Ph.D. Agricultural Economics
Source: https://agecon.tamu.edu/ph-d-agricultural-economics/ Parent: https://agecon.tamu.edu/
Our Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics is a premier STEM program that produces leaders who find success in academia, government and leading industry positions.
This program offers rigorous training in economics and quantitative methods, with a strong emphasis in applied economics applications. Students choose between three field areas:
- Agribusiness
- Applied Market Analysis
- Natural Resource and Environmental Economics
Within each field area, you’ll work collaboratively with professors to ask important industry questions and relentlessly pursue an understanding of the complex world of economics and our global society.
Program Details
We offer two routes to the Ph.D. Our traditional route is for those who have obtained a master’s degree. We also offer a 96 credit hour option for those who have obtained a bachelor’s degree, but have not completed a master’s degree. In both, students will explore economic theory and gain a robust research skillset for applying that theory to solve complex agricultural issues. The planning guides with the degree curriculum can be found in the Graduate Handbook. The page numbers for the planning guides can be found in the Table of Figures listed in the handbook.
Students applying to the Ph.D. program are required to submit GRE scores with their application. Unofficial scores are accepted for the admissions process, but if admitted official scores are required and must be sent directly to the Admissions Office from the testing agency.
- Degree: Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics
- Credit Hours: 64 (traditional) or 96 total credit hours
- Stem Approved: International students are eligible for the 24-Month Stem Extension of Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Field Areas
Students pursuing a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics choose from one of three field areas. This allows students to narrow their focus and refine their expertise to best align with their professional career goals. Within the agribusiness field area, students can also choose to specialize even further, through one of four emphasis areas.
The planning guides with the degree curriculum can be found in the Graduate Handbook. The page numbers for the planning guides can be found in the Table of Figures listed in the handbook.
Agribusiness
Students who opt for this field specialization will acquire a unique skill set enabling them to excel in teaching agribusiness and conducting research in various professional arenas, including academia, government, and consulting. This program delivers a robust foundation in economic theory and its practical application. For those seeking to further hone their expertise and tailor their skills, students within the agribusiness field specialization can choose to concentrate on one of the following research focus areas.
- Agricultural Finance and Investment
- Strategy Management
- Supply Chain Management
- Agribusiness Management Applied Market Analysis
Students who opt for this field specialization will develop a unique skill set that equips them to excel in teaching agricultural economics and conducting in-depth research in information economics and food markets. This field of study empowers students to acquire expertise in various crucial areas, including market and demand analysis, product valuation, the utilization of directed acyclic graphs in economic analysis, commodity futures and options, information acquisition, price dispersion, industrial organization, and auctions.
To further enhance their knowledge and refine their skill set, students pursuing the Applied Market Analysis field specialization can choose to focus on one of the following research areas:
- Behavioral and Experimental Economics
- Demand Analysis
- Health Economics
- International Trade
- International Development
- Agricultural Law
- Agricultural Policy
- Livestock Economics
- Agricultural Marketing
- Sales in Agriculture and Agribusiness
- Community Economics
- Quantitative Methods
- Crop Insurance and Risk Management Natural Resource and Environmental Economics
Students selecting this field specialization will acquire a distinctive skill set that qualifies them to excel in teaching agricultural economics and conducting applied economic research. This research is dedicated to assessing the utilization, transfer, and allocation of natural resources, contributing valuable insights to inform environmental policies and strategies for natural resource management. Through this specialization, students will gain expertise in the application of economic tools and theories to promote the health and sustainability of our natural world.
To further enhance their expertise and refine their skill set, students pursuing the Natural Resource and Environmental Economics field specialization have the opportunity to concentrate on one of the following research focus areas:
Employment Opportunities after Graduation
A PhD in Agricultural Economics opens a wide range of employment opportunities in both the public and private sectors, including roles in academia, government agencies, research institutions, international organizations, and private consulting firms. Graduates can work in areas such as policy analysis, agricultural development, environmental sustainability, and market analysis, contributing to the advancement of global agricultural and economic systems.
Graduate Student Career Placements
Job Opportunities for Domestic PhD students
Job Opportunities for International PhD students
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 students in the highest class of job candidates.
Learn More about Graduate Admissions
What Do I Need to Apply? *Application Fees Are Not Waived
- Note: GRE scores are required and are NOT WAIVED. Unofficial scores are accepted for the admission selection process, if admitted official scores are required.
- Visit admissions.tamu.edu for information on sending official test scores to Texas A&M University.
- Minimum GPR of 3.0 in the last 60 hours of undergraduate work, or 3.25 in 30 hours or more of graduate work.
- Application through the Texas A&M University GraduateCAS system
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae
- Statement of Purpose
- Three letters of recommendation, submitted online with your application.
- Official transcripts and records, sent to the Office of Admissions.
- Unofficial Transcripts and test scores are accepted in the application for Admission decisions. If admitted, official transcripts, records and test scores, are required by the Office of Admissions.
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. Visit the Graduate and Professional School website for a list of requirements, exemptions and other useful information regarding the TOEFL/IELTS Exams.
International Student Resources
Fall 2026 Application Deadlines
- December 15, 2025 – Deadline for College Fellowships
- February 15, 2026 – Priority Deadline for Admission and Funding Consideration
- June 30, 2026 – Application Portal Close
Admissions Decisions
You will receive an official admissions letter from the Texas A&M University Office of Admissions. The Department will send a courtesy Welcome Letter.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
By submitting an application, all students are considered for departmental funding opportunities. 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 students are offered is based on the data provided on their financial aid and/or scholarship application. The Master of Agribusiness program does a competitive scholarship review of all admission applications and funding offers are made, based on eligibility and available funds each year. 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.
Prerequisites
Students planning on entering the doctoral in the Department of Agricultural Economics should prepare themselves by completing the following study in math, microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics.
Math Requirements
ECMT 660: Mathematical Economics I\ This course covers use of selected types of mathematical tools in economic theory (e.g., matrix algebra and multivariate calculus).\ \ The topics covered in ECMT 660 are:\ It is important that students have good skills in calculus and optimization. It would be valuable to entering students if they reviewed carefully Chapter 2 (the brief math review) in Walter Nicholson, Microeconomic Theory, 7th edition, 1998. Also, students should have a good understanding of the following topics from Alpha Chiang, Fundamental Methods of Mathematical Economics, 3rd (latest) edition, McGraw-Hill, 1984.\ \ Online Calculus Course\ An online calculus course is available which may assist you in your preparation for Masters-level course work. This web site provides a clear, helpful interactive tool for learning calculus. This site is a good way to practice the subject.
Microeconomic Requirements
ECON 607: Foundations of Microeconomic Theory\ This course is an introduction to microeconomic theory and applications. Various models using formal analysis will be developed and applied to specific problems. Supply and demand, consumer optimization, theory of the firm (cost minimization and profit maximization), analysis of different market structures (pure competition, monopoly, monopolistic competition, and oligopoly) will be covered. General competitive equilibrium will be introduced.\ \ Topics covered in ECON 607 include: \ Economic Models; Market Demand and Market Supply; Theory of Consumer Behavior; Theory of Production and Cost; Imperfectly Competitive Market Structures; General Equilibrium.\ \ Textbook:\ Walter Nicholson, Microeconomic Theory, Basic Principles and Extensions, 7th edition (1995), Dryden Press.
Econometric Requirements
AGEC 621: Econometrics for Agribusiness\ This course introduces students to theory, methods and applications of statistical techniques for fitting econometric models to economic data. Students will learn methods for summarizing and describing data both numerically and graphically, gain experience in fitting models and interpreting the results. Students will be introduces to statistical software and taught to use its relevant functions.\ \ Topics covered in AGEC 621 include: \ Simple Linear Regression Model; The Multiple Regression Model: (Estimating the; Parameters of Multiple Regression Model; Sample Properties of the Least Squares Estimator; Interval Estimation and Hypothesis Testing; Prediction, Goodness-of-Fit and Modeling Issues); Further Inference in the Multiple Regression Model; Seemingly; Unrelated Regression Model (SUR); Simultaneous Equations Models; Discrete Choice Models; Limited Dependent Variable Models; Time Series Models.\ \ Textbook:\ Introductory Econometrics: A Modern Approach, J. M. Wooldridge, 4th Edition, South-Western Publication, 2009.
Macroeconomic Requirements
ECON 611: Foundations of Macroeconomic Theory\ This course is an introduction to development of modern static national income analysis from general equilibrium system; roles of fiscal and monetary policy in promoting economic stability.\ \ Topics covered in ECON 611 include: \ Science of Macroeconomics;Data of Macroeconomics; National Income: Its Production, Distribution, and Allocation; Economic Growth; Unemployment; Money and Inflation; The Open Economy; Economic Fluctuations – Short-run; Aggregate Demand; Aggregate; Demand in the Open Economy; Aggregate Supply; Macroeconomic Policy Debate; Consumption; Investment; Money Supply and Money Demand.\ \ Textbook:\ G.N. Mankiew, Macroeconomics, 4th edition, Worth Publishers, 2000
Additional Mathematical and Statistics Training
Incoming Ph.D. students are encouraged to participate in online, non-credit courses during the summer prior to beginning their program. These include Math Boot Camp, Online Math Camp and Math Training.
Required Examinations
As part of the program, students will be required to pass qualifier and preliminary exams. Find exams from previous years on our Past Prelims and Qualifiers page.
Qualifying Exams
All students pursuing a Ph.D. in agricultural economics are required to pass a comprehensive qualifier exam. The qualifier is administered twice a year on the Monday before classes begin for the first Summer term and on August 1 (if August 1 falls on a weekend the exam will be held the first weekday prior to August 1). Traditional Ph.D. students are required to take the qualifier in May of their first year. Straight-through Ph.D. students are required to take the qualifier in May of their second year.
Oral Preliminary Examination Procedures
- This exam must be completed by December of your third year.
- If you opted for the paper, you must present it during the oral prelim exam. The paper should be submitted to your Graduate Advisory Committee at least two weeks before the oral exam. exam.
- If you choose the written preliminary examination, you must pass it before taking the oral prelim. At the oral prelim, you will also present a draft of your dissertation proposal.
Additional Information:
- If you are not prepared for the oral prelim exam by December, you must submit a petition to the Departmental Graduate Advisory Committee (GAC) to request more time. The Departmental Graduate Office can help with this petition. If not approved, the oral prelim will be recorded as a fail.
- The oral prelim exam is not limited to the paper or dissertation proposal; your committee may ask about your research plans for the dissertation, mastery of subject matter within your field, and knowledge of the literature in your field.
- Students must pass both the written preliminary (or paper) and oral exam to pass the Preliminary Examination. A failure in either of these examinations constitutes a failure of the Preliminary Examination. Upon unanimous approval of the student’s Advisory Committee and the approval of the Office of Graduate Studies, a student who has failed either part of the Preliminary Examination may be given one re-examination, when adequate time has been given to permit the student to address the inadequacies emerging from the first examination. It is expected that preliminary examination will be concluded before the end of the spring semester of the third year.
- A failure on the second attempt in either the written or the oral examination constitutes a failure, and the student will not have a third chance to take the Preliminary Examination.
- The oral prelim typically includes a departmental seminar where you present your paper or preliminary dissertation proposal draft.
- Finalize and submit your dissertation proposal for signatures before the end of the spring semester in your third year.
Important Note:
- To learn more about the preliminary examination process and its details, please refer to the Departmental Graduate Handbook.
- If you decide to pursue the paper option or if you have any questions or need guidance regarding the preliminary examination, please reach out to the Departmental Graduate Office. Good luck with your academic journey!
*New ARCS Submission Procedures
The following documents are submitted through Academic Requirements Completion System (ARCS) Please read the Walk-Through Guides for Students detailing the steps in ARCS to submit these documents.
- Preliminary Exam Request
- Proposal Approval Form
- Final Exam (Defense) Request
- Copyright and Availability
- Thesis/Dissertation/Record of Study Approval Form
Questions?
Please Direct all Admission Questions to:
AGEC Graduate Program Assistance
Graduate Program Administration
Academic Advisor IV