University of North Dakota

What you'll study

The programme combines advanced economic theory and econometrics with specialised training in environmental and resource economics, and public policy analysis. Core components include microeconomic theory, macroeconomic foundations for policy analysis, and graduate-level econometrics. Specialised modules and seminar topics commonly include:

• Environmental and Resource Economics: valuation of environmental goods, natural resource extraction models, common-pool resource management.
• Environmental Policy and Regulation: policy instruments (taxes, permits, regulation), cost‑benefit and cost‑effectiveness analysis, design and evaluation of environmental policy.
• Energy Economics: energy market structure, renewable energy economics, transition modelling, and interactions between energy and environmental policy.
• Advanced Econometrics and Causal Inference: panel data, time-series, program evaluation, spatial econometrics applied to environmental datasets.
• Field and Lab Methods: experimental and quasi-experimental approaches for valuing ecosystem services and behavioural responses to policy.
• Interdisciplinary Coursework: opportunities to take classes in public policy, natural resources, law, or engineering to support applied research.

Programme structure typically comprises two phases: advanced coursework and qualifying examinations, followed by focused dissertation research under the supervision of a faculty advisor. Students present research in departmental seminars, participate in working groups, and are expected to produce publishable research that contributes to environmental economics and policy debates.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a relevant master’s degree or a strong honours bachelor’s degree in economics, applied economics, or a closely related quantitative discipline. Typical requirements include:

• A demonstrated background in intermediate microeconomics, macroeconomics and multivariate calculus. Prior coursework in econometrics or statistics is highly desirable.
• A strong academic record with evidence of quantitative aptitude. Official GPA or degree classification is considered alongside the overall application.
• Supporting documents: academic transcripts, a statement of purpose outlining research interests in environmental economics and policy, a CV, and academic or professional references. A writing sample or examples of prior research are strongly recommended.
• Standardised tests such as the GRE may be optional or considered on a case-by-case basis; international applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through recognised tests unless exempt.
• Research fit with potential faculty supervisors and the department’s research areas is an important factor in admissions decisions.

Competitive applicants often have prior research experience, relevant applied training (for example in programming, statistical software, or fieldwork), and clear evidence of their proposed dissertation interests.

Career prospects

Graduates of a PhD in Environmental Economics and Policy pursue a range of careers combining rigorous economic analysis with applied policy work. Common pathways include:

• Academia: tenure-track and research positions in economics, environmental studies, public policy or interdisciplinary programmes.
• Government and Public Agencies: roles in environmental protection agencies, energy departments, natural resource management bodies and central banks advising on climate and resource policy.
• Think Tanks and NGOs: research and policy analysis positions focused on climate policy, conservation economics, energy transition and sustainable development.
• Industry and Consulting: economic consulting firms, energy and utilities companies, and environmental risk assessment roles requiring applied econometric and policy evaluation skills.
• International Organisations: opportunities with multilateral institutions that address environmental and development policy, such as agencies focused on climate finance and sustainable resource management.

Training in econometrics, policy evaluation and interdisciplinary collaboration equips graduates to influence policy design, conduct impact evaluations, and contribute to evidence-based decision making across sectors.

Why study at University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota offers a supportive, research-intensive environment with strengths in energy and environmental research that complement the PhD in Environmental Economics and Policy. The department provides close faculty mentoring, opportunities to collaborate with interdisciplinary centres, and access to applied research projects related to energy systems, water resources and regional environmental issues.

Students benefit from a relatively small, collegial doctoral cohort that enables regular interaction with faculty and peers, departmental seminar series, and chances to teach or work as research assistants. The university’s connections with regional and national policy and industry stakeholders create opportunities for applied research, internships and practitioner engagement that help bridge academic work and real-world policy impact.