University of Southern Mississippi

What you'll study

This doctoral programme emphasises advanced economic theory, applied econometrics and specialised study of environmental and natural-resource problems. Early stages focus on core graduate coursework in microeconomic theory, macroeconomic theory and econometric methods, followed by advanced electives and seminars that centre on environmental topics.

• Core coursework: Advanced microeconomics, advanced macroeconomics, and graduate econometrics (time series, panel data, and causal inference methods).
• Environmental and resource electives: Environmental economics, natural resource economics, energy economics, climate-change economics, benefit–cost analysis, and environmental valuation techniques (stated and revealed preference methods).
• Applied and interdisciplinary modules: Spatial economics/GIS applications, ecosystem services valuation, policy analysis for coastal and marine systems, and quantitative methods for environmental data.
• Research training: Research seminars, working paper presentations, directed reading courses, and training in advanced computing and statistical software commonly used for environmental econometrics.
• Teaching and professional development: Opportunities to develop teaching skills through assistantships, plus workshops on grantwriting, communication of science to policy audiences, and research ethics.
• Dissertation: The programme culminates in an original, publishable-quality dissertation that addresses an environmental economics or policy question using theoretical modelling, empirical analysis, or both.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a relevant master’s degree (or equivalent) in economics, environmental economics, resource economics, or a closely related field. Strong preparation in calculus, linear algebra, and intermediate microeconomics and econometrics is required. Successful candidates typically demonstrate:

• A strong academic record in prior tertiary study, with substantial quantitative coursework;
• Research experience or a clear research proposal indicating interest in environmental economics or policy;
• Letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees who can speak to research potential;
• Proficiency in English; international applicants must meet the university’s English-language requirements.

The department may request additional materials such as GRE scores, a writing sample, or evidence of quantitative training; prospective applicants should consult the programme admissions page or contact the programme administrator for current guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates of this PhD programme move into a variety of research, policy and professional roles where expertise in environmental economics is valued. Typical career paths include:

• Academic positions at universities and colleges as researchers and lecturers in economics, environmental science and public policy;
• Research economist or policy analyst roles in national and regional government agencies concerned with environmental regulation, natural-resource management and climate policy;
• Positions in international organisations and multilateral development banks working on environmental and climate-change projects;
• Roles in environmental and energy consultancy firms conducting impact assessments, valuation studies and policy evaluations;
• Analyst or researcher positions in non-governmental organisations and think tanks focused on sustainability, conservation, and coastal resilience.

Why study at University of Southern Mississippi

The University of Southern Mississippi offers a supportive research environment with strengths in coastal and environmental studies, making it a strong fit for doctoral work in environmental economics and policy. Proximity to Gulf Coast ecosystems provides practical opportunities for field-informed research and interdisciplinary collaboration with marine science, geoscience and public policy researchers. The department typically features small cohorts and personalised supervision, enabling close mentorship with faculty who publish in applied econometrics, resource valuation and policy evaluation.

Doctoral students benefit from access to research facilities, regional environmental datasets and opportunities for funded assistantships that combine teaching experience with research support. The programme’s emphasis on applied quantitative skills and policy-relevant research prepares graduates to influence environmental decision-making across academia, government and the private sector.