Massachusetts Institute of Technology

What you'll study

Coursework and research for students concentrating in Environmental Economics and Policy typically include the following components.

• Core economic theory: advanced microeconomic theory, macroeconomic foundations as relevant to environmental topics, and general equilibrium analyses.
• Econometrics and quantitative methods: time-series, panel data, causal inference, structural estimation, and computational methods used in environmental and energy applications.
• Environmental and resource economics: models of environmental externalities, valuation of environmental goods, renewable and nonrenewable resource management, and market-based policy instruments.
• Energy and climate policy: the economics of energy supply and demand, emissions mitigation strategies, climate-economy modeling, and policy design under uncertainty.
• Interdisciplinary electives and seminars: opportunities to take courses in related fields such as Earth sciences, engineering, political science, urban planning, and public policy to strengthen empirical and policy-relevant perspectives.
• Research apprenticeship: participation in seminars, working groups, and collaborations with faculty, research centers, and interdisciplinary initiatives to develop dissertation topics and publish working papers.

Entry requirements

Admission is competitive and focused on research potential. Successful applicants typically demonstrate the following:

• Strong quantitative preparation: coursework in calculus, linear algebra, probability and statistics, and undergraduate or graduate-level economics (micro and econometrics) or equivalent training from other quantitative disciplines.
• Research experience: evidence of independent or collaborative research such as senior theses, research assistantships, publications, or substantial empirical projects.
• Application materials: a clear statement of research interests that outlines fit with faculty and program strengths, a curriculum vitae, academic transcripts, and letters of recommendation from individuals who can assess research ability.
• English proficiency: for applicants whose native language is not English, demonstrated proficiency is typically required through recognized testing or other evidence of academic English ability.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD program pursue careers in academia, government agencies, international organizations, think tanks, and industry. Training in environmental economics and policy equips students to:

• Lead academic research and teach in economics, environmental studies, and public policy departments.
• Design and evaluate environmental and energy policies for national governments and international institutions.
• Work in research and analytic roles at non-profit organizations and policy institutes focused on climate, energy, and resource management.
• Apply quantitative and modeling expertise in private-sector roles, including energy, consulting, and finance firms addressing environmental risks and regulations.

Why study at Massachusetts Institute of Technology

MIT offers a research-intensive environment with faculty who are leaders in economic theory, empirical methods, and environmental policy analysis. The department's strengths are complemented by interdisciplinary centers and initiatives that focus on energy, climate, and sustainability, providing abundant opportunities for collaboration across engineering, earth sciences, and policy schools.

Students benefit from access to extensive data resources, high-performance computing facilities, and frequent seminars and workshops that connect scholars, policymakers, and practitioners. The program’s emphasis on rigorous quantitative training and policy-relevant research prepares graduates to influence scholarship and real-world decisions on pressing environmental challenges.