University of Chicago

What you'll study

The programme combines the Department of Economics' core doctoral training in microeconomic theory, macroeconomics and econometrics with specialised coursework and research in environmental and resource economics. Early years emphasise mathematical methods, probability and statistics, advanced microeconomics and econometric techniques. Field courses and seminars allow you to focus on topics such as environmental valuation, climate change economics, energy markets, resource management, public economics of regulation, cost–benefit analysis, integrated assessment modelling and spatial or network methods for environmental data.

• Core training: rigorous graduate micro, macro and econometrics, mathematical methods for economists.
• Environmental field courses: microeconomic models of externalities and regulation, valuation of non-market goods, dynamic models of resource exploitation, models of pollution control and abatement, carbon pricing and policy design.
• Empirical methods: applied microeconometrics, causal inference, panel data, difference‑in‑differences, programme evaluation, spatial econometrics and climate econometrics.
• Interdisciplinary methods: exposure to integrated assessment models, energy systems modelling, and collaborations with climate scientists or engineers where relevant.
• Research training: research seminars, workshop presentations, paper development, preparation of a doctoral dissertation under faculty supervision.

Students benefit from engagement with campus research centres focused on energy and environmental policy, which provide seminar series, data resources and opportunities for policy-oriented projects and collaboration.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to demonstrate a strong quantitative background and clear potential for original research. Typical academic preparation includes undergraduate or master’s level coursework in calculus, linear algebra, real analysis or advanced calculus, probability and statistics, and introductory econometrics. Prior coursework in microeconomics and macroeconomics at an intermediate level is also important.

• Academic record: a first degree in economics, mathematics, statistics, engineering, physical sciences or a related quantitative field; a relevant master’s degree can be an advantage but is not required.
• Skills: competence in econometrics and mathematical methods, familiarity with statistical and programming tools (for example R, Python, Matlab or Stata) and evidence of independent research or strong quantitative coursework.
• Application materials: academic transcripts, a research-oriented statement of purpose describing research interests in environmental economics or policy, a curriculum vitae, at least three academic references, and sample written work or a research paper if available.
• Fit and preparation: demonstrated readiness for rigorous graduate-level coursework and an expressed fit with faculty working on environmental, energy or resource-related topics.

Career prospects

Graduates of this specialisation pursue a range of research and policy careers. Many go on to academic positions in economics, environmental studies and public policy departments. Others work in policy and research roles within national and international government agencies, central research units, multilateral development banks and organisations concerned with climate and environmental policy.

• Academic research and tenure-track positions in economics, environmental economics and public policy.
• Research economist roles at policy institutes, think tanks and university-affiliated centres focused on energy and environment.
• Policy positions at national agencies (for example departments of environment, energy or treasury), international organisations and intergovernmental bodies dealing with climate and resource policy.
• Specialist roles in consulting firms, environmental and energy companies, and non-governmental organisations conducting applied policy analysis and economic evaluation.

Why study at University of Chicago

The University of Chicago Department of Economics is known for its rigorous theoretical and empirical training and a strong culture of research. Students benefit from close faculty mentorship, a selective peer cohort and access to interdisciplinary resources across campus. In environmental economics specifically, connections to dedicated centres and initiatives provide strong support for applied, policy-relevant work and facilitate interaction with economists, policy scholars and practitioners working on climate, energy and natural-resource issues.

• Research environment: active seminar series, workshops and frequent visitor programmes that expose students to leading scholars and current research debates.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration: opportunities to work with research units focused on energy and climate policy and to collaborate with other schools on campus for a broader policy perspective.
• Professional development: training in both theoretical foundations and applied empirical methods prepares graduates for careers in academia, policy and the private sector.