University of Mississippi

What you'll study

The programme combines core graduate economics training with specialised modules addressing environmental and natural resource problems. Core coursework typically covers advanced microeconomic theory, applied econometrics and quantitative methods to provide the analytical foundation for policy evaluation.

• Advanced Microeconomics — optimisation, market structure, public goods and externalities, property rights and regulation.
• Applied Econometrics — regression techniques, panel data, instrumental variables, causal inference methods for policy evaluation.
• Environmental and Natural Resource Economics — valuation of environmental goods, non-market valuation methods, resource extraction models, renewable resource management.
• Environmental Policy and Regulation — cost–benefit analysis, market-based instruments, emissions trading, command-and-control approaches, comparative policy design.
• Energy Economics and Climate Policy — energy markets, carbon pricing, adaptation and mitigation policy tools.
• Research Methods / Thesis or Project — supervised empirical project or thesis applying quantitative methods to an environmental policy question.

Students may also be able to choose elective topics such as resource law and institutions, land-use economics, spatial analysis using GIS, and environmental finance depending on faculty availability. The programme typically balances coursework and a substantial applied research component; students can select a thesis route if they intend to pursue doctoral study or a research-focused career.

Entry requirements

Applicants normally hold a bachelor’s degree in economics, agricultural or environmental economics, mathematics, statistics, engineering, or a related social science. Strong preparation in microeconomics, calculus and statistics or introductory econometrics is expected.

• Academic transcripts demonstrating a good honours degree (or equivalent) from a recognised institution.
• Quantitative preparation — prior coursework in calculus, statistics and intermediate microeconomics is desirable.
• Supporting documents — a CV, personal statement outlining research interests in environmental economics and policy, and letters of recommendation.
• Standardised tests and English language — requirements for tests such as the GRE and for proof of English proficiency for international applicants vary by intake; consult the department for current policy.

Applicants with strong quantitative aptitude but limited formal economics training may be admitted conditional on completing prerequisite bridging courses.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles that require strong economic reasoning and empirical skills applied to environmental problems. Typical career paths include:

• Policy analyst or economist in national and state environmental agencies, natural resource departments and regulatory bodies.
• Research or analyst positions in environmental and energy consultancies, economic consulting firms and utilities.
• Positions with international organisations, environmental NGOs and think tanks working on climate, conservation and sustainable development policy.
• Roles in industry addressing corporate sustainability, environmental compliance, resource management and environmental risk assessment.
• Preparation for PhD programmes in economics, environmental economics or public policy for an academic or advanced research career.

Why study at University of Mississippi

The University of Mississippi offers graduate economics training with access to faculty experienced in applied microeconomics, natural resource and environmental research. The university’s regional setting provides opportunities to study coastal, wetland, forestry and agricultural resource questions that are directly relevant to state and regional policy challenges.

Students benefit from a supportive department with small cohort sizes that allow close interaction with supervisors for applied empirical projects. There are also opportunities to engage with state agencies, local stakeholders and interdisciplinary researchers across campus for internships and collaborative research that enhance employability in environmental economics and policy roles.