Cost & earnings at University of Colorado Boulder What students borrow here, and what they go on to earn
The PhD in Economics with a concentration in Environmental Economics and Policy at the University of Colorado Boulder is a research-led doctorate for students who want to develop rigorous, policy-relevant analysis of environmental and natural-resource problems. It suits applicants with strong quantitative training who aim to pursue original research on topics such as climate policy, energy markets, resource management and the valuation of ecosystem services.
The PhD programme combines foundational graduate courses in economic theory and econometrics with advanced, specialised training in environmental and resource economics. Early-year coursework typically includes microeconomic theory, macroeconomic theory, and rigorous econometric methods, together with mathematical methods for economists. Core environmental modules cover topics such as the economics of climate change, energy economics, resource and non-market valuation, and the design and evaluation of environmental policy instruments.
Beyond coursework, students undertake regular research seminars and field-specific reading groups and are expected to develop a programme of original research leading to a dissertation. Typical subject areas available for seminars and supervised research include carbon pricing and emissions trading, regulation of energy markets, water and fisheries economics, ecosystem services valuation, adaptation and mitigation policy, and the distributional effects of environmental regulation.
Quantitative training is emphasised throughout: students take advanced applied and theoretical econometrics, computational methods, and may take additional courses in statistics, machine learning, optimisation, or atmospheric and earth system science to support interdisciplinary work. The programme also requires teaching experience and participation in departmental seminar series, workshops and working paper presentations.
Applicants are expected to have a strong background in economics or a closely related quantitative discipline. Typical successful candidates hold a bachelor’s degree with honours or a master’s degree in economics, applied mathematics, statistics, engineering, or a related field. Prior coursework in intermediate and advanced microeconomics, econometrics, calculus, linear algebra and probability/statistics is important preparation.
Admission materials generally include transcripts, a curriculum vitae, a statement of purpose describing research interests, and letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees. A writing sample or evidence of prior research (for example, a master’s thesis or job-market paper) strengthens an application. English language proficiency evidence is required for applicants whose first language is not English. Applicants should consult the department for current guidance on standardised test requirements and funding or assistantship opportunities.
Graduates with a PhD in Environmental Economics and Policy are prepared for careers in academia, conducting teaching and research at universities and policy institutes. Outside academia, career paths include roles in government agencies (national and local), international organisations (for example in climate and development policy), environmental and economic consultancies, and NGOs focused on environmental assessment and policy design.
Quantitative and policy-oriented training also suits positions in the private sector—such as energy and natural-resource firms, financial institutions assessing climate risk, and technology or start-up companies working on environmental markets and sustainability. Graduates frequently work as analysts, policy advisers, researchers, or senior consultants shaping environmental policy and market-based solutions.
CU Boulder offers an interdisciplinary environment with strong links between the Department of Economics and leading campus centres for environmental and climate research. Students benefit from collaboration opportunities with centres such as the Renewable and Sustainable Energy Institute and the Institute of Behavioral Science, as well as proximity to national research organisations based in Boulder, which facilitates interdisciplinary projects that combine economics with atmospheric and earth-system science.
The department emphasises close faculty supervision and an active seminar culture, providing PhD students with mentorship, regular feedback on working papers, and opportunities to present research. Boulder’s regional context and policy networks also support applied fieldwork and engagement with state and local environmental agencies, utilities, and non-profit organisations.
Funding is typically available through research and teaching assistantships that provide experiential training and support while students complete coursework and dissertation research. Prospective students should contact the Department of Economics for details on funding, advising faculty, and research areas currently active in environmental economics and policy.
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