Study and research for the Ph.D. in Agricultural and Applied Economics typically requires four years beyond the M.S. degree.

• The first year is devoted to completing the Ph.D. core courses which cover the theory and quantitative methods upon which field or elective courses in agricultural and consumer economics are based.
• The second year is usually devoted to courses in the student's chosen area(s) of specialization and to completion of an independent research paper.
• The third year students present their research paper, complete research, and orally defend a proposal for dissertation topic.
• The fourth year student defend their final exam and deposit their dissertation.

Upon completing courses and passing a written preliminary examination, doctoral students must complete a significant research paper and orally defend a proposal for dissertation research. The oral defense assesses their preparation and plans for independent research and other related topics. Each Ph.D. candidate presents the completed research in a final dissertation defense.