The Ph.D. program in Agricultural and Resource Economics is intended for students who wish to develop their ability to make original contributions to scientific knowledge. Award of the degree testifies to broad mastery of economic theory, quantitative methods, and one or more fields in agricultural and resource economics. Each student selects an advisory committee which consists of a major advisor and two or more associate advisors. The major advisor and at least one associate advisor must be faculty members in the department with appointments that allow them to be advisors of doctoral students. The advisory committee assists the student in developing a plan of study, which the Graduate School must approve no later than when 18 credits of the planned course work is completed.