University of Missouri-Kansas City

What you'll study

The programme builds core training in microeconomic theory and applied econometrics around specialised study of environmental and natural resource issues. Typical core topics include microeconomic foundations for public policy, applied econometrics for policy analysis, and welfare economics.

• Environmental Economics: market failures, externalities, valuation of environmental goods, non-market valuation methods (contingent valuation, hedonic pricing, travel-cost models).
• Natural Resource Economics: renewable and non-renewable resource management, common-pool resources, dynamic optimisation and resource depletion models.
• Policy Analysis and Regulation: design and evaluation of environmental policy instruments (taxes, tradable permits, regulation), environmental law and institutional arrangements, cost–benefit and cost–effectiveness analysis.
• Applied Econometrics: techniques for causal inference, panel data, time-series analysis, programme evaluation methods commonly used in environmental and policy research.
• Electives and Methods: spatial analysis/GIS for environmental applications, climate economics, energy economics, natural resource management, and advanced modelling courses.

Students normally choose between a thesis option, which involves original research under faculty supervision, and a practicum or applied project that partners with a government agency, NGO or private firm. The curriculum emphasises empirical work, policy relevance and the ability to communicate results to non-technical audiences.

Entry requirements

Applicants are typically expected to hold a bachelor's degree in economics or a closely related discipline (e.g., environmental studies, public policy, mathematics, engineering). Successful applicants will demonstrate quantitative preparation, which may include coursework in calculus, statistics, and introductory microeconomics and econometrics.

• Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
• A statement of purpose explaining academic and professional goals, and interest in environmental economics and policy.
• Letters of recommendation (usually two or three) from academic or professional referees who can speak to quantitative ability and readiness for graduate study.
• A résumé or curriculum vitae outlining relevant work, research or internships.
• International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through an approved test unless exempt; specific score requirements are set by the university.

The department may consider applicants without a formal economics degree if they can show strong quantitative skills and relevant experience. The programme may request prerequisite or bridge courses for applicants who need additional preparation.

Career prospects

Graduates find roles that combine economic analysis with environmental and regulatory concerns across public, private and non-profit sectors. Typical career paths include:

• Policy analyst or economist in national, regional or local government agencies dealing with environment, natural resources, energy or transportation policy.
• Environmental economist or consultant in private consulting firms, providing benefit–cost analysis, regulatory impact assessments and environmental valuation for clients.
• Analyst in international organisations or non-governmental organisations working on climate, conservation or sustainable development programmes.
• Research or analyst positions in utilities, energy companies, resource firms and finance institutions focusing on environmental risk and regulation.
• Continued academic study toward a PhD in economics, environmental economics or public policy for careers in research and higher education.

Why study at University of Missouri-Kansas City

UMKC offers interdisciplinary strengths that suit students interested in applied environmental economics and urban-regional policy. The programme benefits from faculty whose research covers applied microeconomics, natural resource and environmental issues, and strong training in empirical methods. Students have opportunities to collaborate on applied research projects and practicum placements with regional agencies and organisations in the Kansas City metropolitan area, gaining experience in real-world policy analysis.

The department emphasises small-class instruction and close faculty mentoring, which supports hands-on training in econometric techniques and in communicating economic evidence to policymakers. Combined, these features prepare graduates for policy-focused careers and further research in environmental economics and policy.