Agricultural Sciences, Ph.D.

Program Overview

Mission of the College

The College of Agriculture carries out the Land Grant mandates of the University in teaching, research, and service. The major goal of the College is to satisfy the educational needs and aspirations of both traditional and non-traditional students enrolled in its academic programs. 

Department Goals and Objectives

The graduate programs in the College of Agriculture are designed to provide students with a solid and the most relevant up-to-date curriculum that blends 21st-century leadership skills and scientific knowledge to solve problems in agriculture and related areas. Students will develop the necessary set of skills and competency, and expand their knowledge, creativity, and scholastic activities through classroom, experiential hands-on learning, and networking opportunities that prepare them for today’s ever-demanding job market, culminating in advanced research capabilities at the doctoral level. 

Program Description

The Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences degree program is designed to prepare students for careers in food, agricultural, and environmental sciences to meet the growing demand for research professionals in private industries, academia, and government agencies. It is a research-based terminal degree for candidates who have completed a research-based M.S. degree. 

Program Outcomes

1. Prepare students for advanced research careers in private industries, academia, and government. 

2. Develop experts capable of independent research, critical analysis, and contribution to knowledge in agricultural sciences. 

3. Equip scholars with the ability to design, conduct, and disseminate original research that addresses significant problems in agricultural, food, or environmental systems. 

4. Foster leaders who can contribute to policy development and innovation within the agricultural sector and related fields. 

5. Cultivate a comprehensive understanding of the scientific, economic, and social dimensions of agricultural sciences. 

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year degree granting college or university AND a thesis-based M.S. degree with a major in Agricultural or other related sciences. 

• Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for the M.S. degree. 

• Minimum GRE score of 290 (Verbal + Quantitative, or Verbal, Quantitative & Subject). 

• A sliding scale for GPA and GRE may be used for minor deficiencies for degrees from U.S. institutions. 

• Faculty advisor(s) must be identified prior to admission, and the advisor must accept the student. 

• International Students: 

• TOEFL minimum score: Internet-based Test (iBT) - 71 (Computer-based Test (CBT) - 197; Paper-based Test (PBT) - 530) OR IELTS minimum score of 6.0. Test scores are valid for five years. 

• Non-US transcripts must be evaluated by a foreign educational credential agency (e.g., WES). 

• Required Application Materials (submitted via GradCAS): Official transcripts (B.S. and M.S.), GRE scores, three reference letters, personal statement of purpose (SOP) describing research interests and motivation, CV/Resume, and any supporting documents (e.g., publications). 

Important Dates

(Refer to the official 2025-2026 Graduate School Calendar when available. Ph.D. programs may have earlier deadlines): 

• Confirm specific deadlines for Agricultural Sciences Ph.D. with the Graduate School. Application deadlines for doctoral programs are often earlier than Master’s programs. 

Program Duration

• Ph.D. is typically 3-4 years post-Master’s. 

• GRA for Ph.D. level is standard for 36 months. 

• Transfer of Credits: Up to 6 credit hours of Ph.D. level coursework from another institution may be transferred if a passing grade was received and courses are deemed equivalent, subject to approval. M.S. courses cannot be transferred for the Ph.D. program. 

Degree Requirements

• Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. 

• File a program of study during the first semester. 

• Complete 9 credit hours of major core courses (AGSC 5110, AGSC 6350, AGSC 7590) with GPA 3.0+. 

• Successfully defend dissertation proposal. 

• Pass both written and oral comprehensive examinations to achieve Ph.D. candidacy. 

• Complete approved curriculum, doctoral seminars, experiential learning courses. 

• Complete and successfully defend dissertation research. 

• Refer to Agricultural Sciences Graduate Student Handbook for milestones. 

Accreditation Information

Tennessee State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Specific programmatic accreditation for this degree is not detailed in the provided documents. 

Career Opportunities

Research scientists, university faculty, high-level positions in government agencies (e.g., USDA, EPA), and leadership roles in private agricultural and environmental industries. 

Faculty Credentials

The graduate faculty listed in “27-Agricultural-Sciences-Faculty.doc” and “Faculty Specializations.docx” from all departments within the College of Agriculture would be involved, based on their research expertise aligning with student interests. Full graduate faculty membership is required to chair dissertation committees. 

Program Website

https://www.tnstate.edu/agsciences/degrees/index.aspx 

Program Coordinator/Contact Information

For general inquiries initially: 

• Chair, Department of Agricultural Sciences and Engineering: Dr. Korsi Dumenyo (Professor. Phone: (615) 963-5634, Email: cdumenyo@tnstate.edu, Location: 211 D CARP) 
• Graduate Coordinator, Department of Agricultural Sciences and Engineering: Dr. Ali Taheri (Associate Professor. Phone: (615) 963-6056, Email: ataheri1@tnstate.edu, Location: 204F Farrell-Westbrook Complex) 
• Chair, Department of Food and Animal Sciences: Dr. Samuel Nahashon (Professor, Phone: (615) 963-5829, Email: snahashon@tnstate.edu) 
• Graduate Coordinator, Department of Food and Animal Sciences: Dr. Ying Wu (Professor, Phone: (615) 963-6006, Email: ywu@tnstate.edu) 
• Chair, Department of Environmental Sciences: Dr. Bharat Pokharel (Associate Professor, Phone: (615) 963-6054, Email: bpokhare@tnstate.edu) 
• Graduate Coordinator, Department of Environmental Sciences: Dr. William Sutton (Associate Professor, Phone: (615) 963-7787, Email: wsutton@tnstate.edu) 
• Chair, Department of Agricultual Business and Education: Dr. Prabodh Illukpitiya (Professor, Office: 204H Farrell-Westbrook Complex, Phone: (615) 963-1877, Email: pillukpi@tnstate.edu) 
• Graduate Coordinator Department of Agricultural Business and Education: Dr. Aditya Khanal (Associate Professor, Office: 204D Farrell-Westbrook Complex, Phone: (615) 963-4986, Email: akhanal1@tnstate.edu) 
• College Dean: Chandra Reddy, Ph.D., Office: 213 Agricultural Biotechnology Building, Phone: (615) 963-7561, creddy@tnstate.edu) 

 Program of Study and Credit Hours Required