STUDY PLAN

Course Curriculum

Our Ph.D. program is classified into 2 plans, plan 1.1 and plan 2.1, with the minimum 48 credits for a regular three years of study.

Plan 1.1 (research plan) is particularly for outstanding Master’s degree students with the GPA of at least 3.85 out of 4 in the M.S. degree level. The final decision shall be made by the Ph.D. committee.

Plan 2.1 (coursework plan) is a regular plan taken by most of students. Of the total 48 credits, students are required to take 12 credits of coursework and 36 credits of thesis.

The maximum permissible period for the degree completion does not exceed 6 academic years for candidates with a master’s degree. Be warned that you need to submit your official thesis proposal within the 6th semester. Otherwise, you will leave the program automatically.

During the first year in the program, students normally take courses in macro and microeconomic theory, as well as courses in econometrics to prepare for the comprehensive examinations taken at the end of the first year.

Course Plan 1.1 Plan 2.1
Total Credits Minimum 48 credits Minimum 48 credits
1 Required Courses – 12 credits
Seminar (non-credit) 4 credits
011119697 Seminar (I), (II), (III), (IV)
Core Courses
01119681 Advanced Quantitative (non-credit) 3 credits
Analysis in Agricultural and Resource
Economics
01119691 Advanced Research (non-credit) 3 credits
Methodologies in Agricultural and
Resource Economics
Electives (non-credit) 2 credits
2 Dissertation 48 credits 36 credits
01119699 Thesis

Study Plan

It is the student’s responsibility to know the calendar, regulations, and pertinent procedures of the Graduate School and to meet its standards and requirements.

1. Year of study. Students who can’t complete the degree in three years must clarify their progress, with approval of advisors, to the Ph.D. committee before enrollment for the next year. Maximum extension can go for three more years. Students who can’t finish with the total six years, need readmission. To apply for readmission, the following requirements are needed for the Ph.D. committee and the Graduate School.
a. Application form
b. Status clarification with approval from advisor
c. The final decision shall be made by the Graduate School for their eligibility to return and pursue the degree.

2. Comprehensive examination. Students shall take comprehensive examination after taking courses with 2/3 of the total credits (credits for dissertation excluded). It is suggested to take exam after the second semester. Those who fail the examination may attempt it once more within 90 days. The examination dates are determined by the examination board appointed by the Dean of the Graduate School.

3. Students should pass the comprehensive examination before taking oral examination of dissertation proposal.

4. Dissertation proposal. Students must take oral examination of their dissertation proposals no later than the 6th semester. Otherwise, they will leave the program.

5. Final oral examination. Thesis proposal must be approved prior to final oral examination at least 270 days.

6. Graduation. For students to graduate:
a. A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 out of 4.00 is to be attained.
b. The complete thesis to be submitted to the Graduate School
c. Students are to be successfully passed the English language examination.
d. An achievement of either 2 publications or at least approval for publication of thesis or parts of thesis in journals or academic publications.

More information can be accessed here:  Important regulations and guidelines