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    Food and Resource Economics Department

    Food and Resource Economics Department

PhD

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (PH.D.)

The Ph.D. in Food and Resource Economics is a designated STEM program. CIP code: 45.0603.

A STEM-designated program is one that falls under at least one of the approved categories from the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and recognized by the government for their focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The STEM-designation is beneficial to international students looking for work in the U.S. Traditionally, with an F-1 visa, students were eligible for up to 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows students to work towards getting practical training to complement their field of studies in the U.S. once they have completed their program. STEM students are allowed to apply to extend that period of time even longer (up to 24 months).  

 

APPLICATION DUE: FEB. 1

 

 

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (PH.D.)

The Ph.D. in Food and Resource Economics is a designated STEM program. CIP code: 45.0603.

A STEM-designated program is one that falls under at least one of the approved categories from the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and recognized by the government for their focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The STEM-designation is beneficial to international students looking for work in the U.S. Traditionally, with an F-1 visa, students were eligible for up to 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows students to work towards getting practical training to complement their field of studies in the U.S. once they have completed their program. STEM students are allowed to apply to extend that period of time even longer (up to 24 months).  

 

APPLICATION DUE: FEB. 1

 

 

CURRICULUM

The Ph.D. in Food and Resource Economics Program requires a minimum of 60 hours in the Ph.D. with a maximum of 30 transferred from the M.S. Below, you will find a more detailed breakdown of the curriculum requirements by year and the Electives, Fields, and Method Classes available to you. While students prefer to complete all field courses by the end of the second year, due to teaching resources, it is not possible. It is more common for students to complete their fields and all coursework by the end of the third year at the latest. 

 

CURRICULUM

The Ph.D. in Food and Resource Economics Program requires a minimum of 60 hours in the Ph.D. with a maximum of 30 transferred from the M.S. Below, you will find a more detailed breakdown of the curriculum requirements by year and the Electives, Fields, and Method Classes available to you. While students prefer to complete all field courses by the end of the second year, due to teaching resources, it is not possible. It is more common for students to complete their fields and all coursework by the end of the third year at the latest. 

 

  • Course Curriculum Years 1 - 3

    YEAR ONE

     

    FALL

    • AEB 7504 Mathematical Statistics in Applied Econometrics (3) 
    • ECO 7115 Microeconomic Theory I (3) 
    • ECO 7404 Game Theory for Economists (1) 
    • ECO 7408 Math Methods for Economists (2) 

    SPRING

    • AEB 7108 Microeconomic Theory II (3) 
    • AEB 7240 Macroeconomic Theory in Open Economies II (3) 
    • AEB 7571 Econometric Methods I (3) 

    SUMMER

    • Core Exam, No Classes 

    YEAR TWO

    FALL/SPRING

    • Combination of coursework and AEB 7979 Advanced Research (18) 

    YEAR 3

    FALL/SPRING

    • AEB 7980 Doctoral Research (18) 
    • Writing, Defense, First & Final Submission, Final Clearance, Graduation

     

  • Electives, Fields & Method Classes

    ELECTIVES

    • Five 3-credit hour PhD-level courses (15 credit hours minimum)
    • 2 field courses (6 credit hours) in the same field; both courses must be in FRE  
    • 1 methods course(3 credit hours); must be in FRE (cannot double count as field and methods course)
    • 6 credit hours, 6000-7000, unrestricted electives at UF

    FIELDS

    While students prefer to complete all field courses by end of the second year, due to teaching resources, it is not possible. It is more common for students to complete their fields and all coursework by end of the third year, at the latest.

    • Environmental and Natural Resource Economics 
      • AEB 6933 Environmental Economics 
      • AEB 7333 Applied Valuation Methods 
      • AEB 7453 Natural Resource Economics 
         
    • Development 
      • AEB 7220 Agricultural Trade Policy and Welfare Economics
      • AEB 7573 Applied Microeconometrics
      • AEB 7645 Economic Development and Agriculture 
         
    • Food and Agricultural Economics 
      • AEB 7184 Production Economics 
      • AEB 6933 Health Economics
      • AEB 7373 Consumer Demand and Applied Analysis 
    • Experimental Economics 
      • AEB 6933 Experimental Economics 
      • AEB 7333 Applied Valuation Methods 
      • AEB 7373 Consumer Demand and Applied Analysis

    METHODS CLASSES

    • AEB 6933 Advanced Econometrics: Discrete Choice Models 
    • AEB 6933 Advanced Econometrics: Panel Data 
    • AEB 6933 Advanced Econometrics: Time Series 
    • AEB 7333 Applied Valuation Methods 
    • AEB 7573 Applied Microeconometrics
  • Requirements to Apply

    Only applicants who meet the following minimum requirements will be considered for the program:

    Minimum requirements for admission

    • 3.0 GPA in Master’s degree 
    • 305 GRE score, with at least 150 Quant 
    • Course prerequisites with a grade of “B” or better in each of the following: 
      • Calculus I 
      • Statistics 
      • Master’s level Microeconomics 
      • Master’s level Econometrics 
      • 3 strong letters of recommendation 
      • Applicants are strongly recommended to exceed admission criteria to be competitive for admission and funding  
      • We offer four years of funding as a teaching and/or research assistant for all admitted PhD students. No separate application is required to be considered for funding. Applicants should include names of faculty with whom they would like to work in their statement of purpose. 
  • Applying to the Ph.D. Program

    Application Due: February 1st

    We encourage candidates to apply early by January 1st if possible!

    • Application process is completely online.
    • Application process takes 4-6 weeks.
    • Applicants must upload the following documentation when submitting their application. Please only upload one copy of each:
      • Transcripts (not student degree audits) from all post-secondary institutions attended.
      • 3 recommendations from faculty, employers, others who know your work and character.
      • Statement of Purpose, no more than 2 pages in length, well-organized, and focused on your academic/professional qualities, accomplishments, and goals. The Purdue Online Writing Lab is a great tool to help you write this statement. You should include:
        • Reasons for applying to our program
        • Research and professional interests; include the names of faculty in our department whose research interests you.
        • Major academic and personal accomplishments
        • Research experience and skill sets
        • what makes you a good fit with our program
        • How this program aligns with your research goals; be specific when articulating what you’re passionate about within your field.
      • International students who earned degrees at international institutions must submit:
        • Transcripts in both English and the native language
        • Copies of degree statements/certificates in both English and native language
        • TOEFL (min scores 550 paper, 213 CBT, 79 iBT) for international students whose native language is not English and whose previous degree not earned in the U.S.) Countries exempted from TOEFL are found here: https://admissions.ufl.edu/apply/graduate/internationalResume or CV, no more than 2 pages.
  • Additional Resources

CONTACT OUR GRADUATE PROGRAM

Name TitleLocationPhoneEmail
Jess Herman Graduate Academic Advisor 1179 McCarty Hall A 352-294-7622 jherman@ufl.edu
Dr. Zhifeng Gao Graduate Program Coordinator 1155 McCarty Hall A 352-294-7672 zfgao@ufl.edu

CONTACT OUR GRADUATE PROGRAM

Name TitleLocationPhoneEmail
Jess Herman Graduate Academic Advisor 1179 McCarty Hall A 352-294-7622 jherman@ufl.edu
Dr. Zhifeng Gao Graduate Program Coordinator 1155 McCarty Hall A 352-294-7672 zfgao@ufl.edu