Ph.D. in Agricultural and Environmental Sciences North Carolina A&T State University

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.