Michigan State University

What you'll study

This doctoral programme combines rigorous core training in economic theory and econometrics with specialised coursework and research in environmental and resource economics. Early years focus on microeconomic theory, macroeconomics, advanced econometrics and research methods to build the tools needed for empirical and theoretical work.

Specialist topics and typical modules include:

• Environmental and resource economics: economic theory of common-pool resources, property rights, tradable permits, and resource extraction models.
• Climate economics and policy: modelling of climate damages, carbon pricing, regulatory design and adaptation strategies.
• Applied econometrics: panel data methods, spatial econometrics, causal inference, programme evaluation and approaches for analysing environmental data.
• Valuation methods: revealed and stated preference methods, hedonic pricing and cost–benefit analysis for non-market environmental goods.
• Natural resource management: fisheries, forestry and water resources economics, including dynamic optimisation and common-pool resource management.
• Policy design and institutions: comparative analysis of environmental regulation, international environmental agreements, and the political economy of environmental policy.
• Interdisciplinary options: courses and seminars integrating ecology, conservation science and environmental modelling through collaborations with centres such as the W. K. Kellogg Biological Station and campus environmental programmes.

Students progress from coursework to a qualifying examination and then to dissertation research. The dissertation is original research supervised by faculty with expertise in environmental economics and policy; many students collaborate with researchers in related departments and research centres across campus.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to have a strong quantitative background. Typical requirements include:

• A master's degree in economics or a related field is preferred; outstanding applicants holding a strong bachelor’s degree with substantial coursework in calculus, linear algebra, statistics and intermediate economics may also be considered.
• Evidence of advanced mathematical preparation and training in econometrics or statistics.
• A research statement outlining academic interests and potential faculty mentors, plus a curriculum vitae.
• Academic transcripts and at least two academic letters of recommendation that speak to research potential.
• International applicants will need to demonstrate English proficiency by recognised tests unless exempted by the university’s policy.

The department may request additional materials such as a writing sample or GRE scores depending on admissions policies at the time of application. Admission is competitive and typically based on prior academic performance, quantitative preparation and fit with faculty research interests.

Career prospects

Graduates from this programme pursue a range of careers where technical economic skills and environmental expertise are valued. Common pathways include:

• Academic positions in economics, environmental studies and public policy departments, conducting research and teaching.
• Research and policy roles in national and subnational government agencies working on environmental regulation, natural resource management and climate policy.
• Positions in international organisations and multilateral agencies focused on environmental development, climate mitigation and resource governance.
• Research economist or analyst roles in think-tanks, environmental NGOs and consulting firms advising on valuation, cost–benefit analysis and market-based policy instruments.
• Private-sector roles in energy, environmental finance, and assessment of environmental risk for investment and corporate strategy.

Why study at Michigan State University

Michigan State offers an interdisciplinary environment that is particularly well suited to environmental economics and policy. The university’s campus includes research centres and facilities that support fieldwork and cross-disciplinary collaboration, enabling students to combine economic methods with ecological and policy perspectives.

The economics faculty and affiliated researchers include scholars working on climate policy, valuation of ecosystem services, natural resource management and applied econometrics, providing a broad range of supervisory expertise. PhD students benefit from seminar series, workshops and collaboration opportunities across departments such as Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics, the environmental science community, and policy institutes on campus.

Most doctoral students are supported through a combination of teaching and research assistantships and have access to professional development resources, computing infrastructure and data archives necessary for advanced empirical research in environmental economics.