Virginia Commonwealth University

What you'll study

This programme blends core graduate economics with specialised courses in environmental and resource economics, policy design and quantitative methods. Core modules typically cover microeconomic theory for public policy, applied econometrics, cost–benefit analysis and welfare economics. Specialised modules may include natural resource economics, environmental valuation, climate economics, environmental policy instruments, energy economics and land-use economics.

Students receive extensive training in empirical techniques used in environmental work: programme evaluation, time-series and panel methods, causal inference, and spatial analysis. Coursework emphasises data handling and practical skills, with instruction in statistical software and geographic information systems (GIS) where relevant.

The programme structure usually comprises a mix of required core courses, elective options, and a capstone element. Capstone options can include a research thesis, practicum or policy-oriented project carried out with a public agency, NGO or private-sector partner. Electives enable students to tailor their learning towards policy analysis, natural-resource modelling, urban sustainability, or energy markets.

Entry requirements

• Academic background: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, preferably in economics, environmental studies, mathematics, statistics, engineering or a related social science. Applicants with strong quantitative preparation but different majors may be considered.
• Prerequisites: Undergraduate coursework in microeconomics and introductory econometrics or statistics is normally expected; calculus and linear algebra are recommended. Applicants missing specific prerequisites may be asked to complete preparatory courses.
• Supporting documents: Official transcripts, a personal statement that explains academic and professional goals with respect to environmental economics and policy, a current CV or résumé, and letters of recommendation.
• Standardised tests and language: Requirements for standardised tests (such as the GRE) vary by admission cycle; international applicants typically must demonstrate English proficiency via an approved test unless exempt.
• Professional experience: Relevant work experience in environmental organisations, government, consulting or research can strengthen an application but is not always required.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a range of professional roles that require economic analysis of environmental and resource issues. Common career paths include:

• Environmental economist or analyst in government agencies and regulatory bodies
• Policy analyst for NGOs, think tanks and international organisations
• Consultant specialising in environmental valuation, cost–benefit analysis or regulatory impact assessment
• Analyst roles in energy companies, utilities and firms addressing sustainability and corporate environmental strategy
• Research assistant or analyst positions that support academic or applied research projects
• Further study at the doctoral level in economics, environmental policy, or related disciplines

Why study at Virginia Commonwealth University

Virginia Commonwealth University provides access to an urban research environment with interdisciplinary strengths across economics, public policy and environmental studies. The university’s location in Richmond offers proximity to state government, regional nonprofits and private-sector employers, facilitating practicum placements and applied partnerships.

Students benefit from faculty engaged in applied environmental and resource economics, training in contemporary empirical methods, and access to computing and data resources used for policy analysis. The programme’s emphasis on both rigorous quantitative skills and real-world policy applications prepares graduates to move directly into practitioner roles or to continue to doctoral study.

VCU’s smaller class sizes at the graduate level support close mentoring, while connections across campus—such as public policy and urban planning programmes—enable interdisciplinary collaboration on sustainability, climate adaptation and natural-resource management issues.