University of Colorado Boulder

What you'll study

The programme combines core graduate economics training with specialised courses in environmental and natural resource economics and policy. Core topics typically include microeconomic theory, applied econometrics, and public economics to give a firm grounding in the tools used for policy analysis.

• Foundations: graduate microeconomics, applied econometrics, and welfare/public economics.
• Environmental-focused coursework: environmental and natural resource economics, economics of climate change, energy economics, valuation of environmental goods, and benefit–cost analysis.
• Quantitative and applied methods: time-series and panel econometrics, programme evaluation, spatial econometrics, and the use of GIS or integrated assessment models where available.
• Policy and interdisciplinary modules: environmental policy design and instruments (taxes, tradable permits, regulation), resource management, and policy implementation challenges.
• Research component: options commonly include a supervised thesis or an applied policy capstone/project working on an empirical problem with real-world data or an external partner.

Seminars and workshops with faculty, visiting researchers and practitioners are frequently part of the curriculum, providing exposure to current research and policy debates.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised bachelor's degree in economics, mathematics, statistics, environmental studies with strong quantitative training, or a closely related discipline. Typical admission prerequisites include:

• Demonstrated quantitative preparation — calculus, linear algebra, intermediate microeconomics and statistics/econometrics.
• Transcripts showing strong academic performance in relevant coursework.
• A statement of purpose explaining academic and career goals, and how the environmental economics specialism fits those goals.
• Two or three academic or professional references able to attest to research potential and quantitative skills.
• A current CV/resume highlighting research, internships or work experience in economics, environment, policy or data analysis.

Some applicants may be asked to supply GRE scores depending on departmental policy; applicants whose first language is not English will normally need to demonstrate English proficiency through recognised tests unless exempted. Relevant professional experience or strong quantitative coursework can strengthen an application if a degree is in a different field.

Career prospects

Graduates go on to a variety of roles where economic analysis and policy expertise intersect with environmental issues. Common career paths include:

• Analyst and economist roles in national and state government agencies working on climate, environmental regulation, natural resource management or energy policy.
• Research and policy positions at international organisations, environmental NGOs and think tanks.
• Consultancy roles in environmental and energy consultancies, advising on valuation, cost–benefit analysis, carbon markets and regulatory impact assessments.
• Data science and econometric analysis roles in the private sector, particularly in energy firms, utilities and environmental technology companies.
• Further academic research, including progression to PhD programmes in economics, public policy or environmental science.

Why study at University of Colorado Boulder

CU Boulder offers a strong interdisciplinary environment for studying environmental economics, with active collaboration across economics, environmental science and public policy. Students benefit from proximity to major research institutes and laboratories that focus on climate, atmospheric and energy research, facilitating opportunities for applied research and practitioner interaction.

• Interdisciplinary links: access to university-wide environmental research centres and programmes that foster joint projects and cross-listing of courses.
• Applied research opportunities: regular seminar series and the chance to work with faculty engaged in policy-relevant empirical research on climate, energy and resource management.
• Location and networks: Boulder’s location and institutional relationships support engagement with state agencies, regional energy organisations and environmental NGOs.

The programme is designed for students who want rigorous training in economic methods applied to environmental problems, with pathways into policy, consultancy, industry and further research.