Engineering Technology and Management for Agricultural Systems, Ph.D.

for the Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering Technology and Management for Agricultural Systems

The degree of Doctor of Philosophy is primarily a research degree requiring from three to four years of graduate study beyond the master's degree or five to six years for students admitted directly with a bachelor’s degree. The major area of specialization integrates courses and research that are closely related in content, though courses may be drawn from multiple departments. Students work with their advisor and research committee to create a focused plan of study in their primary area, complemented by approved electives. To graduate, candidates must demonstrate their capacity for independent research by completing an original dissertation on a topic within the major field of study and successfully pass both preliminary and final examinations. 

for the Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering Technology and Management for Agricultural Systems

ETMAS Ph.D. Curriculum with approved MS degree

ABE 501Graduate Seminar: Foundations of Success1
ABE 502Graduate Seminar: Advanced Career Skills1
ABE 503Graduate Seminar: Integrity, Teaching and Research1
ABE 501, ABE 502 and ABE 503 are not required if taken for the ETMAS MS
Choose one course in statistics or data analytics4
ABE 445
Statistical Methods
CPSC 541
Regression Analysis
CPSC 543
Appl. Multivariate Statistics
PSYC 581
Applied Regression Analysis
PSYC 587
Hierarchical Linear Models
EPSY 480
Educational Statistics
STAT 420
Methods of Applied Statistics
Choose one course in research methods including experimental design4
CPSC 540
Applied Statistical Methods II
EPSY 403
Research Methods in Learning Sciences
Required course subtotal11
Elective courses - chosen in consultation with advisor; one of the courses must be 500-level (subject to Other Requirements and Conditions below)9
Course credit hours subtotal20
ETMA 599Thesis Research44
Total Hours64

Other Requirements

Other Requirements and Conditions may overlap
One 500-level course (at least 3 credit hours) must be formal coursework, not seminar courses, special topics or independent study
A maximum of 4 hours of ETMA 597 (or other independent study) may be applied toward the elective course work requirement
Teaching experience determined in consultation with advisor with department guidelines
The minimum program GPA is 3.0
Ph.D. exam and dissertation requirements:
Preliminary Exam
Final Exam or Dissertation Defense
Dissertation Deposit

Direct PhD in ETMAS - with approved BS degree

ABE 501Graduate Seminar: Foundations of Success1
ABE 502Graduate Seminar: Advanced Career Skills1
ABE 503Graduate Seminar: Integrity, Teaching and Research1
ABE 501, ABE 502 and ABE 503 are not required if taken for the ETMAS MS
Choose one course in statistics or data analysis4
ABE 445
Statistical Methods
CPSC 541
Regression Analysis
CPSC 543
Appl. Multivariate Statistics
PSYC 581
Applied Regression Analysis
PSYC 587
Hierarchical Linear Models
EPSY 480
Educational Statistics
STAT 420
Methods of Applied Statistics
Choose one course in research methods including experimental design4
CPSC 540
Applied Statistical Methods II
EPSY 403
Research Methods in Learning Sciences
In addition to above 2 courses in stats and research methods, the student is required to take one more course from any of the three areas (stats, data analysis or research methods) above4
Required course subtotal15
Elective courses - chosen in consultation with advisor, at least two courses are 500-level (subject to Other Requirements and Conditions below)29
Course credit hours subtotal44
ETMA 599Thesis Research52
Total Hours96

Other Requirements

Other Requirements and Conditions may overlap
Two 500-level courses (at least 3 credit hours each) must be formal coursework, not seminar courses, special topics or independent study
A maximum of 8 hours of ETMA 597 (or other independent study) may be applied toward the elective course work requirement
Teaching experience determined in consultation with advisor with departmental guidelines
The minimum program GPA is 3.0
Ph.D. exam and dissertation requirements:
Qualifying requirements review in the 2nd year: It is required to complete all courses in stats, data analysis and research methods by the 3rd semester with a 3.25 or higher GPA
Preliminary Exam
Final Exam or Dissertation Defense
Dissertation Deposit

for the Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering Technology and Management for Agricultural Systems

The PhD program in Engineering Technology and Management for Agricultural Systems (ETMAS) prepares graduates to make significant contributions to the field through research, innovation, and leadership. Students completing the program will demonstrate mastery of advanced concepts in engineering technology as applied to agricultural systems, while conducting independent research that generates new knowledge in the field. Through their doctoral studies, they will develop the ability to design and implement rigorous research methodologies, create innovative solutions to complex agricultural challenges, and effectively communicate their findings to diverse stakeholders.

Specifically, upon completing the program, students will demonstrate:

  1.  Advanced knowledge and research capabilities in engineering technology and management for agricultural systems.
  2. Proficiency in research design and execution, applying appropriate methodologies and advanced data analysis to agricultural technology and management challenges.
  3. An ability to develop and validate innovative solutions that integrate engineering technology, systems approaches, and management principles for agricultural systems.
  4. Effective communication of research findings through scholarly writing and presentations to agricultural technology and management stakeholders.
  5. Responsible conduct in research while considering technological, managerial, economic, and societal implications.
  6.  Commitment to professional growth and adaptation to emerging technologies and management practices in agricultural systems.

for the Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering Technology and Management for Agricultural Systems

Department of Agricultural & Biological Engineering

Department Head: Ronaldo Maghirang (ronaldom@illinois.edu)
Director of Graduate Studies: Maria Chu (mlchu@illinois.edu)

Agricultural & Biological Engineering Department website
338 Agricultural Engineering Sciences Building
1304 West Pennsylvania Avenue
Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 333-3570
abe@illinois.edu

College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences (ACES)

College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences website

Admissions

Graduate College Admissions & Requirements