Southern Methodist University

What you'll study

The PhD curriculum combines core training in microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics with advanced field courses and independent research in environmental and resource economics. Early coursework emphasises mathematical economics, statistics and causal inference methods to prepare students for empirical work and theoretical modelling.

• Core modules: Advanced Microeconomic Theory, Advanced Macroeconomic Theory, Econometric Methods, Time Series and Panel Data Analysis.
• Field topics: Environmental and Resource Economics, Natural Resource Management, Energy Economics, Climate Change Economics, Valuation Methods (contingent valuation, hedonic pricing), Regulatory Economics and Policy Design.
• Methods and tools: Applied econometrics for programme evaluation, spatial econometrics, integrated assessment modelling, computational methods for dynamic models, and data science tools for large environmental datasets.
• Research seminars & dissertation: Regular departmental research seminars, specialised reading groups on environmental policy, and a dissertation focused on an original contribution to environmental economics or policy, supervised by faculty with expertise in applied microeconomics and econometrics.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to have a strong quantitative background, typically demonstrated by an undergraduate degree in economics, mathematics, statistics or a closely related field. A master’s degree in economics or a related discipline is common among applicants but not always required if the undergraduate preparation is strong.

• Academic transcripts showing coursework in calculus, linear algebra, intermediate microeconomics and econometrics or statistics.
• A statement of purpose outlining research interests in environmental economics and potential faculty supervisors.
• Letters of recommendation from academic referees who can assess research potential.
• A CV and a writing sample, preferably demonstrating prior empirical or theoretical research.
• Standardised test requirements vary; applicants should consult the department for current guidance on tests and minimum expectations. International applicants must meet the university’s English language proficiency standards.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD programme pursue careers in a variety of sectors where advanced training in environmental economics is valued. Typical paths include:

• Academic positions in universities and colleges, conducting research and teaching in environmental and resource economics.
• Research and policy roles in government agencies, environmental regulatory bodies and central banks working on climate policy, pollution regulation and natural resource management.
• Positions at international organisations and multilateral development banks focusing on environmental policy, sustainable development and climate finance.
• Consulting and advisory roles for economic consultancies, think tanks and non-governmental organisations addressing environmental valuation, cost–benefit analysis and policy evaluation.
• Industry roles in energy companies, utilities and firms involved in carbon markets, sustainable investment, and environmental risk analysis.

Why study at Southern Methodist University

Southern Methodist University offers a research-focused PhD environment with small cohorts, close faculty supervision and access to interdisciplinary resources. The Department of Economics emphasises applied econometrics and policy-relevant research, enabling students to develop rigorous empirical skills alongside theoretical foundations.

SMU’s location in Dallas provides proximity to a broad set of stakeholders in energy, finance and public policy, supporting internships, data partnerships and applied projects. Students benefit from university research centres and seminar series that foster collaboration across business, public policy and law — useful for scholars working at the intersection of economics and environmental policy.

Doctoral candidates are typically supported through departmental funding packages and research or teaching assistantships, which help students concentrate on coursework and dissertation research while gaining teaching and research experience relevant to academic and non-academic careers.