Agribusiness, PhD
approved for STEM-OPT extension, marketing, resources
The discipline of agribusiness applies theory and quantitative methods in economics, finance, marketing and management to issues involved in the production, distribution, and marketing of food and fiber. As a doctoral agribusiness student, you become involved with research in:
- agribusiness management
- derivatives, commodity marketing and risk management
- food and fiber supply chain management
- food marketing
- food policy and promotion
- global agricultural trade and policy
- strategic marketing by food retailers
The interdisciplinary Doctor of Philosophy program in business administration with a concentration in agribusiness trains you in the latest methods of business and economic analysis and prepares you to lead problem-solving in a vital sector of the global economy.
This program is offered by the W. P. Carey School of Business and the Morrison School of Agribusiness.
This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.
The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.
- College/school:
W. P. Carey School of Business
- Location: Polytechnic
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation
Plan of Study Agribusiness doctoral students are expected to develop a program of study that consists of three elements. Students study core theory and quantitative methods coursework in economics and management from the Morrison School of Agribusiness as well as advanced courses in at least one of these areas in the W. P. Carey School of Business: economics, finance, marketing, supply chain management or management. Students also complete a three-course sequence of doctorate-level theory and methods from the Morrison School of Agribusiness as applied to issues and concepts specific to the agribusiness sector. The agribusiness doctorate is designed to allow flexibility with focus; each student's program of study is distinct but is designed to produce the highest level of research competency in the student's chosen area of interest. Comprehensive Examinations Candidacy Dissertation Requirements Students must be enrolled in at least one credit hour that appears on the plan of study or one hour of appropriate graduate-level credit, such as 795 Continuing Registration, during the semester (including summer session) in which the student defends the dissertation. For detailed information regarding the university's doctoral degree requirements, students should refer to the Graduate College policies and procedures. Maximum Time Limit
At least 30 credit hours (including research credit) of the approved doctoral program and 12 dissertation credit hours must be completed after admission to the doctoral program. Students may not apply credit hours earned for a previously awarded doctorate degree from ASU or another institution toward their current ASU doctorate. However, at the individual academic unit's discretion, students may apply up to 30 credit hours from a previously awarded master's degree toward their doctoral plan of study.
After the student has completed all necessary coursework on their approved program of study, the academic unit may initiate the student's comprehensive examination process. The examination consists of, at minimum, a written exam; an oral exam may also be required at the discretion of the academic unit.
Doctoral students are notified that they have achieved candidacy status in a letter from the dean of the Graduate College after passing the comprehensive examinations and successfully defending the dissertation prospectus.
Students are required to present a dissertation to satisfy the research requirement for the doctorate. The dissertation is defended in an oral examination commonly known as the dissertation defense.
Doctoral students must complete all program requirements within 10 consecutive years.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
U.S.
applicants | International
applicants | English
proficiency
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the W. P. Carey School of Business.
Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
All applicants must submit:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- official GRE general exam or GMAT scores
- personal statement
- current curriculum vitae
- three letters of recommendation
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency. Complete information on the English proficiency exams and other required documents can be found on the Graduate Admission Services website.
ASU does not accept the GRE General Test at home edition.
Applicants must submit all the items listed above to complete an application file. Incomplete files are not reviewed.
An explanation of the applicant's goals should be addressed in the personal statement.
Students should see the program website for application deadlines. Late applications may be considered for the same application term or for the next term of admission; however, the department reserves the right to deny or not review a late application.
Graduates of the doctoral program in business administration at one of the largest public universities in the U.S. have learned from thought leaders in their respective fields and benefitted from the university's tremendous resources. Agribusiness graduates are expected to assume teaching and research positions at top-ranked research universities.
Career opportunities include:
- data scientist
- economic consultant
- market analyst
- professor
- research economist
Business Administration
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SANTN 230
wpcarey.morrison@asu.edu
480-727-1586
Program term definitions
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
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ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.

