Brandeis University

What you'll study

The programme blends core graduate economics training with focused modules in environmental economics and policy. Core topics typically include microeconomic theory, macroeconomic foundations, and applied econometrics to give students the tools for causal inference and quantitative analysis.

• Environmental and Natural Resource Economics — market failures, externalities, valuation of environmental goods, resource extraction models.
• Public Economics and Policy Instruments — taxation, subsidies, tradable permits, regulatory design and cost–benefit analysis.
• Applied Econometrics and Program Evaluation — microeconometric methods, impact evaluation, difference‑in‑differences, instrumental variables and matching techniques applied to environmental and policy questions.
• Climate Economics and Policy — economic impacts of climate change, adaptation and mitigation strategies, carbon pricing and international policy coordination.
• Data and Computational Methods — practical skills in data management, causal inference with large datasets, and use of statistical software for empirical research.
• Electives and Interdisciplinary Options — land use and urban economics, energy economics, environmental law and policy, cost–benefit analysis, and seminars drawing on public policy and management perspectives.

Students typically complete a mix of coursework and a capstone project or master's thesis that applies economic methods to a real-world environmental policy question. Opportunities for research assistantships with faculty and collaborative projects with policy organisations in the Boston region are commonly available.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution. Strong preparation in quantitative subjects is expected — typically one or more semesters of calculus, introductory statistics or probability, and introductory microeconomics. Admissions materials normally include a personal statement describing academic and professional goals, academic transcripts, a curriculum vitae, and at least two academic or professional letters of recommendation.

International applicants whose first language is not English will need to demonstrate English proficiency by a recognised test or another institutionally accepted measure. While some programmes request GRE scores, applicants should check the current departmental guidance before applying. Relevant work experience or research experience in economics, environmental science, public policy or related fields is an advantage.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a range of careers where economic analysis intersects with environmental and public policy. Typical roles include:

• Environmental economist or analyst in government agencies and regulatory bodies
• Policy analyst at think tanks and non‑governmental organisations focused on sustainability and climate policy
• Consultant in environmental, energy or natural resource sectors
• Analyst roles in international organisations and multilateral development banks
• Research positions in academic institutions or entry to doctoral programmes in economics, public policy or environmental studies

The programme's quantitative emphasis and applied project work make graduates attractive to employers seeking rigorous analytical skills and policy-relevant expertise.

Why study at Brandeis University

Brandeis offers a close-knit academic environment with accessible faculty who specialise in applied microeconomics, public economics and empirical methods. Students benefit from interdisciplinary links across the university, enabling collaboration with public policy and management scholars as well as exposure to legal and social dimensions of environmental issues.

The university's proximity to Boston and its broad network of research centres, public agencies and NGOs provides practical internship and employment opportunities. Small class sizes and options for research assistantships give students hands‑on experience applying economic tools to current environmental policy challenges.