economics phd programs in texas

The Ph.D. Program in Economics emphasizes analytical and quantitative skills and exposes students to a broad range of contemporary policy issues to prepare them for careers in academic, business, or government careers. In their first two semesters of study, students receive rigorous training in three core areas: microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics.

After completing the core sequences, students choose three fields of specialization for intensive study. For most students, work on the dissertation begins in the third year and occupies them through the fourth or fifth year of residence.

STEM Designation Our PhD program has recently been reclassified as STEM (CIP Code 45.0603: Econometrics and Quantitative Economics). Students in STEM degree programs can apply for a 24 month STEM extension of F1 Optional Practical Training (OPT).

For more information or questions regarding the PhD program – e-mail us.

DO NOT E-MAIL FACULTY MEMBERS DIRECTLY. THEY WILL NOT RESPOND TO YOUR REQUESTS. Please submit ALL your inquiries to the e-mail link above.

Core Courses

The core courses form an integrated sequence of courses that develop the theoretical and quantitative tools students will build on later in their careers. These courses include two semesters of microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics.

An undergraduate major in economics is not a requirement, but students are expected to have taken some economics courses, including at least intermediate theory courses. Students should also have a solid background in mathematics. The recommended math courses are calculus, linear algebra, and mathematical statistics, but more math is generally considered an advantage. A master’s degree is not required for admission to the Ph.D. program, nor for completing the Ph.D. degree.

Field Courses

After a highly structured first two semesters, students have more choice as they select three areas of specialization. The field courses are intended to broaden and deepen the students’ understanding of economics and to encourage students to develop more specific interests. The fields and their associated courses include:

• Advanced Theory/Special Topics: ECON 689
• Behavioral and Experimental Economics: ECON 655, ECON 656, ECON 659
• Econometrics: ECMT 677, ECMT 678, ECMT 679
• Labor Economics: ECON 609, ECON 610
• Industrial Organization: ECON 649, ECON 650
• International Economics: ECON 651, ECON 652
• Advanced Macroeconomics: ECON 635, ECON 637, ECMT 638
• Public Economics: ECON 603, ECON 604

Sample Five Year Program

First semester.

ECMT 675 – Econometrics I ECON 629 – Microeconomic Theory I ECON 636 – Macroeconomic Theory I

Second Semester

ECMT 676 – Econometrics II ECON 630 – Microeconomic Theory II ECON 646 – Macroeconomic Theory II Qualifying Exams

Second Year

Two or Three Field Courses – (Part 1)

Two or Three Field Courses – (Part 2) Field Presentation/Proposal

Any remaining Field Course – (Part 1) ECON 690 – Theory of Research / Workshop ECON 691 – Research Submit Degree Plan and Advisory Committee

Field Course – (Part 2) ECON 690 – Theory of Research/Workshop ECON 691 – Research Research Paper Presentation (3rd Years)

Fourth Year

ECON 690 – Theory of Research/Workshop ECON 691 – Research Preliminary Oral Defense File Dissertation Proposal Approval Page

ECON 690 – Theory of Research/Workshop ECON 691 – Research Research Paper Presentation (4th Year)

ECON 690 – Theory of Research/Workshop ECON 691 – Research Job Market Ready

ECON 690 – Theory of Research/Workshop ECON 691 – Research Final Defense (Oral) Final Dissertation Submitted

Steps to Fulfill Doctorate Degree Requirements

There are many steps that each student need to complete in order to graduate with a PhD. Many of these steps require the student filling out paperwork and getting necessary approvals (some require months of lead time). To see all of the steps and access links to download necessary forms, please  CLICK HERE

Beginning in the third year and extending through the fifth year of residence, students participate in departmental workshops. Workshops are commonly offered in theory, macro, money, international, applied micro, and econometrics. The workshops are designed to acquaint students with research methodology and to provide opportunities for them to present their own research.

Department Qualifying Exams and Field Exams

Students must pass qualifying examinations in microeconomic theory, macroeconomic theory, and econometrics following completion of the core sequences. The exams are given in late May and late July or early August. Students must also pass examinations in one field of specialization following completion of the appropriate field sequences. The field exams are given in January and May. Please consult the Graduate Catalog for additional requirements by the Office of Graduate Studies for the Ph.D. degree. You may find this in the Graduate Handbook on the web site  ogs.tamu.edu .

Dissertation

Students normally begin research on their dissertations in their third year. The dissertation is intended as a demonstration of the student’s ability to perform original research.

Teaching & Research

In their first and second years of Ph.D. study, students receiving financial support are normally assigned as research assistants to faculty members to aid them in teaching and research activities.

In their third and fourth years, students may become teaching assistants and have the opportunity to instruct undergraduates at Texas A&M. Both types of assistantships are viewed as integral parts of the educational process, preparing students for careers in teaching and research.

Funding Opportunities

Gail frey monson memorial scholarship.

The Monson Memorial Scholarship provides a one-time stipend ( typically $500 ) to a fourth-year female Ph.D. student in the Department of Economics. Applicants must be full time graduate students in good standing in the Department of Economics, have been admitted to Ph.D. candidacy, and demonstrate good citizenship in the department. Assessment criteria also include quality of research. Applicants must submit the following materials to the Scholarship Committee: (a) a cover letter, (b) a copy of her CV, (c) a copy of her dissertation proposal, and (d) a letter from her main advisor concerning the student’s eligibility and qualification for the award. Deadline to apply is April 15 of the applicants’ 4th year. 

S. Charles Maurice Graduate Fellowship in Economics

This fellowship is established by a generous gift from Niccie L. McKay, wife of late Professor S. Charles Maurice. This scholarship ( typically $2,500 ) is awarded to a 4th year Ph.D. student in Economics.  Applicants must be full time graduate students in good standing in the Department of Economics, and will be assessed based on evidence of independent scholarship and promising research leading to a high quality dissertation. Applicants must submit the following materials to the Scholarship Committee: (a) a cover letter, (b) a copy of their CV, (c) a copy of their dissertation proposal, and (d) a letter from their main advisor concerning the student’s eligibility and qualification for the award by April 15 of the applicants’ 4th year.

• College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences

Graduate Program

Department of Economics

Front Desk: Teaching Unit 2, Room 104 4104 Martin Luther King Blvd. Houston, Texas 77204-5019 Phone: (713) 743-3800 Fax: (713) 743-3798 Mailing Address: Department of Economics Teaching Unit 2, Room 104 4104 Martin Luther King Blvd. Houston, Texas 77204-5019

Please note the new application deadline for the Ph.D. program is January 15 .

Updated information about the GRE for Fall 2024 applicants on the Admissions and FAQ pages.

Questions and Answers

What are the characteristics of students who have been admitted and funded, how many students are admitted each year, how many students receive funding each year, do you provide partial funding, if i do not receive funding initially, can i be funded later, how much is the stipend, the doctoral program in economics.

The Department of Economics offers a program leading to the Ph.D. degree in Economics designed to provide students rigorous training in economic theory and quantitative skills as well as an intensive exposure to several specialized areas of Economics. The Ph.D. training provides skills needed in academic, government, or business careers.

Graduate students in the University of Houston Department of Economics are subject to all regulations of the Graduate School and the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. The rules are found in the University of Houston Graduate Catalog, which can be found online at http://www.uh.edu/grad_catalog/. The requirements discussed below are additional requirements that apply to graduate students in economics.

The new doctoral student begins a year of intensive course work in microeconomic theory, macroeconomic theory, statistics, and econometrics. During the summer after the first year, the student is required to take the economic theory comprehensive exam. Upon receiving a grade of "superior" in both the micro and macro parts of the exam, the student becomes a candidate for the Ph.D. degree.

More about the program

• Frequently asked questions about graduate programs in Economics
• Graduate Economics course descriptions
• How to apply for a competitive fellowship

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Doctor of Philosophy in Economics

Program description.

The PhD in Economics degree program provides a cutting-edge education in economic theories and the development of a rigorous toolkit of mathematical and econometric techniques. Students also gain extensive exposure to various research areas in economics that allow them to think critically about how to approach the analysis of economic problems and contribute to the knowledge base of the discipline. The program is particularly strong in the areas of public economics, applied microeconomics, macroeconomics, data analysis, and the economics of conflict.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the program seek positions such as: academic, data analyst, economist in financial institutions, management firms, and consulting firms both in private and domestic sector, academics and researcher and government positions (the Federal Reserve banks, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Census Bureau, Social Security Administration and Federal Trade Commission.)

Application Requirements

Degree requirements:  Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

GPA:  Minimum GPA of 3.25 in upper-division and graduate course work in economics and related courses.

Test score required:  Yes

The minimum quantitative score is 158 with students averaging 163 on the quantitative score and 150 of the verbal score. The program does not accept GMAT scores as a substitute for GRE scores.

Letters of recommendation:  3

Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation from individuals who can judge the candidate’s probability of success in graduate school. Use the electronic request form in the graduate application to submit the letters. Contact the graduate academic program department if you have any questions.

Admissions essay required:  Yes

A one-page essay outlining the applicant’s background, reasons for choosing UT Dallas, prior educational experiences, and personal objectives.

Deadlines:  University  deadlines  apply.

Contact Information

Judy Du Graduate Program Administrator Email: [email protected] Phone: 972-883-4964 Office: GR 2.808

Degree Information Dr. Seth Giertz Director of Graduate Studies Email: [email protected] Phone: 972-883-6234 Office: GR 2.244

EPPS Advising The University of Texas at Dallas 800 W Campbell Rd, GR 31 Richardson, TX 75080-3021 [email protected]

epps.utdallas.edu/

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Department of Economics

Faqs on ph.d. program, requirements, what are the requirements for the ph.d. program.

There are two types of requirements - Graduate School requirements, and Department of Economics requirements.

Graduate School Requirements

• Domestic Applicants, please click here to see requirements
• International Applicants, please click here to see requirements 

Department of Economics Requirements

GRE score (highly recommended for admission decision only, required for funding decisions)

Statement of Purpose, and

Minimum of two letters of recommendation.

More on Requirements

Application process, characteristics of the program.

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Economics Graduate Programs in Texas

1-5 of 5 results

Jones Graduate School of Business

Houston, TX •

Rice University •

Graduate School

• • Rating 4.78 out of 5   9 reviews

Other: Best part is the small class sizes and time flexibility. Worst is getting used to the online system. ... Read 9 reviews

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Rice University ,

Graduate School ,

HOUSTON, TX ,

9 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars.

Featured Review: Other says Best part is the small class sizes and time flexibility. Worst is getting used to the online system. .

Read 9 reviews.

McCombs School of Business

Austin, TX •

University of Texas - Austin •

• • Rating 4.67 out of 5   12 reviews

Master's Student: Being in the accounting program at UT Austin has been a remarkable opportunity for me. The best part of being an accounting major at McCombs is the diverse set of classes that students can utilize to explore different interests within business and broaden their career opportunities. The worst part of being at McCombs is the competitive environment, although it incentivizes students to work harder, it can be mentally draining to constantly try to outperform one's peers. ... Read 12 reviews

University of Texas - Austin ,

AUSTIN, TX ,

12 Niche users give it an average review of 4.7 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says Being in the accounting program at UT Austin has been a remarkable opportunity for me. The best part of being an accounting major at McCombs is the diverse set of classes that students can utilize to... .

Read 12 reviews.

Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences

Dallas, TX •

Southern Methodist University •

Southern Methodist University ,

DALLAS, TX ,

Houston Christian University School of Nursing and Allied Health

Houston Christian University •

Graduate School •

HOUSTON, TX

Houston Christian University School of Fine Arts

• • Rating 5 out of 5   1

College of Arts and Sciences - University of Wyoming

University of Wyoming •

LARAMIE, WY

• • Rating 5 out of 5   3

College of Liberal Arts - Texas A&M University

College Station, TX •

Texas A&M University •

Texas A&M University ,

COLLEGE STATION, TX ,

University of Texas - Arlington College of Business

Arlington, TX •

University of Texas - Arlington •

• • Rating 4.35 out of 5   17 reviews

Master's Student: It is very good college. The professors are really supportive and is there throughout the course to guide you. The university is very big and has all the facilities avaialble. ... Read 17 reviews

University of Texas - Arlington ,

ARLINGTON, TX ,

17 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says It is very good college. The professors are really supportive and is there throughout the course to guide you. The university is very big and has all the facilities avaialble. .

Read 17 reviews.

Tarleton State University

STEPHENVILLE, TX

• • Rating 4.69 out of 5   54

Archie W. Dunham College of Business

• • Rating 5 out of 5   2

Valparaiso University

VALPARAISO, IN

• • Rating 4.7 out of 5   10

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Texas A&M University Catalogs

Department of economics.

https://econ.tamu.edu/

Head:  S. Puller

PhD Advisor:  A. Glass

MS Advisor:  L. Gan

Graduate study in economics leads to the degrees of Master of Science or Doctor of Philosophy. The graduate program develops theoretical and quantitative skills and analyzes a broad range of contemporary policy issues in order to prepare students for careers in academe, business and government.

Both MS and PhD degrees are offered. It is not necessary to have a master’s degree before beginning a doctoral program. To enter the doctoral program in economics, the student should present undergraduate credits in economics, although an undergraduate major in economics is not necessary. Additional preparation should include work in mathematics and statistics. The department has no foreign language requirement for a graduate degree in economics.

• Master of Science in Economics
• Master of Science in Economics and Master of International Affairs Combined Degree Program
• Doctor of Philosophy in Economics

Econometrics

Ecmt 638 applied time series econometrics.

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Examines econometric models and methods used to study time series data; emphasis on applications in macroeconomics; principles of estimation techniques and inference in the context of serially correlated and potentially large datasets as well as on the identification challenges in macroeconomic models. Prerequisites: Graduate classification.

ECMT 660 Mathematical Economics I

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Use of selected types of mathematical tools in economic theory. Prerequisites: Graduate classification; enrollment in 5-Year BS/MS-ECON program; or approval of instructor.

ECMT 670 Econometric Analysis of Financial Data

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Predictability of asset returns, test of random walk hypothesis, the microstructure of securities markets, event analysis, the CAPM and arbitrage pricing theory, the term structure of interest rates, dynamic models of economic equilibrium and nonlinear financial models; provides an accessible combination of theory and practice. Prerequisites: Graduate classification; enrolled in the 5-Year BS/MS in Economics program; or approval of instructor.

ECMT 673 Economic Analytics

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Analysis of large household, corporate and financial data involving empirical modeling and SAS programming for prediction of economic decisions and outcomes; lecture, discussion and team project presentation format. Prerequisites: Graduate classification and enrollment in the master’s program in economics.

ECMT 674 Economic Forecasting

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Empirical application of econometric techniques to prediction in economics; model building and specification; examination of various modern forecasting techniques. Prerequisites: Graduate classification; must be enrolled in the MS program in the department of economics; or approval of instructor.

ECMT 675 Econometrics I

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Empirical distributions of economic variables; elementary discrete and continuous distributions expressing econometric hypotheses, distributions of estimators and test statistics. Prerequisites: MATH 151 and MATH 152 or approval of instructor.

ECMT 676 Econometrics II

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Use of statistics in economic theory as device for testing hypotheses, formulation of concepts and economic forecasting; regression analysis in economics problems, heteroskedasticity, autocorrelation, distributed lags, regressions with lagged dependent variable, dummy variables and in introduction to multi-equations economics models. Prerequisite: ECMT 675 or equivalent.

ECMT 677 Applied Microeconometrics

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Estimation methods applied to economic problems; techniques include single and simultaneous equations models; general linear model in matrix form; tests of linear restrictions; Wald, Likelihood Ratio and Lagrange Multiplier tests; seemingly unrelated regressions, simultaneous equations identification and estimation; missing observations, errors in variables and non-linear estimation in economics problems. Prerequisites: ECMT 675 and ECMT 676 ; STAT 610 or approval of instructor.

ECMT 678 Advanced Topics in Econometrics

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Continuation of ECMT 677 ; estimation methods applied to economic problems; techniques include qualitative limited dependent variables; pooled time-series and cross-section data; instrumental variables in economics problems; estimation of average treatment effects. Prerequisite: ECMT 677 .

ECMT 680 Financial Econometrics

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Basic concepts of financial engineering and elementary theory of stochastic processes and continuous time models; selected topics related to current financial econometrics research. Prerequisites: Graduate classification; enrolled in the 5-Year BS/MS in Economics program; or approval of instructor.

ECON 603 Public Economics I

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Economics of taxation and public spending; theoretical and empirical analysis of the shifting and incidence of income, commodity and property taxes; models of optimal taxation and public spending; analysis of taxation and spending in a federal system of government. Prerequisite: Grade of B or better in ECON 629 or approval of instructor.

ECON 604 Public Economics II

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Economics of collective action; theoretical and empirical analysis of externalities; externalities and public policy; the demand and supply of public goods; economic analysis of alternative systems of public choice; models of bureaucratic behavior. Prerequisite: ECON 629 or approval of instructor.

ECON 607 Foundations of Microeconomic Theory

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Examination of positive and normative analysis in economic theory; emphasis on policy applications of the theory. Prerequisites: MATH 131 or equivalent; ECON 323 or equivalent; or approval of instructor.

ECON 609 Labor Economics I

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Valuation and allocation of human resources; labor supply of households; labor supply over the life-cycle; determination of wages; human capital; migration; education; labor markets; population; use of the testable implications of theory and of evidence to explain observed labor market behavior. Prerequisite: ECON 629 or equivalent.

ECON 610 Labor Economics II

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Selected topics in labor markets; unemployment; earnings differentials; effects of occupational licensing; trade unions; income distribution; military manpower and the draft; effects of minimum wage and equal pay provisions; effects of welfare programs; the professional athlete’s labor market and others; developing and analyzing empirical problems. Prerequisite: ECON 629 or equivalent.

ECON 611 Foundations of Macroeconomic Theory

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Development of modern static national income analysis from general equilibrium system; roles of fiscal and monetary policy in promoting economic stability. Prerequisites: ECON 323 and ECON 410 ; or approval of instructor.

ECON 612 Money, Banking and Financial Markets

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Role of financial markets and institutions in the allocation of resources in the real economy; the financial regulatory and policy infrastructure underlying financial activity to promote efficiency in asset valuation, risk management and economic growth. Prerequisite: Graduate classification; enrolled in the 5-Year BS/MS in Economics program; or approval of instructor.

ECON 614 Economics of Microfinance

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Analysis of recent research in financial markets in developing countries with a primary emphasis on microfinance; micro-asymmetries involved in lending; financial impact studies; the macro-economic literature on financial development and growth. Prerequisites: ECON 607 or equivalent; graduate classification; enrolled in the 5-Year BS/MS in Economics program; or approval of instructor.

ECON 617 Economics of the Multinational Firm

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Economics of the multinational firm, taking a firm-level approach to the study of international investment; structured around recent papers from the frontier of international trade research; examination of trends in multinational activity and exploration of the reasons behind decisions to invest abroad including understanding different types of foreign direct investment; the impact of multinational firms and how government policies impact foreign direct investment (FDI), including an overview of transfer pricing and the arm’s length principle. Prerequisites: Graduate classification; enrolled in the 5-Year BS/MS in Economics program; or approval of instructor.

ECON 618 Behavioral Financial Economics

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Describes how individuals and firms make financial decisions that deviate from those predicted by traditional financial or economic theory; examines how the insights of behavioral finance complement the traditional finance paradigm. Prerequisites: Graduate classification; enrolled in the 5-Year BS/MS in Economics program; or approval of instructor.

ECON 629 Microeconomic Theory I

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Core ideas in theoretical microeconomics; theory of consumer and firm; theory of competitive output and factor markets. Prerequisite: Approval of instructor.

ECON 630 Microeconomic Theory II

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Advanced treatment of consumer and production theory; game theory; general equilibrium and welfare analysis. Prerequisites: ECON 629 ; ECMT 660 .

ECON 631 Microeconomic Theory III

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Advanced theoretical microeconomics; comprehensive study of consumer and producer theory, general equilibrium and welfare, and failures of the competitive model. Prerequisites: ECON 629 and ECON 630 .

ECON 632 Microeconomic Theory IV

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Advanced topics in game theory; repeated games and reputation, strategic information transmission; learning and evolution; models of bargaining and networks. Prerequisites: Graduate classification; ECON 629 and ECON 630 or approval of instructor.

ECON 633 Energy Markets and Policy

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Economics of energy markets and energy regulation with emphasis on implications for optimal energy policy; sectors include gasoline, oil, electricity, natural gas, renewables, nuclear; economic theory integrated with empirical applications from American and international experience; new energy markets, energy trading, and interaction with environmental policy. Prerequisite: Graduate classification; enrolled in the 5-Year BS/MS in Economics program; or approval of instructor.

ECON 635 Advanced Macroeconomics I

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Traditional and modern theories of money; general equilibrium systems and role of money in determination of prices, interest rate, income and employment. Prerequisite: ECON 636 .

ECON 636 Macroeconomic Theory I

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Theory of consumption, investment, money, interest, inflation and employment. Prerequisite: ECON 410 or ECON 611 .

ECON 637 Advanced Macroeconomics II

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Effect of monetary policy on aggregate economic activity and distribution of resources; effectiveness of various policies; optimal policy in light of various institutional restrictions that exist. Prerequisite: ECON 635 .

ECON 646 Macroeconomic Theory II

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Dynamic models, open economies, disequilibrium analysis, unemployment and inflation; traditional macro models and recent developments in macro theory. Prerequisite: ECON 636 .

ECON 649 Industrial Organization I

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Industry structure, conduct and performance described and analyzed with tools of microeconomics. Prerequisite: Approval of instructor.

ECON 650 Industrial Organization II

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Behavior of markets operating under conditions of imperfect information; construction and scientific evaluation of models designed to explain industry performance. Prerequisite: ECON 649 or approval of instructor.

ECON 655 Experimental Economics

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Experimental methods in choice behavior experiments, survey research, planned economic environments and animal experiments. Prerequisite: Approval of instructor.

ECON 656 Field Experiments in Economics

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Methods underlying the design and implementation of field experiments and randomized controlled trials; includes a survey of some of the empirical literature using these methods. Prerequisite: ECON 630 and ECMT 676 , or equivalent.

ECON 659 Behavioral Game Theory

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Static and dynamic games of complete and incomplete information and other advanced topics in game theory.

ECON 663 International Transfer Pricing

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Valuation of cross-border transactions between units of a multinational enterprise; includes internal and external motivations for transfer pricing, managerial and economic approaches; estimates of transfer manipulation, arm’s length standard, U.S. and OECD rules and procedures, tax court cases and ethical dilemmas. Prerequisite: Graduate classification; enrolled in the 5-Year BS/MS in Economics program; or approval of instructor. Cross Listing: INTA 663 and MGMT 663 .

ECON 675 Capstone for Financial Economics/Financial Econometrics

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Integration of the knowledge gathered in coursework including micro- and macro-economics, financial economics, econometrics, forecasting, and other analytical tools; production of major group research paper utilizing professional literature, both printed and electronic, and published data. Prerequisites: Graduate classification; 2 year master’s student enrolled in the master’s program in the department of economics.

ECON 680 Financial Economics

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Advanced theory of dynamic asset pricing utilizing the Economics of risk and uncertainty within a general equilibrium framework; stochastic calculus applications to the analysis of asset markets; theoretical foundations and empirical testing. Prerequisites: Graduate classification; enrolled in the 5-Year BS/MS in Economics program; or approval of instructor.

ECON 684 Professional Internship

Credits 1 to 6. 1 to 6 Other Hours. Opportunities to put economics learned in the classroom into practice at government or industry facilities; design projects supervised by faculty coordinators and personnel at these locations; projects selected to match student’s area of specialization. Prerequisites: Graduate classification and enrolled in the master’s program in the department of economics.

ECON 685 Directed Studies

Credits 0 to 6. 0 to 6 Other Hours. Directed individual instruction in selected problems in economics not related to thesis or dissertation. Prerequisites: Graduate classification; or approval of instructor.

ECON 689 Special Topics in...

Credits 1 to 4. 1 to 4 Lecture Hours. Selected topics in an identified area of economics. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Approval of department head.

ECON 690 Theory of Economic Research

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Design of research experiments in various subfields of economics, and evaluation of research results with the aid of examples taken from the current scientific literature.

ECON 691 Research

Credits 1 to 23. 1 to 23 Other Hours. Thesis research.

An, Yonghong, Professor Economics PHD, John Hopkins University, 2011

Barr, Andrew C, Associate Professor Economics PHD, University of Virginia, 2015

Bento, Pedro M, Associate Professor Economics PHD, University of Toronto, 2013

Brown, Alexander L, Professor Economics PHD, California Institute of Technology, 2008

Bunting, Jackson, Assistant Professor Economics PHD, Duke University, 2021

Castillo, Marco, Professor Economics PHD, University of Wisconsin, Madison, 2001

Eckel, Catherine C, University Distinguished Professor Economics PHD, University of Virginia, 1983

Gan, Li, Professor Economics PHD, University of California at Berkeley, 1998

Glass, Amy J, Associate Professor Economics PHD, University of Pennsylvania, 1993

Gronberg, Timothy J, Professor Economics PHD, Northwestern University, 1978

Guo, Huiyi, Assistant Professor Economics PHD, University of Iowa, 2018

Hoekstra, Mark L, Professor Economics PHD, University of Florida, 2006

Jansen, Dennis W, Professor Economics PHD, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1983

Jo, Yoon Joo, Assistant Professor Economics PHD, Columbia University, 2019

Klopack, Benjamin, Assistant Professor Economics PHD, Stanford University, 2019

Krasteva, Silvana S, Associate Professor Economics PHD, Duke University, 2009

Li, Qi, Professor Economics PHD, Texas A&M University, 1991

Luco Echeverria, Fernando A, Associate Professor Economics PHD, Northwestern University, 2014

Maness, Robert S, Associate Professor of the Practice Economics PHD, Texas A&M University, 1992

Meer, Jonathan, Professor Economics PHD, Stanford University, 2009

Pakhotina, Nataliya V, Senior Lecturer Economics PHD, University of Florida, 2010

Petrie, Ragan, Professor Economics PHD, University of Wisconsin, Madison, 2002

Puller, Steven L, Professor Economics PHD, University of California at Berkeley, 2001

Ray, Margaret, Instructional Associate Professor Economics PHD, University of Te, 1988 PHD, University of Tennessee, 1988

Schulman, Craig T, Associate Professor of the Practice Economics PHD, Texas A&M University, 1990

Sekhposyan, Tatevik, Associate Professor Economics PHD, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, 2010

Serra, Danila, Associate Professor Economics PHD, University of Oxford and Centre for the Study of African Economies, 2009

Strickland, Chelsea, Instructional Assistant Professor Economics PHD, Texas A& M University, 2022

Tian, Guoqiang, Professor Economics PHD, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, 1987

Ureta, Manuelita, Associate Professor Economics PHD, University Of California, Los Angeles, 1987

Varghese, Adel, Instructional Associate Professor Economics PHD, University of Pennsylvania, 1996

Velez, Rodrigo A, Associate Professor Economics PHD, University of Rochester, 2009

Zhang, Yuzhe, Professor Economics PHD, University of Minnesota, 2006

Zubairy, Sarah, Professor Economics PHD, Duke University, 2010

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The Economics Department is one of the largest departments within the College of Liberal Arts, with over 500 students graduating each year.

Undergraduate Program The undergraduate program trains students to think objectively and independently about a wide range of economic topics. With an emphasis in the application of mathematics and writing skills, this program prepares students for professional careers in industry, finance, government, law, and teaching.

MA Program The MA program offers a rigorous curriculum with quantitative training that prepares students for careers in the public and private sector. This program also allows students to complete an MA degree in as little as 10 months.

Ph.D. Program The Ph.D. program equips students for academic careers with an educational emphasis in economic theory, statistical methods, and field application. In addition, students are brought to the top of their discipline by an active series of research seminars as a supplement to their coursework.

Department Chair | Tom Wiseman

The Department of Economics at the University of Texas at Austin is nationally recognized for its research and teaching. It is the intellectual home of approximately 40 economists and 100 Ph.D. students. Department of Economics The University of Texas at Austin 2225 Speedway, BRB 1.116, C3100 Austin, Texas 78712 Main Office:  512-41-3211 |  Advising Office:  512-471-2973

Dr. Tom Wiseman

The Department of Economics at the University of Texas at Austin is nationally recognized for its research and teaching. It is the intellectual home of approximately 40 economists and 100 Ph.D. students.

Department of Economics | The University of Texas at Austin  2225 Speedway, BRB 1.116, C3100 |Austin, Texas 78712 Main Office:  512-471-3211 |  Advising Office:  512-471-2973   

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The Department of Economics at the University of Texas at Austin is nationally recognized for its research and teaching. It is the intellectual home of approximately 40 economists and 100 Ph.D. students. Department of Economics | The University of Texas at Austin  2225 Speedway, BRB 1.116, C3100 |Austin, Texas 78712 Main Office:  512-471-3211 |  Advising Office:  512-471-2973 Enter your paragraph text here.

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Economists study how people make choices in life in response to the incentives and tradeoffs that they face. Economics is a broad-ranging discipline that examines all types of markets, industrial and labor organizations, the distribution of income and ownership rights, governmental activities, and political and economic philosophies.

What is the advantage of economics at UTD?

Economics majors earn more ( read more about this here ) and our EPPS economics students don’t pay supplemental tuition ( learn more ), making majoring in economics an excellent value and good investment.

Our faculty includes economists who have acquired national and international reputations, received many grants and awards, and served as members of the editorial boards of a number of highly respected academic journals such as the  Southern Economic Journal , Economics of Education Review , and  Defence and Peace Economics .

Economics degrees lead to careers in research and higher education, corporations, government, labor, and regional and urban planning services. An economics degree is considered excellent preparation for law school or pursuing an MBA. As a group, economics majors are known to score the highest on the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) and compose the highest percentage of majors who are CEOs in the  Fortune  500. Our graduate students staff the  Econ Lab  in  GR 3.416 (Galveston Room)  to assist students who need help with undergraduate economics classes.

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University Catalog

Economics - graduate programs.

Economics examines how individuals, businesses, and societies interact. By studying economics, you gain a better understanding of the costs and benefits of alternative courses of action and thus make informed decisions. Decision-making skills are necessary in all areas of the economy including the government and business.

Economics teaches you to think critically and to solve problems, skills that are highly valued in the workplace. You learn not only how to find data, but how to work with that data and then logically explain insights gained from the analyses. Current research interests of economics faculty include topics in technology, telecommunications, behavioral economics, forecasting, environment, labor, health, international trade, and international finance. The diverse skills and interests of the economics faculty provide opportunities for learning and growth to the student in our modern economy.

• Admission Requirements

The focus of the MS in Economic Data Analytics program is quantitative data analysis using economic logic to interpret data. It is a 10-course, 30-hour program highly focused on developing expertise with empirical tools needed for successful data analysis and presentation.

Admission to the MS in Economic Data Analytics is based upon the completion of the general admission requirements of the Graduate Admissions Office. For admission to the MS Economics program a score on either the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and record of one’s academic undergraduate performance are required. Students for whom English is not their native language must meet language standards set by UTA on the TOEFL or IELTS. International applicants who score below minimum acceptable levels on the verbal portion of entrance examinations may be admitted under the condition that they pass an English proficiency exam or complete UT Arlington’s Graduate English Skills Program prior to beginning graduate coursework. Applicants are encouraged to submit with their application a resume that highlights professional and personal accomplishments, linguistic abilities, computer expertise, and leadership experience. A standardized test score (GMAT or GRE) will not be used as the sole criterion for admitting applicants or the primary criterion for denying admission to the MS in Economic Data Analytics program.

The GRE/GMAT test requirement for admissions to the M.S. in Economic Data Analytics program can, under extraordinary circumstances, be waived at the discretion of the department if the applicant already has been awarded a terminal graduate degree from a regionally or professionally accredited program. Waiver of this requirement is rare and will only be made at the discretion of the Department.

Multiple criteria are used to make admission decisions.

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited general or specific program.
• An acceptable undergraduate GPA as calculated by Graduate Admissions (approximately the last 60 hours), generally greater than a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• An acceptable score on the GRE or GMAT. Successful students generally have a minimum score of 148 (600 old GRE scale) on the quantitative section and 150 (450 old GRE scale) on the verbal section of the GRE or a minimum score of 480 on the GMAT.
• Grades in specified undergraduate business and non-business courses (e.g., math, accounting, economics, statistics).
• For applicants whose native language is not English, see UT Arlington’s requirements:   http://www.uta.edu/admissions/graduate/apply/how-to-apply.php

Unconditional Admission

Students receiving unconditional admission must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited program.  Unconditional admittance will be granted to an applicant who meets one of these standards below:

•  Unconditional admission will be granted if the applicant’s composite total from the index (this index is derived by using a formula that multiplies the GPA by 200 and adds the resulting value to the GMAT score) must be 1080 or greater.
• Unconditional admittance will be granted if the applicant's scores148  or higher on the Quantitative section and 150 or higher on the Verbal section of the GRE and the applicant's undergraduate GPA, as calculated by Graduate Admissions is at, or above 3.0 on a 4 point scale.

Probationary Admission

If applicants do not meet the standards listed for unconditional admission, they may be considered for probationary admission after careful examination of their application materials. Probationary admission requires that an applicant earn a GPA of 3.0 or better in the two semesters of graduate coursework at UT Arlington.

Deferred and Provisional Admission

A deferred application decision may be granted when a file is incomplete or when a denied decision is not appropriate. An applicant unable to supply all required documentation prior to the admission deadline but whom otherwise appears to meet admission requirements may be granted provisional admission.

Denial of Admission

After a thorough review of the application file, a candidate may be denied admission if he or she has less than satisfactory performance on any two of the admission criteria. All applicant data will be carefully reviewed before an admission denial is made.

Fellowships and Scholarships

Students admitted with no provisional conditions to satisfy are eligible for available scholarship and/or fellowship support. A limited number of merit-based scholarships and fellowships may be awarded to graduate students currently enrolled who meet the minimum requirements.

• Degree Requirements

MS in Economic Data Analytics

The MS in Economic Data Analytics program focuses on the major growth area of data analytics. Hal Varian, chief economist at Google, has explained why the demand for data analysis is growing rapidly. Organizations have low-cost computer time, huge quantities of data, and access to software tools that allow data analysis. The problem in using these assets is a shortage of qualified empirical analysts. One must know how to find data, be critical of it, develop it by use of software packages, and explain what has been learned by analysis through the lens of economic theory. Advances in econometrics analysis allow us to better understand key issues, such as pricing and cost, inventory management, population trends, and other issues that impact business and government.

The focus of the MS in Economic Data Analytics program is on quantitative analysis based on economic logic. It is a 10-course, 30-hour program highly focused on development of relevant economic theory and empirical tools needed by successful analysts.

There are eight required courses and two electives as indicated in the list of courses:

* Course may be waived in favor of an elective if student has completed ECON 3318 and 4318 with a B or better. Must be approved by the graduate advisor.

Graduates of this program are expected to develop knowledge and competencies needed to contribute to data analysis in public policy and private/business fields. An economic theoretical framework is a key part of the program, but the coursework also focuses on the empirical skills required to effectively extract/scrape data from the web and various private and public sources, and carefully analyze it to uncover patterns/trends, and answer significant data-driven real-life questions, relevant to both local and global environments. The program provides our students with an understanding of issues involved in operating in any data environment and equips them with skills needed to analyze a variety of data and present research findings in reports.

The MS in Economic Data Analytics program participates in both the Fast Track and Facilitated Admission programs for UT Arlington undergraduates.

Contact Information

Web: https://www.uta.edu/economics

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 817.272.3061

Address: 309 Business Building

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