Florida State University

What you'll study

The programme combines rigorous core training in microeconomic theory, macroeconomics and econometrics with specialised coursework and research in environmental and resource economics. Early years emphasise advanced microeconomics, dynamic models, and applied econometric methods, followed by coursework and seminars in environmental valuation, natural resource economics, energy economics, climate policy, and the economics of land use and conservation.

Typical components include:

• Core sequences in advanced microeconomic theory, macroeconomic theory and econometrics tailored for doctoral research.
• Advanced seminars in environmental and resource economics covering topics such as non-market valuation, benefit–cost analysis, regulation and taxation, climate change economics, and insurance and risk in environmental contexts.
• Applied methods courses including time-series, panel data, spatial econometrics, and causal inference methods commonly used in environmental policy analysis.
• Interdisciplinary electives and collaborations with departments such as Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Science, Biological Science, and Statistics to support empirical and modelling approaches.
• A qualifying/comprehensive examination to progress to doctoral candidacy, followed by independent dissertation research under faculty supervision.
• Opportunities to gain teaching experience and to work as a research assistant on faculty-led projects, often involving empirical datasets or policy evaluations at state and federal levels.

Structure

The programme follows a combination of coursework, examinations and original research. Students typically complete core courses and methods training in the first two years, prepare and pass qualifying exams, and then focus on dissertation research. The dissertation is expected to make an original contribution to environmental economics or policy and often involves empirical analysis, modelling, or policy evaluation.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to demonstrate strong quantitative preparation. Typical requirements and expectations include:

• A bachelor’s degree with a strong record in economics, mathematics, statistics, or a related quantitative field; applicants with a relevant master’s degree are also welcome.
• Evidence of coursework in calculus, linear algebra, probability and statistics, and undergraduate/graduate economics (intermediate micro and macro) or equivalent preparation.
• A curriculum vitae, academic transcripts, a statement of purpose outlining research interests in environmental economics and policy, and three academic or professional references.
• A writing sample demonstrating analytical and technical ability is often helpful, and applicants should indicate potential faculty collaborators or thematic areas of interest.
• Proof of English language proficiency for applicants whose first language is not English, according to the university’s requirements.

Admissions are competitive and take into account the whole application package; prospective applicants should consult departmental guidance on supporting materials and contact potential faculty mentors to discuss fit.

Career prospects

Graduates with a PhD focusing on environmental economics and policy pursue a range of careers, including:

• Academic positions in universities and colleges, conducting research and teaching in environmental, resource, and applied economics.
• Research roles in government agencies (federal, state and local) that design and evaluate environmental regulation and resource management policies.
• Positions at international organisations and multilateral development banks working on climate, environmental and natural resource programmes.
• Roles in think tanks, non-governmental organisations and environmental consultancies undertaking policy analysis, impact evaluation and benefit–cost assessments.
• Analyst or research scientist positions in energy and natural resource firms where economic analysis informs investment, regulation and sustainability strategies.

Doctoral training emphasises transferable quantitative and empirical skills that are valuable across policy, research and private-sector roles.

Why study at Florida State University

Florida State University offers doctoral students access to a research-active Department of Economics with faculty working on a wide range of environmental and resource topics. The department supports rigorous theory and empirical work, and students benefit from strong methodological training and opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration.

FSU’s location and institutional links provide practical advantages: collaborations with related departments and research centres, access to regional and national environmental datasets, and proximity to state policymaking institutions that can facilitate applied research and policy engagement. Doctoral students are supported through teaching and research assistantships, which provide experience in teaching, data analysis and project management while pursuing their dissertation research.

Overall, the programme is designed to develop independent researchers capable of addressing pressing environmental policy questions using modern economic theory and empirical methods.