Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)

What you'll study

The curriculum combines core graduate economics training with specialised courses in environmental and resource economics. Expect advanced microeconomic theory and applied econometrics as foundations for analysing environmental policy questions, together with topic-focused modules that explore the economics of natural resources, energy markets, pollution control, and benefit–cost analysis.

• Core subjects: advanced microeconomics, applied econometrics, research methods in economics.
• Environmental specialism: environmental and natural resource economics, energy economics, environmental policy and regulation, valuation methods and non-market valuation, cost–benefit analysis.
• Applied and interdisciplinary electives: land-use and urban environmental policy, climate change economics, environmental law and institutions, geographic information systems (GIS) for environmental analysis.
• Research component: options typically include a thesis or a supervised applied project/paper; many students complete empirical projects using regional or publicly available environmental datasets.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor’s degree in economics, agricultural or environmental economics, mathematics, statistics, engineering, or another quantitative discipline. Typical programme requirements include submission of official transcripts, a statement of purpose outlining research interests in environmental economics and policy, and academic references. A background in intermediate microeconomics and calculus is usually required; demonstrable quantitative skills (for example coursework in statistics or econometrics) strengthen an application.

Standard graduate admissions procedures apply: international applicants must demonstrate English proficiency. Some applicants may be asked to provide GRE scores, though policies on standardised tests can vary; check the department for current guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a range of public, private and non-profit roles that use economic analysis to inform environmental decision-making. Common career paths include:

• Policy analyst or economist in federal, state or local environmental agencies
• Consultant in environmental risk assessment, natural resource valuation or regulatory compliance
• Analyst roles with utilities, energy companies or firms focused on sustainability and environmental markets
• Researcher or programme officer at environmental NGOs and think tanks
• Further academic study (PhD) in economics, environmental economics or related fields

Why study at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)

MTSU offers a practical, regionally connected graduate education with access to faculty who teach applied economics and policy analysis. The university’s location near the state capital and a dynamic regional economy provides opportunities for internships, collaborative projects and placements with state agencies, non-profits and private sector employers across the Southeast.

Students benefit from a curriculum that emphasises empirical skills and policy relevance, the chance to pursue interdisciplinary coursework relevant to environmental issues, and close faculty supervision for applied research projects. The programme is a strong choice for candidates seeking data-driven training in environmental economics combined with applied policy experience in a university setting with active community and governmental linkages.