Michigan State University

What you'll study

The programme centres on core economics courses—microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics—alongside focused classes in environmental and resource economics. You will learn to apply economic models and statistical techniques to questions such as valuation of ecosystem services, cost–benefit analysis of environmental regulation, and the economics of renewable resources and climate policy.

• Core economics: intermediate microeconomics, intermediate macroeconomics, statistics and econometrics, mathematical methods for economists.
• Environmental economics and policy: environmental and natural resource economics, public policy analysis, benefit–cost analysis, environmental law and regulation, climate economics.
• Quantitative and technical skills: applied econometrics, data analysis with statistical software, modelling of resource dynamics and policy simulations.
• Interdisciplinary options: courses in environmental science, ecology, energy systems, urban and regional planning, and environmental law to provide scientific and institutional context.
• Capstone and experiential learning: a senior seminar or independent research project (under faculty supervision), internships with government agencies, consulting firms, NGOs or MSU extension offices, and opportunities for fieldwork at facilities such as the university’s biological stations.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to meet general university admission standards and demonstrate readiness for a quantitatively demanding major. Typical preparation includes high‑school coursework in mathematics (algebra and calculus recommended), statistics, and coursework showing strong written and analytical skills.

• Successful applicants typically present a strong academic record with emphasis on mathematics; prior coursework in economics is helpful but not always required.
• International applicants must present equivalent secondary qualifications and evidence of English proficiency according to university policy.
• Transfer applicants should have completed introductory economics and calculus/college‑level mathematics; individual transfer credit review determines progression into upper‑level courses.

Career prospects

Graduates are equipped for roles that combine economic analysis with environmental and policy expertise. Career paths include positions in government agencies (environmental protection, natural resources, energy regulators), international organisations, environmental and economic consulting firms, non‑governmental organisations, and private-sector sustainability teams.

• Common job titles: environmental economist, policy analyst, natural resource analyst, sustainability analyst, regulatory affairs specialist, data analyst.
• Skills developed—economic modelling, impact evaluation, cost–benefit analysis, and applied statistics—also prepare students for graduate study in economics, environmental economics, public policy, law or environmental science.
• MSU’s extension network, internship programmes and career services provide practical placements and employer connections in the Great Lakes region and beyond.

Why study at Michigan State University

Michigan State is a large land‑grant research university with strengths in applied economics, environmental science and policy, and extensive on‑campus and field research infrastructure. Students benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration across departments and centres, such as agricultural and resource economics programmes and environmental studies units, allowing study of environmental problems from both economic and scientific perspectives.

• Access to applied research opportunities and field stations supports hands‑on study of ecosystems, resource management and agricultural impacts.
• Strong connections with state and regional agencies, industry partners and extension services create avenues for internships, policy placements and practical experience.
• Faculty research in areas like climate policy, resource economics and valuation gives students exposure to current policy debates and advanced analytical methods.