Eastern Washington University

What you'll study

The programme builds on core microeconomic and macroeconomic theory and emphasizes applied methods used in environmental and resource economics. Teaching typically covers environmental valuation methods, benefit–cost analysis, natural resource economics, environmental law and regulation, and the economics of energy and climate policy. Students also take advanced econometrics and applied statistics to analyse environmental datasets and policy impacts.

Typical modules and subject areas include:

• Advanced Microeconomic Theory — consumer and producer theory, externalities and public goods.
• Environmental and Natural Resource Economics — renewable and non‑renewable resource management, fisheries, land use, and ecosystem services.
• Environmental Policy and Regulation — instruments of policy (taxes, tradable permits, standards), policy design and institutional analysis.
• Environmental Valuation — stated and revealed preference methods, contingent valuation, hedonic pricing and non‑market valuation techniques.
• Econometrics and Applied Time Series — regression methods, programme evaluation, difference‑in‑differences, panel data and spatial econometrics relevant to environmental applications.
• Energy Economics and Climate Policy — markets for energy, renewables, carbon pricing and adaptation/mitigation analysis.
• Capstone/Thesis or Practicum — students choose between a research thesis or an applied practicum with a regional agency, NGO or consultancy to solve a real policy problem.

The programme is typically offered with flexible delivery including seminar classes, applied labs with statistical software, and opportunities for fieldwork or collaboration with regional organisations in the Inland Northwest.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised bachelor’s degree in economics or a related discipline (for example environmental studies, public policy, geography, biology, engineering or mathematics) with sufficient preparation in intermediate microeconomics, intermediate macroeconomics, calculus and introductory statistics. Candidates without a formal economics background may be considered if they demonstrate quantitative readiness through coursework or relevant professional experience.

Typical application materials include official transcripts, a CV or résumé, a personal statement describing academic and career objectives, and at least two academic or professional references. International applicants must meet the university’s English language requirements. Standardised test requirements (such as the GRE) vary by intake and applicant background; check the programme admissions page for current guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles that require economic analysis of environmental and resource issues. Common career pathways include:

• Environmental economist or policy analyst in government agencies at local, state/provincial or national levels
• Analyst or consultant in environmental and natural resource consulting firms
• Researcher or analyst in think tanks, non‑governmental organisations and international development agencies
• Energy and climate policy roles with utilities, industry associations or regulatory bodies
• Quantitative analyst positions that use econometrics and valuation methods in environmental impact assessment
• Further academic study, including doctoral programmes in economics, environmental science or public policy

The programme’s applied practicum and regional partnerships often help students build professional networks in the Inland Northwest and the broader Pacific Northwest policy community.

Why study at Eastern Washington University

Eastern Washington University offers a small‑cohort environment with close faculty supervision and opportunities for applied, interdisciplinary work across economics, geography, environmental science and public policy. The university’s location near Spokane and the Inland Northwest provides direct access to diverse natural resource settings and regional agencies, enabling fieldwork and practicum placements tied to real policy challenges.

Students benefit from hands‑on training in econometric and valuation techniques, flexible pathways (thesis or practicum), and connections with public sector and non‑profit employers in the region. The programme emphasises practical skills that make graduates competitive for both practitioner roles and continued academic study.