The Doctorate in Agricultural Sciences program is structured in 12 quarters, with a total duration of 4 years, following the timetable set by the Universidad de Talca Graduate School. This allows students to take elective courses offered by other graduate programs and create tailored programs that meet the specific needs of each student’s study at the University. In addition, students must take six mandatory courses, five electives and five seminars. Each student must submit a thesis project and qualifying exam before the fifth quarter of the program. Once the research project is approved the student is free to conduct the necessary research to develop the thesis. At the end of the program each student must pass a thesis defense.

In addition to the successful completion of their coursework and thesis each doctoral student must be demonstrate a proficiency at an intermediate level of English. This is accomplished through the application of an international evaluation (Oxford Test), by the Institute of Languages at the University of Talca. The exam is conducted during the second year of the program. Students who do not pass this exam must take additional coursework in English and re-take and pass the exam before the doctoral degree can be received.