CUNY(The City University of New York)

What you'll study

The programme combines core graduate economics training with specialised courses in environmental economics and public policy. Typical core modules include microeconomic theory, macroeconomic policy and econometric methods for empirical analysis. Specialised environmental modules cover topics such as environmental and natural resource economics, the economics of climate change, cost–benefit analysis for environmental projects, valuation methods for ecosystem services, and market‑based instruments (carbon pricing, tradable permits).

• Microeconomic Theory and Public Policy: consumer and producer theory, market failures, externalities and the role of government intervention.
• Econometrics for Policy Evaluation: regression analysis, causal inference, panel data and programme evaluation techniques applied to environmental questions.
• Environmental and Resource Economics: dynamic resource models, common‑pool resources, renewable and non‑renewable resource management.
• Climate Change Economics: modelling damages, mitigation cost curves, adaptation policy and international climate agreements.
• Policy Instruments and Design: pollution taxes, cap‑and‑trade systems, regulation vs market mechanisms and policy implementation challenges.
• Applied Projects / Capstone / Thesis: an applied practicum or supervised research dissertation allowing students to work on real policy questions, often in collaboration with city agencies, NGOs or research centres.

Students may also be able to choose electives in related areas such as urban economics, development economics, public finance, environmental law, spatial analysis/GIS, and energy economics. Coursework emphasises quantitative skills, data analysis and the ability to translate results into actionable policy recommendations.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree with a strong quantitative component. Typical preparation includes undergraduate courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics, calculus and introductory statistics or econometrics. Where background is lighter, conditional admission with required preparatory coursework may be offered.

• Academic transcripts: evidence of prior study, preferably with quantitative economics or mathematics courses.
• Letters of recommendation: academic or professional referees who can attest to analytical ability and preparedness for graduate study.
• Personal statement: a statement outlining your interests in environmental economics and policy, relevant experience and career objectives.
• Resume/CV: detailing education, research, internships or professional experience.

Some programmes may request GRE scores or equivalent for applicants lacking substantial quantitative coursework, while international applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency. Professional experience in environmental policy, sustainability, research or data analysis strengthens an application.

Career prospects

Graduates work across the public, private and non‑profit sectors. Common roles include environmental economist, policy analyst, climate policy advisor, regulatory economist, sustainability consultant, energy market analyst and research associate at think tanks. Career settings include municipal and national government agencies, international organisations, environmental NGOs, consultancy firms, utilities and private sector companies with sustainability teams.

The degree also prepares students for further academic research; many graduates progress to PhD programmes in economics, public policy or environmental science. Employers value the programme’s combination of rigorous quantitative training and applied policy analysis, particularly for positions that require evidence‑based decision making and cost–benefit assessment of environmental projects.

Why study at CUNY (The City University of New York)

CUNY’s campuses are embedded in one of the world’s largest and most diverse urban economies, offering close links to municipal agencies, environmental organisations and industry in New York City. The university system brings together faculty with strengths across economics, urban planning, public policy and environmental science, enabling an interdisciplinary approach to environmental economics and policy.

• Practical opportunities: internships and applied projects with city agencies, utility companies and local NGOs provide hands‑on policy experience.
• Research and networks: access to research centres and faculty working on climate, energy and urban environmental issues supports applied research and professional networking.
• Diverse student body and location: study in a global city with exposure to real urban environmental challenges, stakeholder organisations and a broad professional market for graduates.

Overall, CUNY offers a pragmatic, urban‑focused education in environmental economics that combines rigorous quantitative training with opportunities to work on real policy problems in a major metropolitan setting.