Agricultural, Food and Resource Economics (Doctoral) at Michigan State University

Programme overview

The PhD in Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics at MSU builds a strong foundation in microeconomic theory, econometric methods and applied microeconomics, with specialised training in a major field: Development Economics, Environmental and Resource Economics, or Food and Agricultural Economics.

Faculty: College of Agriculture and Natural Resources | Department: Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics | Duration: 61 credits; typically four to five years | Study mode: full-time | Location: East Lansing, MI, United States

What you will study

Core courses (16 credits) are AFRE 900 Applied Microeconomics, EC 812A/812B Microeconomics and EC 820A/820B Econometrics, with qualifying grade requirements. Students add 9 credits in a major field, 12 credits of advanced 800-900 level coursework, at least 24 credits of AFRE 999 dissertation research, an original research paper serving as the comprehensive exam by the end of year three, a dissertation proposal and a final oral defence.

Career pathways

Academia, research institutes, government and business.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

AFRE graduate programmes (MS and PhD): GRE required for all applicants (GMAT not accepted; no minimum score, Quantitative Reasoning weighted most); transcripts and diplomas; personal and academic statements; a table of math, microeconomics, statistics and econometrics courses; CV; three letters of recommendation; TOEFL iBT (IELTS Indicator and Duolingo also accepted) for non-exempt international applicants. Successful PhD applicants generally have at least a 3.5 GPA in an MS programme or an exceptionally strong undergraduate record, with master's-level mathematics for economists, microeconomics, probability/statistics and econometrics (or, without an MS, advanced undergraduate courses plus multivariable calculus, linear algebra and real analysis). Fall 2027 cohort: apply by December 15, 2026 for full funding consideration; final deadline February 1, 2027. An application fee applies, with no waivers.

Requirements published at program group level.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Duration: 61 credits; typically four to five years

Apply through the official page: https://admissions.msu.edu/apply/graduate-students

Explore more study programmes

Arts & Humanities