Third and Fourth Years of the Ph.D. Program

In the third and fourth years, students refine their research capabilities and develop doctoral-level competency in their field of specialization. In the third year, student prepare their research plan and take courses to complete their field or concentration.  The fourth year is devoted entirely to research.  Students in the third and fourth years also participate in Ph.D. seminars where they present their research at various stages and get feedback from faculty and other graduate students.

The formal requirements for the third and fourth years are a written and oral exam for both the dissertation prospectus and dissertation.

Candidacy Examination

The Candidacy Examination consists of a written and an oral portion. The written portion of the Candidacy Examination consists of a written dissertation prospectus and, if the advisor so chooses, passing a four-hour written examination covering the required field of specialization. The oral portion of the Candidacy Examination is an oral examination that focuses on the written portion of the examination, but may cover any aspect of the student's Ph.D. program.

Students are expected to pass their Candidacy Examination by the end of their third year of study.

Dissertation Prospectus

The dissertation prospectus, when completed, sets forth a plan of research that will ultimately contribute in a useful and creative way to the body of knowledge in the field of agricultural, environmental, and development economics.  While the prospectus is intended to map out a clear course of action, it is indicative, not a contract.  Research is a learning process, and while carrying out the research, a student sometimes decides, in consultation with his/her dissertation committee, to deviate from some aspects of the outline in the proposal.

Ph.D. Seminar

In each of the third and fourth years, Ph.D. students are expected to participate in two Ph.D. seminars and to make at least one seminar presentation on their dissertation research per year.

Dissertation Committee Meetings

Students are encouraged to hold regular meetings with their Dissertation Committee during the development of the dissertation research. The student and his/her advisor jointly decide on the frequency and focus of the meetings.

Final Examination

The last requirement of the Ph.D. program is a defense of the dissertation in the Final Oral Examination.  The examiners are the members of the student's Dissertation Committee.