, and topics central to the research project. The purpose of the exam is to measure of the student’s likelihood of successfully completing a doctoral program. The qualifying exam comprises written and oral components.

  • Written exam: Student choose three areas of specialization in consultation with their Doctoral Guidance Committee. The advisor solicits questions from Committee members and administers the exam. Once completed, Committee members evaluate the responses. The student is expected to demonstrate competence in each of the chosen areas, reflected in clear, concise, well-organized synthetic essays. The exam may be “closed book” or “open book” at the discretion of the advisor.
  • Oral exam: An oral exam is conducted by the Doctoral Guidance Committee and chaired by the advisor. The student should demonstrate mastery of fundamental concepts in the designated areas of specialization, draw upon a broad spectrum of information to answer theoretical and practical questions. There may be focus on any area that was deemed weak in the written exam.

When the student has passed both parts of the qualifying exam, the advisor will inform the Graduate School and recommend that the student be advanced to candidacy in the Ph.D. degree program.

Dissertation and Oral Defense: All students must complete a dissertation reporting original research. After completion of the research, the candidate must provide a copy of the dissertation to the Doctoral Dissertation committee at least two weeks prior to the final oral examination. The final thesis defense consists of two parts: an oral presentation of the research in a public seminar, and an oral defense of the dissertation conducted by the Doctoral Dissertation Committee. Final approval of the dissertation will be determined by a majority vote of the committee.

Number of Credits Required:  There is no specific credit requirement for the Ph.D., though students must take the required core courses and fulfill the competences outlined below. Up to 8 credits of graduate credit from another institution may be transferred, provided the credits were not counted toward another degree, and the course grade was a B or higher. Petitions requesting transfer credit must be supported by the advisor and graduate committee and approved by the UNH Graduate School.

1. Core Course Requirements:

To be taken at the earliest opportunity, typically in the initial fall semester of the program.

All students are required to register and participate for a minimum of 3 credits.

All students are required to register and participate at least twice, and must be taken after candidacy.

2. Competency Requirements:  In addition to the core required courses, students will be expected to demonstrate competency in areas of experimental design and analysis, and in scientific writing and communication. Students must take at least one course from each competency. The competencies may be fulfilled by courses chosen in consultation with the advisor and committee. Depending on the student, one or both of these competency requirements may have been fulfilled through other course work or professional experience as approved by the committee and ANFS graduate coordinator.

3. Electives: Each student, in consultation with their graduate committee, will define one or more areas of informal specialization, and will take additional courses appropriate for their area(s) of specialization.

4. Additional Information: 

  • All students in the Agricultural Sciences Ph.D. Program are expected to present their research in ANFS departmental seminar at least three times (including the defense seminar). Students are also encouraged to present at professional conferences and acquire teaching and/or mentoring experience.

Annual Evaluation:  The annual evaluation of graduate students ensures that students receive the mentorship they deserve and are making progress toward completion of their degrees. The annual evaluation of graduate students consists of a collaborative effort between faculty adviser and student to:

  • Complete a self-assessment;
  • Present a professional quality CV suitable for awards, job applications, and internships;
  • Produce a narrative of service or other activities not captured on a CV;
  • Develop annual goals.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students graduating with a Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences will meet objectives in the following areas:

Discipline specific knowledge

  • Identify and explain discipline specific research methods
  • Build knowledge and understanding in key areas of agricultural sciences including food systems, and animal and plant-based agricultural production systems

Research design and analysis

  • Identify the strengths and weaknesses of study designs utilized in agriculture or food systems research
  • Apply appropriate research design to answer a question
  • Identify and apply appropriate statistical methods to analyze and interpret research results

Scientific method

  • Independently develop, defend, and execute a research idea to advance knowledge in the student’s specific field of study

Critical thinking

  • Ability to collect and critically evaluate information from the primary research literature to expand knowledge of agricultural and food systems
  • Draw conclusions from the literature and make recommendations based on an understanding of the system, scientific evidence, related factors, and desired outcomes
  • Develop skills to critically evaluate and analyze their research data

Communication

  • Communicate effectively in writing through the development of an argument supported by evidence
  • Communicate effectively in oral formats when addressing project-specific research and complex agriculture and food related issues
  • Contribute written works to the scientific community in the form of peer-reviewed publications and presentation at scientific conferences

Professionalism

  • Conduct research in an ethical manner
  • Deliver professional oral and written communications
  • Demonstrate collaboration and leadership skills

Application Requirements & Deadlines

Applications must be completed by the following deadlines in order to be reviewed for admission:

  • Fall : Jan. 15 (priority*), Aug. 1 (final) *Applications completed by Jan. 15 will be given priority consideration for admission and financial support. Applications completed after Jan. 15 will be considered based on openings and funding.
  • Spring : Oct. 15 (final)
  • Summer : N/A
  • Special : N/A

Application fee : $65

Campus : Durham

New England Regional : MA RI

Accelerated Masters Eligible : No

New Hampshire Residents

Students claiming in-state residency must also submit a Proof of Residence Form . This form is not required to complete your application, but you will need to submit it after you are offered admission or you will not be able to register for classes.

Transcripts

If you attended UNH or Granite State College (GSC) after September 1, 1991, and have indicated so on your online application, we will retrieve your transcript internally; this includes UNH-Durham, UNH-Manchester, UNH Non-Degree work and GSC. 

If you did not attend UNH, or attended prior to September 1, 1991, then you must upload a copy (PDF) of your transcript in the application form. International transcripts must be translated into English.

If admitted , you must then request an official transcript be sent directly to our office from the Registrar's Office of each college/university attended. We accept transcripts both electronically and in hard copy:

  • Electronic Transcripts : Please have your institution send the transcript directly to [email protected] . Please note that we can only accept copies sent directly from the institution.
  • Paper Transcripts : Please send hard copies of transcripts to: UNH Graduate School, Thompson Hall- 105 Main Street, Durham, NH 03824. You may request transcripts be sent to us directly from the institution or you may send them yourself as long as they remain sealed in the original university envelope.

Transcripts from all previous post-secondary institutions must be submitted and applicants must disclose any previous academic or disciplinary sanctions that resulted in their temporary or permanent separation from a previous post-secondary institution. If it is found that previous academic or disciplinary separations were not disclosed, applicants may face denial and admitted students may face dismissal from their academic program.

Letters of recommendation: 3 required

Recommendation letters submitted by relatives or friends, as well as letters older than one year, will not be accepted.

Personal Statement/Essay Questions

Prepare a brief but careful statement regarding:

  • Reasons you wish to do graduate work in this field, including your immediate and long-range objectives.
  • Your specific research or professional interest and experiences in this field.

Important Notes

Applicants should visit the  Agricultural Sciences program website  and review the list of faculty in their area of interest. The applicant should contact potential faculty advisors to discuss their interests and determine whether the faculty member(s) may be willing and able to serve as the student’s advisor before applying to the program. See the  Agricultural Sciences Faculty List  for a current list of faculty.

All applicants are encouraged to contact programs directly to discuss program specific application questions.

International Applicants

Prospective international students are required to submit TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent examination scores. English Language Exams may be waived if English is your first language. If you wish to request a waiver, then please visit our Test Scores webpage for more information.

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Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics

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The PhD program is a globally recognized leader in the disciplinary areas of agricultural, development, environmental and regional economic s and was previously ranked by the National Research Council as the top program in Agricultural and Resource Economics in the United States.

Students acquire rigorous training in economic theory and advanced quantitative methods and learn to apply these skills to a wide range of real-world economic problems. Degree recipients go on to assume teaching, research and managerial positions with universities and colleges, research institutions, government agencies, multilateral international institutions, nongovernmental organizations, and private companies and corporations.

An MS degree is not required for admission to apply to the PhD Program.  Students whose undergraduate degrees are not in economics or business are welcome to apply as well.

Learn more about the application criteria and process >>>>>

Fields of specialization

Students are required to take a total of 12 credit hours of frontiers courses that provide specialized training in the field of their choice. The AEDE frontiers courses cover topics relevant to agricultural economics, environmental and resource economics, regional economics and development economics. Graduate students are given wide latitude to design their own program of study and to choose a dissertation topic. In recent years, under the supervision of AEDE faculty members, doctoral students have conducted innovative theoretical and applied research on agricultural policy and trade, agricultural finance and risk management, consumption and marketing economics, food economics and agribusiness, environmental and natural resource economics, international and regional economic development, poverty and food security, climate change,  agricultural economics,  spatial and land-use economics, health economics, bioeconomics, and experimental and behavioral economics. Innovative research that addresses pressing social problems is encouraged, regardless of the sub-discipline of economics with which it may be identified.

Course requirements

Students must complete a minimum of 90 graduate semester credit hours and take the non-credit Math Camp offered by the Department of Economics in July and August, immediately preceding the start of classes in the first year. Students are required to take a minimum of 56 credit hours of in-class coursework. This is comprised of 44 credit hours of required courses that provide a strong foundation in microeconomic theory, econometric theory, applied econometrics and applied welfare as well as 12 credit hours of frontiers courses relevant to the student’s intended research topics to provide more specialized training. All additional credit hours cover departmental seminar requirements and dissertation research. Please refer to our curriculum sheets for the first year and second/third years in the PhD program for a more detailed understanding of the required coursework.

Examinations

In addition to required coursework, students must: Pass a microeconomics theory qualifying examination prior to the beginning of the second year; Pass the second year manuscript requirement prior to the beginning of their third year; Pass the candidacy examination and defend their doctoral dissertation proposal, typically before the beginning of their fifth year; Complete the doctoral dissertation and pass a final oral examination.  

Questions? We are here to help. Please email AEDE Graduation Admissions and Services below for more information about the PhD program.

AEDE Graduate Admissions and Services

[email protected]   | 614-292-7911

The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine

PhD Agricultural Extension

Agricultural Economics Ph.D. Program

A doctoral degree in Agricultural Economics prepares students for careers in academia, agribusiness, consulting firms, financial institutions, government, or non-governmental organizations. Opportunities will vary depending upon the student’s choice of specialty area. Please visit our  Specialty Areas  webpage for more information .

Below you will find information about:

Preliminary exams.

  • Ph.D. and M.S. Graduate Degree Requirements​

Graduate students take comprehensive examinations in order to test their professional competence. We call them prelims, but they are often called “qualifying” or “general” exams at other PhD programs. Our rules regarding the prelim exams can be found in the department's  policies and procedures manual . 

Successful completion of the preliminary examinations constitutes formal admission to candidacy for the Ph.D. degree. The preliminary examination consists of two parts: economic theory and the prospectus. An examination in microeconomic theory is administered by the Department of Economics (June and August).  Students are required to take this examination as soon as ECON 615, 606, 607, and 609 core courses are completed. The prospectus examination is administered by the Department of Agricultural Economics.  The purpose of the examination is to check competency in the chosen field and preparation for embarking on dissertation research. For details on upcoming exams, please contact Graduate Program Chair   Carson Reeling . 

  • MS - ECON 51100, ECON 51200;  PhD - ECON 60600, ECON 60700, ECON 60900, and ECON 61500
  • MS – either STAT 51200 or AGEC 65000, plus AGEC 55200; For the Professional MS in International Agribusiness, AGEC 55200 and AGEC 65000 are required;  PhD - ECON 67000, AGEC 65100, AGEC 65200, AGEC 65400 (2)
  • MS – the Professional MS in International Agribusiness has additional requirements, including AGEC 57100 (1 credit), AGEC 57200 (2 credits) AGEC 57300 (3 credits), and a Capstone Project. Check with the Graduate Coordinator for details;  PhD - AGEC 62500 (3) or ECON 60800 (2) by permission
  • Use of course below the 500 level on a Plan of Study requires approval from the Graduate Committee. Written requests for approval should justify the inclusion of these courses on a course-by-course basis. MGMT/OBHR coursework must represent less than 50 percent of the credit hours on a Plan of Study.
  • Credit for acceptable courses taken at other universities may be transferred after one satisfactory semester in residence. Undergraduate  transfer credits from another university must be declared in excess for the BS Degree, must be taken for graduate credit, and must be equivalent to Purdue 500  or 600 level courses. Equivalency of transfer credits to Purdue credits is determined by the Graduate School. A maximum of nine credits may be transferred if earned as excess undergraduate credit or in post-baccalaureate status at Purdue University.
  • The research credits for the professional option MS degree are in the form of a special problem, the MS thesis and Ph.D. dissertation research credits are not considered "courses".
  • The Graduate School requires that all courses appearing on the Plan of Study be passed with a grade of C- or better.

Note: Pass-fail grades are acceptable only for prerequisites. Courses must be taken for a grade to be listed on the Plan of Study. Prerequisite courses and grades will appear on the student's official transcript.

Have Questions? Contact Us!

Ryan Good, Graduate Coordinator, (765) 496-5338

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    phd agricultural extension

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    phd agricultural extension

  6. Agricultural Extension

    phd agricultural extension

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  1. Doctor of Philosophy in Agricultural Leadership, Education and ...

    The PhD in agricultural leadership, agricultural and extension education, and science communication provides a wide range of educational and research experiences designed specifically to prepare graduates with the skills they need to address complex issues associated with agricultural production necessary to feed and clothe a growing population ...

  2. Agricultural and Extension Education, Ph.D.

    Agricultural and Extension Education, Ph.D. A candidate for the Ph.D. degree in Agriculture and Extension Education must meet all University, College, Division, and Program requirements as outlined in the WVU Graduate catalog. Program Requirements All Ph.D. degree candidates are required to follow a planned program of study.

  3. PhD program

    The Doctor of Philosophy degree in Agricultural & Extension Education is designed to provide professional advancement in a variety of career contexts including, but not limited to, higher education, state agricultural education leadership, Cooperative Extension, agribusiness, government, and non-profits. This program requires 60 approved credit ...

  4. Agricultural Education, PhD

    Home Graduate and Professional Education Programs Doctoral Programs Agricultural Education, PhD Program Details Department: Department of Agricultural Education, Communications and Leadership College: Ferguson College of Agriculture Available At: OSU Stillwater Campus Degree

  5. Ph.D. IN AGRICULTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES, CONCENTRATION

    Ph.D. IN AGRICULTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES, CONCENTRATION: AGRICULTURAL AND EXTENSION EDUCATION Program Overview The Agricultural and Extension Education concentration is designed for students wanting to learn more about leadership development and styles, and educational methods for youth and adults used in agricultural and related fields.

  6. PhD in Agricultural Extension

    1. The PhD degree in Agricultural Extension is offered both on a part-time and full-time basis. It is awarded on the successful completion of required departmental courses and a thesis. 2. The maximum time allowed for completing this degree is five years after registration for full-time students and seven years for part-time students.

  7. Ph.D. Program in Agricultural Education

    The program takes 3 years on average for degree completion if entering the program with a master's degree. This Ph.D. in education, with an emphasis in agricultural education, was co-developed by both colleges and provides our Ph.D. students with an unique and diverse program. Our graduates are highly sought after and are high performers in ...

  8. Agricultural education

    Quick facts Official name Doctor of philosophy in agricultural education Campus University of Missouri-Columbia Program type Doctorate Academic home College of Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources | Division of Applied Social Sciences Delivery mode 100% online Accreditation Higher Learning Commission

  9. Agricultural Extension Education Specialization

    For the Ph.D. degree, a specialization in Agricultural Extension Education can be earned by taking a graduate course in the following areas: instructional methods (AGEDS 520), program planning (AGEDS 524), technology transfer (AGEDS 561), program evaluation (see recommended), and administration (AGEDS 625).

  10. Doctor of Philosophy in Agricultural Leadership, Education, and

    The Doctor of Philosophy in Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications is a campus based degree program and a specialized, research-oriented degree. ... opportunities in natural resource management, extension education, international development, public and corporate leadership roles in education, and many other professional careers ...

  11. Ph.D. Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications

    Program Details Coursework gives the candidate a thorough and comprehensive knowledge in the field of study and methods of research. The program requires a minimum of 64 semester hours, beyond the master's degree, including dissertation research and 18 hours of research methods.

  12. Agriculture (MS, PhD)

    CAFLS Academics Graduate Programs Agriculture (MS, PhD) Agriculture (MS, PhD) The Graduate Program (M.S. and Ph.D.) in Agriculture administered through the Department of Agricultural Sciences offers two different concentrations: (1) Agricultural Systems Management and (2) Agricultural Education.

  13. PhD Agricultural Extension

    PhD Agricultural Extension . Start Dates: September 2022 Study Mode: Full time: 3 Years Apply to UWI. Administrative Unit: Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension. Email: [email protected] Phone: 1(868) 662 2002 ext. 82094 Overview Entry Requirements ... Faculty of Food and Agriculture Dean's Office Sir Frank Stockdale Building UWI St ...

  14. Agricultural and Extension Education

    The Agricultural and Extension Education Program in the School of Human Sciences offers graduate courses leading to the following degrees: Master of Science in Agricultural and Extension Education with concentrations in: Community and Extension Education Agriculture Teacher Licensure Teaching and Learning

  15. Agricultural and Extension Education < North Carolina State University

    The Department offers an M.S. degree, which requires a thesis for which the student receives six hours of credit, and a Master of Agricultural and Extension Education (M.R.) as a non-thesis track. The M.S. degree requires a total of 36 credit hours, whereas the M.R. degree requires 30 credit hours.

  16. Ph.D. Degree

    Ph.D. Degree. The Ph.D. degree in Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics equips students with a strong foundation in microeconomic theory, econometric methods, and analytical tools for applied microeconomics. A major field provides specialized training in one of three major areas of emphasis.

  17. Agricultural Sciences (Ph.D.)

    Jennifer Surina. Academic Department Program Manager. [email protected]. (603) 862-0822. Agriculture, Nutrition, & Food Systems Kendall Hall Rm 209 Durham, NH 03824. Department of Agriculture, Nutrition, and Food Systems. University of New Hampshire. Kendall Hall. 129 Main Street.

  18. PhD Program

    The PhD program is a globally recognized leader in the disciplinary areas of agricultural, development, environmental and regional economic s and was previously ranked by the National Research Council as the top program in Agricultural and Resource Economics in the United States.. Students acquire rigorous training in economic theory and advanced quantitative methods and learn to apply these ...

  19. PhD Agricultural Extension

    PhD Agricultural Extension. Faculty: Faculty of Food and Agriculture - FFA. Department: Agricultural Economics & Extension - AGBU. Level: PHD - PHD. MSc Sports Management PhD Environmental Biology. Apply Now.

  20. Graduate

    The UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication is preparing leaders in agriculture and natural resources by equipping them with the skills and research in the areas of agricultural education, agricultural communication, extension education and leadership development. ... research, and extension. The PhD program typically ...

  21. PhD Program

    Agricultural Economics Ph.D. Program A doctoral degree in Agricultural Economics prepares students for careers in academia, agribusiness, consulting firms, financial institutions, government, or non-governmental organizations. Opportunities will vary depending upon the student's choice of specialty area.

  22. Top PhD in Agriculture & Graduate Programs 2024+

    A PhD in Agriculture is a doctoral program focusing on scientific research and advanced study of agricultural practices, techniques, and technologies. This program typically takes four to six years to complete and prepares graduates for careers in academia, government agencies, or private industry.

  23. Extension Specialization

    The extension education specialization prepares students for careers in the Cooperative Extension Service, outreach education, and/or international agencies. Graduates of this specialization acquire tremendous depth in the teaching and learning processes, gaining experience in the design, implementation, and evaluation of non-formal educational ...