North Carolina A&T State University
Ph.D. in Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
Greensboro, USA
PhD
DURATION
4 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
USD 5,278 / per semester **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* domestic applicants; May 15th: international applicants. January 15th: priority deadline
** total in-state tuition and fees: $5,277.56 | total out-of-state tuition and fees: $11,677.56. Additional fees may apply. Fees are subject to change
Key Summary
The Ph.D. in agricultural and environmental sciences program at N.C. A&T teaches students about the complexities of our global food system and how to adapt to emerging challenges around food, energy, and water. This program prepares individuals for successful careers as researchers, faculty, and entrepreneurs and to be active and effective leaders in academia and the agriculture industry in both the public and private sectors. Our doctoral graduates will confront the grand challenges of providing and sustaining a safe and healthy supply of food, fiber, and other products for a burgeoning global population.
Why choose N.C. A&T
Doctoral students in the agricultural and environmental sciences Ph.D. program will be taught and mentored by a dynamic faculty who are recognized nationally and internationally as leaders in the areas of discovery, learning, and engagement. The program offers small class sizes that allow for more interaction with our professors.
At A&T, a land-grant high-research institution that ranks as the nation’s largest historically Black university, students will develop personal and professional relationships with fellow students and faculty that will last a lifetime. Graduates will use the knowledge and skills gained through this program to stay abreast of continuing changes in health and nutrition, consumer preferences, national security concerns, climate, and many other vital issues that affect agriculture and the environment.
The Ph.D. program generally takes 4 years to complete. The duration may take longer depending on thesis/dissertation topic, writing, and research.
Concentrations
Food Science, Human Nutrition and Health
The Food Science, Human Nutrition, and Health concentration will provide students with opportunities for advanced study and research on ways to enhance human health by developing a safe, nutritious, accessible, affordable, and sustainable food supply. Doctoral students in this innovative degree program will study basic and applied sciences and the complex nexus of food, nutrition, and human health.
Total credit hours: 65 (post-baccalaureate)
- Core courses (15 credits)
- Seminar (2 credits)
- Dissertation (12 credits)
- Supervised Teaching/Professional Development (3 credits)
- Pass qualifying exam, preliminary exam, and dissertation defense
- In consultation with an advisor, take 18 credit hours within food science or human nutrition (FCS 600 – 999)
- In consultation with the advisor, take 15 credit hours of additional elective courses relevant to the research area**
Sustainable Agriculture and Environmental Sciences
The Sustainable Agriculture and Environmental Sciences concentration focuses on an integrated system of plant and animal production practices that satisfy human needs for food and fiber while maintaining efficient use of natural resources, economic profitability, social and economic equity, and a healthy and sustainable environment. This concentration will produce scientists, faculty, and researchers who will integrate knowledge in numerous fields, including crop science, soil science, microbiology, biological engineering, economics, and agronomy.
Total credit hours: 65 (post-baccalaureate)
- Core courses (15 credits)
- Seminar (2 credits)
- Dissertation (12 credits)
- Supervised Teaching/Professional Development (3 credits)
- Pass qualifying exam, preliminary exam, and dissertation defense
- In consultation with an advisor, take 18 credit hours within natural resources and environmental design or another area subject to the recommendation of the student committee (NARS 600 – 67 999, HORT 600 – 999, ENVS 600 – 999, SLSC 600 – 999, and WMI 600 – 999)
- In consultation with the advisor, take 15 credit hours of additional elective courses relevant to the research area**
Agribusiness and Applied Economics
The Agribusiness and Applied Economics concentration will combine training in agribusiness and/or economics to produce graduates who are experts in quantitative methods and have developed a rigorous background in economic theory and research. Doctoral students will study agricultural food systems, environmental economics, and international trade and learn economic theory, research methods, and quantitative techniques.
Total credit hours: 65 (post-baccalaureate)
- Core courses (15 credits)
- Seminar (2 credits)
- Dissertation (12 credits)
- Supervised Teaching/Professional Development (3 credits)
- Pass qualifying exam, preliminary exam, and dissertation defense
- In consultation with an advisor, take 18 credit hours within agribusiness and applied economics (ABM 600 – 999, AGEC 600 – 999)
- In consultation with the advisor, take 15 credit hours of additional courses relevant to the research area**
Sustainable Animal Production and Health
The Sustainable Animal Production and Health concentration are designed to give doctoral students an in-depth look at the many challenges facing the animal industry. Through interdisciplinary research in genetics, nutrition, physiology, and other areas and with access to a diverse array of animal species, future professionals and scientists will gain the ability to conduct valid research and develop sound practices that facilitate sustainable food production and preventative animal health.
Total credit hours: 65 (post-baccalaureate)
- Core courses (15 credits)
- Seminar (2 credits)
- Dissertation (12 credits)
- Supervised Teaching/Professional Development (3 credits)
- Pass qualifying exam, preliminary exam, and dissertation defense
- In consultation with an advisor, take 18 credit hours within sustainable animal production and health (ANSC 600 – 999)
- In consultation with the advisor, take 15 credit hours of additional courses relevant to the research area**
Agricultural and Extension Education
The Agricultural and Extension Education concentration is designed for doctoral students who want to learn more about leadership development and styles and educational methods for youth and adults in agricultural and related fields. Our graduates will gain a comprehensive knowledge of the teaching and learning process as well as a strong practical research experience in agricultural education. Our graduates will be prepared to lead in public and private colleges and universities, industry, and state and federal governmental agencies.
Total credit hours: 65 (post-baccalaureate)
- Core courses (15 credits)
- Seminar (2 credits)
- Dissertation (12 credits)
- Supervised Teaching/Professional Development (3 credits)
- Pass qualifying exam, preliminary exam, and dissertation defense
- In consultation with an advisor, take 18 credit hours within agriculture and environmental sciences (AGED 600 – 999)
- In consultation with the advisor, take 15 credit hours of additional courses relevant to the research area**
**Students who did not take a statistics course within their Master’s Degree program will take an introductory statistics class in lieu of one Elective Area course.
The program will prepare graduates to:
- Apply their critical thinking skills to solve complex issues impacting food and nutritional sciences.
- Demonstrate effective communication skills through project and dissertation work and conference presentations.
- Conduct research or undertake advanced projects in the area of food and nutritional sciences.
- Be active and effective leaders in their professional societies and will demonstrate and model disciplinary expertise.
The program will prepare students for successful careers as teachers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and leaders in academia and industry in both the public and private sectors. This is an innovative degree program that will prepare professionals to make a difference in the nexus of food and human health.