The thesis is defended in a formal oral examination, which usually coincides with an open departmental seminar, administered by the thesis advisory committee. Two units of ACE 400-level course work, not including independent study and thesis credit, are required. Courses in theory, research methods, and quantitative methods are also required. Specializations and Options . The department also encourages specializations involving substantial course work in other departments, such as Economics, Finance, and Business Administration.
Students complete course work and a written preliminary examination in one area of specialization.
They enhance their study by selecting course work in at least one other area. The Ph.D. core courses cover the theory and quantitative methods upon which advanced research, teaching, and service in ACE are based. The specialty area courses build on the knowledge gained in the core courses. Minor in the Department of ACE . A doctoral student enrolled in another department of the University may obtain a minor in the Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics by completing two units of ACE courses, at least one of which must be at the 400 level, and by passing a written preliminary examination in one of the areas of specialization.