Michigan Technological University

What you'll study

This master's programme develops core skills in microeconomic and macroeconomic theory, econometrics and applied quantitative methods, and applies them to environmental and natural resource problems. Students typically follow a programme of advanced coursework plus either a thesis or an applied capstone/project, enabling specialisation in areas such as energy economics, resource valuation and environmental policy design.

• Core topics: advanced microeconomics (welfare economics, market failure and externalities), applied econometrics (time series, panel data and causal inference), cost–benefit analysis and policy evaluation.
• Environmental specialism: environmental and resource economics, climate economics, energy market analysis, ecosystem services valuation and non-market valuation methods (contingent valuation, hedonic pricing, choice experiments).
• Quantitative and computational methods: programming for data analysis (e.g. R, Python), spatial analysis and GIS applications for natural resource assessment, simulation and optimisation techniques.
• Policy and interdisciplinary modules: environmental policy instruments, regulatory economics, land-use and water resource policy, and stakeholder engagement methods.
• Research or project work: students choose between a research thesis supervised by faculty or an applied capstone project conducted with a partner organisation, emphasising empirical analysis, policy recommendations or model development.

Typical structure

The programme usually requires completion of a defined number of graduate credits, combining mandatory core courses, elective specialism courses and a culminating thesis or practicum. Course sequencing emphasises quantitative foundations in the first year and applied/policy work in the second, with opportunities for research assistantships and collaboration with interdisciplinary centres.

Entry requirements

• Academic background: a bachelor's degree in economics, environmental studies, natural resources, engineering, mathematics, statistics or another quantitative discipline. Applicants without a formal economics degree may be admitted with prerequisite coursework in microeconomics and statistics.
• Transcripts: official academic transcripts demonstrating strong performance in quantitative and relevant subject areas.
• Supporting documents: a statement of purpose outlining research interests and career goals, a résumé/CV, and two to three academic or professional references.
• Standardised tests and English language: some applicants may be asked to provide GRE scores depending on department policy; international applicants whose first language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency as per university requirements.
• Relevant experience: research experience, quantitative coursework or professional experience in environmental policy, natural resources, energy, or applied economics strengthens an application.

Career prospects

Graduates of this programme move into roles that apply economic analysis to environmental and resource problems in public, private and nonprofit sectors. The training prepares students for both practitioner and research careers.

• Policy analyst or economist in government agencies dealing with environment, energy, water resources, fisheries and forestry.
• Environmental or natural resource economist with consulting firms and think tanks, providing valuation, policy assessment and regulatory impact analysis.
• Energy market analyst or analyst for utilities and renewable energy companies, working on market design, pricing and environmental impacts.
• Researcher or project lead in non-governmental organisations and international organisations focused on climate change, conservation and sustainable development.
• Further academic study leading to PhD programmes in economics, environmental science or public policy for those pursuing research careers.

Why study at Michigan Technological University

Michigan Technological University offers a strong interdisciplinary environment where economics students can collaborate with faculty and researchers in environmental science, engineering and policy. The university's location provides access to diverse natural environments and regional stakeholders, supporting applied fieldwork and case studies.

• Interdisciplinary collaboration: opportunities to work with centres and departments focused on energy, water resources and Great Lakes research, enabling applied, cross-disciplinary projects.
• Quantitative resources: robust computational facilities and faculty expertise in econometrics, spatial analysis and modelling to support empirical research.
• Applied focus and professional connections: project- and practicum-based pathways connect students with government agencies, regional utilities and environmental organisations for internships and collaborative research.
• Smaller cohort and faculty mentoring: a programme size that allows close supervision on thesis and capstone projects, fostering development of specialised skills and a professional portfolio.