Georgia Southern University

What you'll study

The programme combines core graduate economics training with specialised courses in environmental and natural resource economics. You will strengthen your foundation in microeconomic theory and applied econometrics while studying the economic valuation of environmental goods, market failures, resource allocation, and policy instruments for pollution control and conservation.

• Core topics: advanced microeconomics, applied econometrics, cost–benefit analysis, and welfare economics.
• Environmental specialism: environmental and natural resource economics, ecosystem services valuation, climate economics, renewable resource management and environmental policy design.
• Methods and tools: econometric techniques for programme and policy evaluation, time series and panel data methods, spatial analysis, and modelling approaches used in environmental assessment.
• Applied components: a research project, applied policy practicum or thesis that requires empirical analysis of an environmental policy question or regional resource issue.

Courses typically mix lectures, data-driven laboratories and project work. Students are expected to develop competence in statistical software and the presentation of policy-relevant economic analysis.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised bachelor’s degree in economics, environmental science, mathematics, statistics, engineering or a closely related discipline. A solid background in undergraduate microeconomics, introductory econometrics or statistics and calculus is expected. Admissions consider academic transcripts, references, a personal statement describing research interests and career goals, and a CV.

Where applicable, applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of English proficiency. The programme may consider applicants with non‑economics backgrounds provided they demonstrate quantitative preparation; in such cases, conditional or preparatory coursework in economics and statistics may be recommended.

Career prospects

Graduates work in a variety of analytical and policy roles that draw on their quantitative and subject‑matter skills. Typical employers and roles include:

• Government agencies and regulators — environmental economist, policy analyst, natural resource planner.
• International and non‑governmental organisations — programme analyst, environmental policy adviser, sustainability analyst.
• Consultancies and private sector — environmental consultant, valuation specialist, corporate sustainability analyst, resource economics consultant.
• Research and academia — research assistant, path to PhD study in economics, environmental studies or public policy.

The applied focus of the degree, combined with training in econometrics and policy evaluation, prepares graduates for positions that require rigorous analysis of environmental trade‑offs and policy impacts.

Why study at Georgia Southern University

Georgia Southern offers a regional perspective on environmental and resource issues, with faculty who conduct applied research relevant to coastal, agricultural and natural resource contexts. The university provides opportunities for hands‑on projects and local collaborations that connect students to state agencies, regional NGOs and private sector partners.

Students benefit from small class sizes, accessible faculty mentorship and a curriculum that emphasises empirical skills and policy relevance. The programme is suited to students who want practical training that can be deployed in regional and national policy settings or used as preparation for doctoral study.