Oregon State University

What you'll study

The programme combines core graduate economics training with specialised coursework in environmental and natural resource issues. Core modules typically cover microeconomic theory, macroeconomic foundations relevant to policy, and applied econometrics (time series and cross-section methods). Environmental specialism modules commonly include environmental and resource economics, benefit–cost analysis, energy and climate economics, valuation methods for non-market goods, and policy design and evaluation.

• Advanced microeconomics for policy analysis
• Applied econometrics and programme evaluation
• Environmental and resource economics (renewable and non-renewable resources)
• Energy economics and climate policy
• Valuation techniques and environmental benefit assessment
• Natural resource management and land-use policy
• Electives drawn from related areas such as ecological economics, GIS for environmental analysis, and environmental law
• Research seminar and either a thesis or applied project capstone, depending on the chosen track

The programme typically offers both thesis and non-thesis (coursework/project) options. Students pursuing the thesis will engage in supervised research and produce an empirical or theoretical study; non-thesis students complete a supervised applied project or extended policy analysis. Faculty supervision emphasises integration of economic methods with environmental data and policy-relevant questions.

Entry requirements

Applicants normally hold a bachelor's degree in economics or a closely related discipline (environmental science, mathematics, statistics, agricultural economics, engineering or public policy). Strong preparation in calculus, linear algebra, introductory economics (micro and macro) and undergraduate statistics or econometrics is expected.

• Academic transcript showing quantitative coursework
• Statement of purpose outlining academic interests and proposed area of study
• Letters of recommendation (academic and/or professional)
• Curriculum vitae or résumé
• For applicants whose first language is not English, evidence of English language proficiency

Some applicants without a formal economics degree but with strong quantitative training and relevant professional experience may be considered; such applicants might be required to take prerequisite undergraduate economics courses before full admission to the master's curriculum. The programme may consider standardised test scores where applicable in admissions deliberations, following departmental policy.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for analytical roles in public, private and third-sector organisations concerned with environmental and resource policy. Typical career paths include:

• Policy analyst or economist in national and regional government agencies (environment, energy, natural resources)
• Analyst or consultant in environmental, energy and sustainability consulting firms
• Researcher or programme officer in non-governmental organisations and think tanks focusing on climate, conservation or sustainable development
• Analyst roles in international organisations and development agencies addressing environmental projects
• Positions in utilities, energy companies and natural resource firms where environmental regulation and valuation are central
• Entry to PhD programmes for students pursuing academic or advanced research careers

Graduates typically leave with strong empirical skills valued for programme evaluation, policy design, economic modelling, and environmental valuation studies.

Why study at Oregon State University

Oregon State University offers a strong interdisciplinary environment for environmental economics and policy, with established strengths in natural resources, forestry, agricultural and marine sciences. Students benefit from faculty whose research spans resource economics, climate and energy policy, ecosystem services valuation and applied econometrics, enabling supervision across economics and applied environmental disciplines.

• Access to interdisciplinary research centres and applied projects linking economics to ecology, forestry, fisheries and energy studies
• Opportunities for fieldwork and collaborations with state and regional agencies in the Pacific Northwest
• Training in applied quantitative methods and use of environmental and geospatial data common in policy analysis
• A campus environment with connections to industry partners, extension services and community-based sustainability initiatives

These institutional strengths make Oregon State a practical choice for students who want to apply economic analysis to real-world environmental and resource challenges while keeping options open for policy, consultancy or further research.