Columbia University

What you'll study

This programme builds a foundation in microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics before applying those tools to environmental problems. Early study emphasises calculus, probability and statistical methods to prepare you for empirical work. Core environmental topics include environmental and natural resource economics, the economics of climate change, valuation methods for ecosystem services, cost–benefit analysis for environmental policy, and regulation and market‑based instruments such as taxes and tradable permits.

Upper‑level options allow students to pursue applied electives and interdisciplinary courses that draw on Columbia's strengths in climate science, public policy and sustainable development. Typical modules and subjects include:

• Intermediate microeconomics and public economics
• Econometrics and applied statistical methods
• Environmental and resource economics
• Climate economics and integrated assessment modelling
• Natural resource management and energy economics
• Cost–benefit analysis, valuation of non‑market goods and behavioural approaches
• Environmental policy design, regulation and international environmental agreements
• Capstone seminar, honours thesis or independent research project

Students are encouraged to take complementary courses across departments and schools — for example, environmental science, statistics, urban planning, or public policy — and to engage in fieldwork, lab research or practicum placements with policy organisations.

Entry requirements

Admission to Columbia College is competitive and considers academic record, curriculum strength, letters of recommendation and personal statements. Prospective majors in environmental economics should demonstrate strong quantitative preparation: coursework in calculus and statistics is highly recommended, and prior exposure to economics is helpful. Successful applicants typically show evidence of analytical ability, interest in environmental or public‑policy issues, and readiness for rigorous empirical work.

Transfer students and internal applicants from other majors are welcome provided they meet prerequisite coursework for upper‑division economics subjects. Students without a background in programming or econometrics can often take introductory quantitative courses early in their degree to prepare for major requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates with an economics degree emphasising environmental policy are well placed for careers in government agencies, international organisations, environmental NGOs, consulting firms, energy and sustainability departments of private companies, and financial institutions focusing on climate risk and sustainable investment. Typical roles include policy analyst, environmental economist, sustainability consultant, data analyst for climate risk, and positions in regulatory affairs.

Many students also pursue graduate study in economics, public policy, environmental science, or law. The programme’s quantitative grounding and interdisciplinary connections provide a strong base for research careers and advanced professional training.

Why study at Columbia University

Columbia offers distinctive interdisciplinary resources that strengthen an environmental economics pathway: access to faculty across the Economics Department, the Columbia Climate School, the Earth Institute, and the School of International and Public Affairs enhances both theoretical and applied learning. Located in New York City, students can draw on a wide network of government agencies, international organisations and private sector employers for internships and collaborative projects.

The university emphasises research opportunities for undergraduates, including supervised projects, lab placements and public‑policy practicum experiences. Small seminars and quantitative coursework are complemented by seminars, public lectures and events that bring policymakers and practitioners to campus, giving students direct exposure to contemporary environmental policy debates.