Doctoral Degree in Agricultural Education and Human Sciences
The Department of Agricultural and Human Sciences at NC State offers a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Agricultural Education and Human Sciences (AEHS). The rigorous research-based program is designed for students who want to pursue careers in higher education or administrative positions in educational settings or government.
Our doctoral students excel in their fields and exceed high expectations of:
- Mastery of knowledge in the field – At the doctoral level, students must understand and know the major constructs, facts, principles, and theories of the field, and be able to apply this knowledge in real-world settings.
- Superior quality of work – Doctoral work is expected to be perceptive and in-depth.
- Original research – Students must demonstrate their ability to conduct original research and that they have deep knowledge and understanding of the research process, statistics, and research in the field.
Program Length
We have customized the doctoral program to meet each student’s career goals. While there are some common components, your graduate committee will consult with you to determine the required courses and hours to complete the program.
- Hours: Eighteen hours from the master’s program can be counted toward the doctoral program unless you immediately “rollover” from the NC State master’s program into the doctoral program. In those situations, up to 36 hours completed in the master’s program can count toward the doctoral degree.
- Time Limit: Students have 10 years to complete the doctoral program (starting with the first course counted in the program). Once admitted, students must maintain continuous enrollment in at least one course every semester. You may request a leave of absence for up to two semesters.
Departmental Assistantships
Comprehensive Examination and Dissertation
Examination
At the completion of the coursework, and no later than four years after the start of the doctoral program, students must complete a comprehensive examination (written and oral) to continue in the program. If you fail this exam, the doctoral program is terminated.
Written Component
The written exam is 16 hours – four hours a day, for four days. This exam covers the student’s factual knowledge and the ability to apply this knowledge.
- Part 1 (4 hours) – Foundations: History and Philosophy
- In our department, students specialize in one of several disciplines/areas of focus, and part one of the exam should cover foundational knowledge in that specialization. These include: Agricultural Education, Extension Education, Agricultural Leadership Development, and Family and Community Sciences
- This exam should cover the history, foundational theories, and philosophies that ground the student’s field of specialization within AEHS.
- Part 2 (4 hours) – Application of Theory
- Part two of the exam will ask students to consider how they would apply the theoretical principles of their area of specialization to the work and research they do/will do.
- Some examples of applications could include: designing a syllabus/educational program and justifying reading choices/content, outlining curriculum development choices based on theoretical understandings, creating an extension education program or evaluation plan, and exploring the use of technology in relaying information and key concepts.
- Part 3 (4 hours) – Research Methods
- Part three of the exam covers a student’s comprehension and application of research methods that are relevant to their dissertation research and future work. Students should demonstrate their ability to apply and interpret research concepts, evaluate the quality of research, and design a research study, including the understanding of data analysis and interpretation of findings.
- Part three can be specialized/tailored to the student’s research area of interest (ex: qualitative vs. quantitative), but all students should be able to demonstrate at least a basic knowledge of research methods across both qualitative and quantitative studies.
- Part 4 (4 hours) – Student’s Research Focus
- Part of the exam should cover the student’s research area (their unique blend of areas of focus). This part of the exam should focus on their dissertation project and an area(s) of conceptual foundation/theory that are relevant to that project. This should be an area of study that is not covered in parts 1 + 2 of the exam.
- If the student has declared a minor, this exam should be in that area and the committee member must be from that department. For example, if the student’s minor is in forestry and natural resources, there will be a committee member from that area and that committee member will write questions related to forestry and natural resources.
Oral Component
Following the completion of the preliminary written exam, there is a two-hour preliminary oral exam that covers the content written about in the written portion of the exam. The oral component allows students to clarify information from the preliminary written exam and gives the graduate committee a clear view of the depth and breadth of the student’s comprehension of the subjects tested. Upon satisfactory completion of the written portion of the preliminary examination, the DGP must submit a Request to Schedule the Doctoral Oral Examination to The Graduate School to schedule the preliminary oral examination.
Dissertation
The final requirement of the doctoral program is to make an original contribution to the field of agricultural education and human sciences through research. Requirements of the dissertation include:
- Identify a major problem or question in the field of agricultural education and human sciences
- Design a research study to address this problem
- Conduct the research
- Report the results – the topic of the dissertation must be in the area of agricultural education and human sciences
- The dissertation must be of superior quality that can be published in professional journals
A complete dissertation is about 150-200 pages. The student’s graduate committee will provide guidance and support for the project. Upon completion, the student will defend the dissertation before their graduate committee.