PhD in Regenerative Organic Agriculture

Lead the soil revolution

A PhD in Regenerative Organic Agriculture is more than an academic path — it’s a chance to lead the movement toward a healthier planet. With climate change, biodiversity loss, and soil depletion posing urgent global challenges, the need for visionary researchers and practitioners has never been greater.

This program prepares you to develop real-world solutions through applied research, ecological design, and sustainable land management. Whether your goal is to shape agricultural policy, lead academic research, or implement regenerative systems on the ground, this PhD equips you to be at the forefront of the future of agriculture.

Why MIU ?

Online or on-campus
Fast Track Option – two years for master’s degree level college/university instructors of agriculture science or related fields
Ph.D. candidates do not need to leave their jobs
Regular Track Option – 3 to 5 years to complete
Research can be done from your location
Faculty Mentorship conducted by MIU faculty and may include qualified committee members from the Ph.D. candidates location
Research may include many related fields, such as soil/plant science, soil health, soil microbiology, eco-agriculture, agribusiness topics, plant health management, etc.

USDA

“Regenerative organic agriculture prioritizes soil health, creating farm systems that work in harmony with nature to improve quality of life for every creature involved.”

Forbes

“Regenerative agriculture is poised to move into the mainstream faster than many people expect … it is a classic triple-win situation. Consumers can receive healthier foods, farmers can have a more secure and prosperous future, and the planet will benefit.”

Yahoo! Finance

“‘Regenerative agriculture’ – farming practices aimed at removing carbon from the atmosphere and putting it back into the soil – is one of the most promising movements in the fight against climate change.”

MIU – a pioneer in organic & regenerative agriculture

MIU offered the first accredited degrees in regenerative organic agriculture, and remains a leader in the field as new developments emerge.

Over 40 years of organic farming leadership – from launching Radiance Dairy in 1980 to restoring 700+ acres through rotational grazing.
A living ecosystem for innovation – MIU’s campus and Fairfield community serve as a hub for organic greenhouses, compost services, and sustainable eco-villages.
From soil to science – MIU’s partnerships with HRI Labs and Soil Technologies Corp. advance sustainable food systems and ecological soil health.
A regenerative future in motion – The MIU Farm Center and pasture-based grazing model embody the evolving future of agriculture, rooted in research and practice.

Get started by contacting Dr. Jodi or Dr. Jim

Dr. Jodi Hill and Dr. Jim Schaefer are managing the introduction of the new PhD in Regenerative Organic Agriculture. Jodi is Chair of the Department of Regenerative Organic Agriculture. Jim is Director of the PhD. Email Jodi or Email Jim

Request Info

International applicants may connect with us through our international inquiry form.

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Choose online or hybrid format

Online – Fully remote option for working professionals.
On-Campus – Available for US students, who can attend for a semester or more as half-time research assistants or teaching assistants.

Courses may include

Featured faculty

Jodi Hill

Jodi Hill has over a decade of experience teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in forestry, agriculture, and environmental science. Jodi specializes in agroforestry and has a BSAG in animal science, an MS in agriculture with an emphasis on beef cattle nutrition and forages, and a Ph.D. in forestry with an emphasis on silvopasture. Jodi recognizes that each student is unique and brings valuable experience, knowledge, and insight to the learning process and that learning is dynamic and responsive between student and teacher.

In life, Jodi is driven by the basic assumption that roadblocks are only detours, and they are almost always a figment of the mind that can be overcome. Jodi enjoys many hobbies and interests including gardening, farming, hiking, camping, reading, and just about any kind of history; however, her number one passion is anything related to horses.

Entrance requirements

Master’s Degree: Submit transcript(s) showing an earned Master’s degree in a related field.
Resume: Provide a current resume that details relevant degrees, coursework, professional experience, awards, and accomplishments.
Statement of Purpose: Write a statement (minimum one page) explaining why they are interested in joining the Master’s in Regenerative Agriculture Program.
Letters of Recommendation: Provide two letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with their academic or professional work.
Interview: Participate in an interview with the Program Directors and Faculty.

Additional requirements

English language verification

International applicants must submit official English proficiency test scores within the past 2 years of at least 110 on Duolingo, 6.5 on IELTS Academic, 90 on TOEFL iBT or 58 on PTE.

Transcendental Meditation (TM) technique

All MIU students practice the Transcendental Meditation^® technique. If you have not learned it yet:

Once accepted as a US student, the cost of TM instruction is covered through a grant offered by MIU
Students are required to learn the TM technique before starting the first class
Contact your admissions counselor for details
Find information on the TM technique or search for a TM teacher at TM.org

Cost & Aid, 2025-26

US On-Campus Students

US On-Campus PhD

PhD entry-level lasts one to two years. After passing comprehensive exams, the PhD Candidate may be eligible to apply for a teaching position that provides a waiver of tuition while working on the dissertation proposal. After the proposal is approved, the PhD Researcher with a teaching position would continue to have a waiver of tuition. The tuition listed here is for one academic year (two semesters) at the current year rate, subject to change in future years.

Annual Tuition
Entry Level	$10,800
Candidate Level	$10,000
Researcher Level	$6,000

Additional Costs
Housing, meals, books, and personal expenses	$14,000

Federal student loans are available for tuition as well as for the $14,000 for housing, meals, books, and personal expenses.

Tuition, other fees, scholarships, and financial policies are subject to change prior to the entry date. For more information, contact us at awardofficer@miu.edu for a quick reply — normally one business day — or see more about financial aid.

US Online Students

US Online PhD

IMPORTANT: PhD entry-level lasts one to two years. After passing comprehensive exams, the PhD Candidate may be eligible to apply for a teaching position that provides a waiver of tuition while working on the dissertation proposal. After the proposal is approved, the PhD Researcher with a teaching position would continue to have a waiver of tuition. The tuition listed here is for one academic year (two semesters) at the current year rate, subject to change in future years.

Annual Tuition
Entry Level	$10,800
Candidate Level	$10,000
Researcher Level	$6,000

Federal student loans are available for tuition.

Additional Financial Aid Information

Federal Student Loans

Your FAFSA automatically qualifies you for the majority of federal student loans for this program. The remaining portion is composed of Federal Graduate PLUS loans which require “no adverse credit” or an endorser. Repayment begins after your enrollment ends.

Education Tax Incentives

There are a variety of money-saving tax benefits to assist in reducing the cost of education expenses. More about education tax benefits.

Veterans

For questions regarding Veterans Benefits, please contact Tal Ron, our Veterans Certifying Official and Director of Financial Aid, at tron@miu.edu or 641-472-1156.

Loan Repayment Options

Standard

Payments are a fixed amount that ensures your loans are paid off within 10 years (within 10 to 30 years for Consolidation Loans).

Extended

Payments may be fixed or graduated and will ensure that your loans are paid off within 25 years.

Graduated

Payments are lower at first and then increase, usually every two years, and are for an amount that will ensure your loans are paid off within 10 years (within 10 to 30 years for Consolidation Loans).

Income-Based

Your monthly payments will be either 10 or 15 percent of discretionary income (depending on when you received your first loans), but never more than you would have paid under the 10-year Standard Repayment Plan.

Income Contingent

Payments are recalculated each year and are based on your updated income, family size, and the total amount of your Direct Loans. Any outstanding balance will be forgiven if you haven’t repaid your loan in full after 25 years.

Income Sensitive

Your monthly payment is based on annual income, but your loan will be paid in full within 15 years.

Tuition, other fees, scholarships, and financial policies are subject to change prior to the entry date. For more information, contact us at awardofficer@miu.edu for a quick reply — normally one business day — or see more about financial aid.

International Online Students

International Online PhD

PhD entry-level lasts one to two years. After passing comprehensive exams, the PhD Candidate may be eligible to apply for a teaching position that provides a waiver of tuition while working on the dissertation proposal. After the proposal is approved, the PhD Researcher with a teaching position would continue to have a waiver of tuition. The tuition listed here is for one academic year (two semesters) at the current year rate, subject to change in future years.

Annual Tuition
Entry Level	$10,800
Candidate Level	$10,000
Researcher Level	$6,000

Tuition, other fees, scholarships, and financial policies are subject to change prior to the entry date.

Next Steps

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Aug 2025 • Feb 2026

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PhD in Regenerative Organic Agricultureonline or on-campus

America’s first PhD in Regenerative Organic Agriculture