Georgia Institute of Technology

What you'll study

The programme delivers a strong foundation in microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics before moving into applied topics in environmental economics and policy. Core coursework typically includes intermediate microeconomics, intermediate macroeconomics, mathematical methods for economists, and applied econometrics. Environmental specialisation courses commonly cover environmental and resource economics, energy economics, cost–benefit analysis for environmental policy, natural resource management, and the economics of climate change.

Students also take quantitative and supporting courses such as calculus, statistics, data analysis and programming or geospatial methods, enabling empirical work on environmental problems. The curriculum emphasises applied projects and empirical analysis; many students complete a capstone, independent research project or an internship with a public agency, research institute or private firm. Electives drawn from related units—public policy, civil and environmental engineering, public affairs and computing—allow interdisciplinary approaches to regulation, market design and sustainability challenges.

Entry requirements

Admission to Georgia Tech is competitive and based on academic achievement, demonstrated quantitative ability and the strength of your overall application. Applicants are expected to have a solid background in mathematics (including pre-calculus or calculus) and strong performance in high school science and social science courses. Typical preparation includes high-school calculus, coursework in mathematics/statistics, and exposure to economics where available.

Applications usually require a school transcript, personal statement, and letters of recommendation; standardised test reporting may be optional or considered depending on current institutional policy. International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through accepted credentials. Transfer applicants should expect to present college transcripts and evidence of completed prerequisites in mathematics and introductory economics.

Career prospects

Graduates are well placed for roles that require strong quantitative analysis applied to environmental and resource issues. Common entry-level positions include environmental economist, policy analyst, sustainability analyst, energy market analyst, consultant in environmental and resource sectors, and research assistant in think-tanks or academic units. Employers range across government agencies, international organisations, regulatory bodies, environmental NGOs, energy and utility companies, and consulting firms.

Many graduates also continue to postgraduate study in economics, public policy, environmental science or law, or pursue specialised professional programmes when aiming for research or senior policy roles.

Why study at Georgia Institute of Technology

Georgia Tech provides a quantitatively rigorous economics education embedded in a research-intensive, technology-centred university. The institute’s strengths in data science, engineering and public policy create strong interdisciplinary training opportunities for students interested in environmental problems that are technical, regulatory and economic in nature.

Students benefit from access to advanced computing resources, applied research groups and a large metropolitan setting with numerous internship and employment opportunities in Atlanta and beyond. The programme’s connections across departments make it straightforward to combine economics with engineering, public policy or sustainability coursework to tailor a degree to specific environmental policy and industry careers.