Program Requirements for Doctoral Students in Tropical Agriculture
Total Credits Required: 57 credits
- Core Courses: 20 credits
- Graduate Seminar: 1 credit
- Elective Courses: 21 credits
- Graduate Research (Doctoral Thesis): 15 credits
Note: Up to 15 credits may be transferred from the M.S. program. Students must earn a grade of A or B in all courses.
For information about courses and their descriptions click here.
REQUIRED EXAMS
Written Qualifying Exam
- After completing at least 36 credits, all doctoral students are required to take a written qualifying exam.
- Purpose: To evaluate the student’s competence.
- The exam will be prepared by the Graduate Committee of the Program, in collaboration with the student’s Graduate Committee.
- Students will have two opportunities to pass the exam, following the regulations of the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus.
Oral Exam (Dissertation Proposal)
- After passing the written qualifying exam, students will present and defend their research proposal in an oral candidacy exam.
- If the Graduate Committee determines that the student has passed, they will be granted doctoral candidacy.
- Students will have two opportunities to pass this exam, in accordance with the university’s norms.
DISSERTATION REQUIREMENTS
- The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree is awarded for distinguished academic achievement and a significant, original contribution to the field.
- All doctoral candidates must prepare an original, publishable dissertation that:
- Demonstrates a thorough understanding of the topic.
- Shows the ability to conduct significant research.
- Effectively communicates the results to the academic community.
- Upon completing all degree requirements, candidates must successfully defend their dissertation.