PROGRAMS

 

Ph.D. concentration in Global Systems Agroecology

Provide students with an expanded international exposure and hands-on learning in international cropping systems.

 

The PhD concentration focuses on a strong foundation in the ecological principles that drive the study of diverse cropping systems across the world. These systems cross the full spectrum of agricultural production from traditional, alternative, and integrated soil-plant-livestock systems. Completion of this concentration provides proof of an experience level in global agricultural production, an achievement that many industry and academic positions currently demand at the PhD level.

The PhD concentration emphasizes coursework at deeper levels within the ecological foundation of agroecology and in the three core areas within the discipline: production, natural resource conservation, and societal impacts. Five majors are available (Agronomy, Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Entomology and Nematology, Interdisciplinary Ecology or Soil and Water Sciences), and the curriculum includes participation in an international research experience from one of the UF Agroecology Partner Institutions (Click here for more information).

All coursework listed in the concentration is available online

 

CURRICULUM

Required Core Courses (12 credits)

Each student must spend some time abroad at one of our Partner Institutions, during which students are expected to participate in ongoing research at the host institution with resident faculty mentors. The student can still enroll in distance education UF classes offered by the program while abroad.

Elective courses (9 credits; one course from each category)

ECOLOGY:

MODELING:

SOCIAL SCIENCE AND ECONOMICS:

HOW TO JOIN

APPLICANTS MUST POSSESS

  • Master of Science degree with a major in agriculture, agronomy, crop science, soil science, or an equivalent degree in an allied field such as horticulture, entomology, environmental engineering, natural resources, or ecology, and bachelor’s degree with an upper-division GPA of 3.0
  • GRE quantitative score in 150-160 range (not required for Soil and Water Sciences major)
  • UF Faculty member support to encourage applying for graduate assistantship

Due to current admission examination testing difficulties amid the COVID-19 pandemic the Agronomy Department, in sync with the UF Graduate School, is waiving the GRE requirement for applicants seeking Fall 2020, Spring 2021, Summer A/B/C 2021, or Fall 2021 admission. This temporary emergency waiver applies only to admission for those four semesters.

HOW TO APPLY

  • Formally apply online to the University of Florida: admissions.ufl.edu. The cost for application is $30 plus a $7 handling fee.
  • Select the major, either “Agronomy”, "Agricultural and Biological Engineering" or “Soil and Water Sciences”.
  • Self-report GPA and GRE test scores
  • Insert name of UF faculty member with whom you have conversed about dissertation research as a graduate assistant
  • Upload: Statement of Purpose, Resume, Transcript copies
  • After submitting, let us know! Email: agroecology@ifas.ufl.edu

APPLICATION DEADLINES

  • January for Fall admission and Graduate Assistantship consideration – indicate on UF application “Agroecology” as “Specialization.”