Colorado State University

What you'll study

The programme combines core doctoral economics training with specialised courses and research in environmental and natural resource economics. Early coursework typically covers advanced microeconomic theory, macroeconomic theory, and econometrics, followed by field courses in environmental and resource economics. Core topics you can expect include welfare and public economics, benefit–cost analysis, pollution control and market-based instruments, the economics of climate change, renewable resource management, land-use and urban environmental issues, and bioeconomics.

Research methods and tools emphasise applied econometrics and causal inference, time-series and panel data methods, experimental and behavioural approaches, and integrated assessment modelling as relevant to environmental policy questions. Students also participate in research seminars, present working papers, and take part in collaborative, interdisciplinary projects with faculty in related units.

The degree structure typically involves two years of coursework and seminars, qualifying or comprehensive examinations to demonstrate mastery of core tools, followed by focussed dissertation research supervised by faculty. Students commonly fulfil teaching responsibilities as graduate teaching assistants and may pursue practicum experiences or summer internships with government agencies, research centres or industry partners.

Entry requirements

• Academic background: A completed bachelor’s degree is required; many successful applicants hold a master’s in economics, agricultural and resource economics, environmental science, or a related quantitative field.
• Quantitative preparation: Strong preparation in calculus, linear algebra, probability and statistics, and undergraduate econometrics is expected. Evidence of advanced quantitative coursework or research experience strengthens an application.
• Application materials: Applicants should submit academic transcripts, a CV, a statement of purpose describing research interests in environmental economics and potential faculty mentors, and at least three academic references.
• Research readiness: Prior research experience—such as a master’s thesis, research assistantship, or publications—is highly desirable because the programme is research intensive.
• Language proficiency: Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency through recognised tests or equivalent institutional evidence, where required.

Career prospects

Graduates from this programme pursue careers across academia, public policy, non-governmental organisations and the private sector. Typical roles include tenure-track positions in universities and colleges, research economist roles in central government agencies and regional resource management bodies, policy analyst positions in environmental and energy ministries, and specialist economists in international organisations and think tanks.

Outside the public and academic sectors, alumni work for environmental and energy consultancies, natural resource companies, and data-driven firms that require expertise in environmental risk, valuation and policy design. The programme’s strong quantitative emphasis also equips graduates for roles in applied econometrics, impact evaluation, and decision-support modelling for climate adaptation and mitigation projects.

Why study at Colorado State University

• Interdisciplinary strength: Colorado State offers close collaboration across departments and centres that focus on natural resources, ecology and climate science, enabling interdisciplinary dissertation research that connects economics with biophysical and policy analysis.
• Research-active faculty: Faculty working in environmental and resource economics pursue applied and theoretical research on topics such as water economics, climate policy, land use, ecosystem services and energy markets, providing diverse mentorship opportunities.
• Natural laboratory and policy relevance: The university’s location and partnerships provide access to a range of ecosystems, state agencies and regional stakeholders, supporting empirical work and policy-relevant field studies in the Rocky Mountain region and beyond.
• Training and support: PhD students benefit from structured doctoral seminars, regular research colloquia, funding opportunities including assistantships, and professional development for teaching and publishing.
• Career networks: Active connections with government agencies, research institutes and industry partners help students gain practicum placements and employment pathways after graduation.