Brandeis University

What you'll study

The programme combines core doctoral training in economic theory and econometrics with specialised coursework and research in environmental and resource economics and policy analysis. Early years emphasise microeconomic theory, macroeconomics as needed for student research, and a strong sequence in econometrics and causal inference. Core and elective modules typically include:

• Microeconomic Theory — advanced consumer and producer theory, game theory, and mechanisms relevant to environmental regulation.
• Econometrics and Applied Econometrics — time-series and cross-section methods, panel data, instrumental variables, difference-in-differences and program evaluation techniques.
• Environmental and Resource Economics — valuation of environmental goods, natural resource management, externalities, common-pool resources, and market-based policy instruments such as taxes, tradable permits and payments for ecosystem services.
• Public Economics and Regulatory Policy — public goods, fiscal instruments, regulatory design and comparative policy analysis for environmental outcomes.
• Research Design and Methods — advanced empirical methods, field experiments, cost–benefit and cost–effectiveness analysis used in environmental policy evaluation.
• Interdisciplinary Electives — opportunities to take courses in environmental science, energy systems, climate science, or public policy through collaborations with the Heller School for Social Policy and Management and the university's environmental studies offerings.
• Seminars and Research Workshops — departmental and faculty seminars where students present work-in-progress and engage with visiting scholars.
• Teaching and Professional Development — graduate teaching opportunities and workshops on research communication and grant writing.

Students undertake qualifying examinations to demonstrate mastery of core areas and then progress to write an original dissertation under the supervision of a faculty advisor. The programme emphasises applied research that can inform policy, with many students producing work on climate policy, air and water quality regulation, natural resource management, valuation of ecosystem services, and the distributional impacts of environmental policies.

Entry requirements

Admission is selective and typically requires a strong academic background in economics or a closely related quantitative discipline. Successful applicants usually demonstrate:

• A bachelor's degree (or equivalent) with substantial coursework in calculus, linear algebra, probability and statistics, intermediate microeconomics and econometrics; a relevant master’s degree is an advantage but not required.
• A record of high academic achievement and evidence of quantitative skills shown through transcripts and, where available, relevant quantitative coursework or research experience.
• A curriculum vitae outlining research experience, relevant employment, and academic honours.
• A research statement or statement of purpose describing research interests in environmental economics and how the programme and faculty mentorship align with those interests.
• Three academic references that can speak to the applicant’s potential for doctoral-level research.
• Proof of English proficiency for applicants whose first language is not English, where required by university policy.

Standardised tests such as the GRE may be optional or considered on a flexible basis; applicants should consult the department for current testing policies. Admission decisions are also influenced by the fit between an applicant’s research interests and available faculty advisors.

Career prospects

Graduates with a PhD focused on environmental economics and policy pursue a range of careers in academia, public policy, and applied research. Typical career paths include:

• Academic positions in economics, environmental economics, public policy or interdisciplinary programmes.
• Research economist roles at government agencies concerned with environmental regulation, energy policy, natural resources and climate (for example national environmental agencies and departments focused on energy and natural resources).
• Analyst or researcher positions at international organisations and multilateral development banks working on climate, environmental management and sustainable development.
• Policy and research roles in non-governmental organisations and think tanks that evaluate and design environmental policy interventions.
• Consulting and private-sector roles advising on environmental regulation, carbon markets, sustainable resource management and corporate environmental strategy.

The programme’s emphasis on rigorous empirical methods and policy-relevant research prepares graduates to produce actionable evidence for policymakers and to compete for positions that require advanced quantitative skills.

Why study at Brandeis University

Brandeis offers a research-focused doctoral environment with relatively small cohorts, which allows for close mentorship and regular interaction with faculty. The Department of Economics has strengths in applied microeconomics and public economics that align well with environmental policy research, and students can draw on interdisciplinary resources across the university, including the Heller School for Social Policy and Management and environmental studies faculty.

Situated close to a major policy and academic hub, Brandeis provides opportunities for engagement with regional policy organisations, research institutes and a network of scholars in the Boston area. Doctoral students typically receive funding support through research and teaching assistantships, which both enable concentrated research time and provide teaching experience.

For prospective students interested in rigorous empirical work on environmental issues and in shaping policy responses to climate and resource challenges, Brandeis offers a collaborative setting, interdisciplinary connections and faculty supervision tailored to applied policy research.