Ph.D. in Agricultural and Resource Economics

Program Overview

The Ph.D. in Agricultural and Resource Economics at Colorado State University is a 72-credit program that equips graduates with advanced microeconomic theory and quantitative methods in either agricultural economics or environmental and natural resource economics. The program's coursework, exams, and research dissertation prepare students for careers in academia, public sector agencies, and private enterprises. Graduates are expected to master advanced microeconomic theory and quantitative methods, develop innovative research programs, effectively teach economics, and communicate economic concepts to diverse audiences.

Program Outline

Ph.D. in Agricultural and Resource Economics at Colorado State University

Degree Overview:

The Ph.D. in Agricultural and Resource Economics at Colorado State University is a 72-credit program that emphasizes advanced microeconomic theory and quantitative methods. The program focuses on two areas of expertise: agricultural economics and environmental and natural resource economics.

Objectives:

The program aims to equip graduates with the following skills and knowledge:

• Mastery of advanced microeconomic theory and quantitative methods.
• Expertise in either agricultural economics or environmental and natural resource economics.
• Ability to develop and execute innovative research programs.
• Proficiency in teaching undergraduate and graduate level economics courses.
• Skill in presenting theoretical and applied economic concepts and results to diverse audiences.

Outline:

Core Courses:

• AREC 506/ECON 506 Applied Microeconomic Theory (3 credits): This course covers fundamental microeconomic theory, including consumer theory, producer theory, and market equilibrium.
• AREC 570/ECON 530 Methodology of Economic Research (3 credits): This course focuses on research methods in economics, including data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
• AREC 606/ECON 606 Microeconomic Analysis I (3 credits): This course delves deeper into microeconomic theory, including game theory, general equilibrium, and welfare economics.
• AREC 615 Optimization Methods for Applied Economics (3 credits): This course introduces optimization techniques used in economic modeling and analysis.
• AREC 635/ECON 635 Econometric Theory I (3 credits): This course covers the foundations of econometrics, including linear regression models and hypothesis testing.
• AREC 706/ECON 706 Microeconomic Analysis II (3 credits): This course builds upon Microeconomic Analysis I, exploring advanced topics in microeconomic theory.
• AREC 735/ECON 735 Econometric Theory II (2 credits): This course expands on Econometric Theory I, covering advanced econometric techniques and applications.
• AREC 770 Advanced Methods in Applied Economics (3 credits): This course introduces students to advanced methods used in applied economic research.
• ECON 501 Quantitative Methods for Economists (3 credits): This course provides a foundation in quantitative methods relevant to economics.

Field Courses:

Students must choose one of the following groups:

• Group A (Agricultural Economics):
• AREC 605 Agricultural Production and Cost Analysis (3 credits):
This course examines the economics of agricultural production, including cost analysis and efficiency.
• AREC 610 Agricultural Marketing and Demand Analysis (3 credits): This course focuses on the economics of agricultural marketing, including demand analysis and price determination.
• AREC 705 Advanced Production and Technological Change (3 credits): This course explores advanced topics in agricultural production, including technological change and innovation.
• AREC 710 Advanced Agricultural Marketing Issues (3 credits): This course examines current issues in agricultural marketing, including policy and trade.
• Group B (Environmental and Natural Resource Economics):
• AREC 540/ECON 540 Environmental and Natural Resource Economics (3 credits):
This course introduces the economic principles applied to environmental and natural resource issues.
• AREC 740/ECON 740 Advanced Natural Resource Economics (3 credits): This course explores advanced topics in natural resource economics, including resource management and policy.
• AREC 741/ECON 741 Advanced Environmental Economics (3 credits): This course examines advanced topics in environmental economics, including pollution control and climate change.

Electives:

Students must complete 12-25 credits of electives, chosen with the approval of their advisor and committee.

Research and Dissertation (AREC 799):

The dissertation is a substantial work of original research, requiring 12 credits.

Exams:

Students must pass the following exams:

• Written Ph.D.
• Qualifying Examinations:
• Quantitative Methods:
Assesses understanding of quantitative methods used in economics.
• Microeconomics: Assesses understanding of microeconomic theory.
• Field Examination: Assesses expertise in the chosen field of specialization (agricultural economics or environmental and natural resource economics).
• Preliminary Oral Examination: Evaluates the student's research proposal and readiness for dissertation research.
• Final Oral Examination: Defends the dissertation and demonstrates mastery of the research topic.

Assessment:

The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:

• Coursework: Grades in core courses, field courses, and electives.
• Exams: Written qualifying exams, field exam, preliminary oral exam, and final oral exam.

Careers:

Graduates of the Ph.D. in Agricultural and Resource Economics program are well-prepared for careers in:

• Universities: Teaching and research positions.
• Public Sector: Positions in government agencies such as the USDA and ERS.
• Private Enterprises: Consulting firms and other businesses.

Other:

• Students may apply an earned Master's degree for up to 30 credits toward the Ph.D. requirements.
• Specific course requirements may be substituted with evidence of equivalent learning outcomes.