Doctor of Philosophy
The doctoral program in Agricultural and Applied Economics is designed to develop a broad based competence in advanced economic theory, techniques of quantitative analysis, and public administration of agricultural and economic issues.
The program has been designed to take advantage of the strengths of the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics and the supporting areas of Economics, Mathematics, Business Administration, Political Science, Public Administration, Sociology and the other agricultural sciences. A program with different emphases in the supporting areas is possible with the approval of the Departmental Graduate Faculty.
Each candidate is expected to demonstrate competency by satisfactorily completing
- (1) a comprehensive written examination in each specialty field chosen,
- (2) a dissertation demonstrating original, independent scholarly research, and
- (3) a final oral examination.
Attainment of a Ph. D. brings the expectation that the individual can serve as a faculty member or researcher. Therefore, the Ph. D. candidate is generally involved in generation of original ideas and proposal writing, and sometimes in seeking of research funding. The Ph. D. student must show command of the scientific literature, the ability to define and solve a research problem, skill at research design, and competence in data analysis.
Credit Hour Requirements
The doctoral program requires a minimum of 70 credit hours of course work beyond the baccalaureate degree and at least 20 credit hours for dissertation. The doctoral program requires credit hours from the five areas:
- 1. Required Core Courses (33 credit hours)
- 2. Required Electives from Agricultural and Applied Economics and/or Economics (12 credit hours)
- 3. Dissertation (AAEC 8000) (21 credit hours)
- 4. Electives (9 credit hours)
- 5. Minor (15 credit hours)
Final Examination
All doctoral candidates are required to pass a public oral examination which is usually over the general field of the dissertation. Candidates should consult the Graduate Catalog for the last date for scheduling the examination in a given semester. The final examination cannot be administered any sooner than four months after the qualifying exam has been passed. The examination may not be administered until at least three weeks have elapsed following the candidate's submission to the Graduate Office of the notification form giving the time, place, and other information pertaining to the examination. (This form is available from the Graduate office.) A copy of the dissertation must be given to both the advisory committee and Graduate School representative at least ten working days prior to the final examination. After the final examination, the major professor will send a written notification of the results to the Graduate School.
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Department
of Agricultural and Applied Economics
Texas Tech University
Box 42123
Lubbock, TX 79409
Phone: (806) 742-2821
Fax: (806) 742-1099
E-mail: aaec@ttu.edu
Last Updated 7/18/05