The course requirements for the PhD program in Ecosystem Science and Management (ESM) with a concentration in Applied Economics are highly flexible to accommodate a wide variety of student backgrounds and interests. Students can major in any PhD program within ESM including Rangeland Ecology and Watershed Management (REWM), Soil Science (SOIL), and Entomology (ENTO) following the ESM admission procedures. The student’s graduate committee, with the approval of the Department Heads and College Dean, determine the final program of study. Acknowledging flexibility, each student’s pro¬gram of study is expected to meet the following minimum requirements:
A minimum of 72 credit hours of coursework. The credit hour requirement can include:
Up to 48 credit hours transferred from ap¬proved graduate courses earned while pursuing an M.S. degree (no more than 4 credit hours of thesis);
A minimum of 12 credit hours of approved ESM (REWM, SOIL, ENTO) courses;
A minimum of 18 credit hours of approved AGEC or ECON courses, with at least 12 credit hours at the 5000-level.
At least 42 of the 72 credit hour requirement must be earned in formal coursework.
No more than 12 credit hours of 4000-level courses can count towards the 72 credit hour requirement.
In addition to the degree requirements listed, students pursuing this option will also meet the following general requirements:
Enroll in, and complete, the graduate minor in Applied Economics.
Include co-chairs, one from ESM and one from AGEC, on the graduate committee.
Participate in a meaningful teaching experience to be coordinated by the student’s major professor.
Complete a preliminary examination covering knowledge related to both ESM and AGEC.
Present research results at a formal public seminar.
Complete a final oral examination covering the student’s thesis research administered by the graduate committee.