Department of Economics > Ph.D. Program > Overview

Admission Requirements for the Ph.D. Program

Applicants to the Ph.D. program are required to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and expected to possess mathematical proficiency equivalent to courses in multivariate calculus (i.e. 3 semesters of university level calculus), probability and statistics (2 semesters),  differential equations, and linear algebra. For admission to our Ph.D. program, GRE scores must have a combined score of at least 308, (153 verbal and 155 quantitative). As a general rule, a Bachelor's degree in economics is required, but the program is open to students from other fields such as mathematics, statistics, and engineering. However, all applicants must have a background equivalent to 12 hours of economics, including two intermediate theory courses, one in price theory and another in macro-economics.

How to Apply

For information on how to apply, please go to www.smu.edu/graduate, and click on “Apply Now” on the right hand side of the page.  All documents, requests, and correspondence should be sent to the Office of Research & Graduate Studies, P O Box 750240, Dallas TX 75275-0240. smugrad@smu.edu In order to be eligible for financial aid, applications must be received by Feb. 1st. Final deadline for application submission is May 1. Decisions on admission to the program are based on actual applications the department receives, and offers of assistantships are decided on the merits of the application.    

Length of Program

Upon completing their first year core courses, students will take the qualifying exams. This exam consists of 2 parts taken over 2 days, covering Micro and Macro Theory.  If either portion of the exam is not passed, a  retake opportunity will be offered.  Students must pass both sections of the exam on either the first or second attempt in order to continue in the program. Students begin working on their dissertation research in their 3rd year, and complete it in 2-3 years. Those entering with deficiencies in preparation may require somewhat longer. A sample program of study toward the Ph.D. degree is shown below.

Sample of Ph.D. Program

Students must take the qualifying examinations in theory at the end of the Spring Semester.

Financial Assistance

The department offers tuition scholarships and teaching and/or research assistantships. The regular assistantship involves tutorial duties, grading, and research assistance, up to 20 hours per week on the average during the academic year (ten months). The assistantship covers tuition and fees and provides a stipend.

As a general policy, the department will attempt to consider financial assistance for a period of up to four years for students making satisfactory progress toward a Ph.D. degree. Select students may be awarded a scholarship through the Dean’s office in order to complete their research.  These scholarships are awarded during the last academic year of study at the sole discretion of the Dean of Research and Graduate Studies. Students accepting this award are required to graduate at the end of the year.