Eastern Michigan University

What you'll study

The programme blends core graduate economics training with specialised coursework in environmental and natural resource economics, environmental policy design, and quantitative methods. You will study the economic theory of externalities and public goods, methods for valuing environmental goods and ecosystem services, benefit–cost analysis, and regulation and market‑based instruments such as taxes, tradable permits and payments for ecosystem services.

• Core economics: microeconomic theory, applied econometrics, and optimisation methods used for policy analysis.
• Environmental specialisms: natural resource economics, environmental valuation, climate change economics, and land‑use or water resource economics.
• Quantitative methods: applied econometrics for panel and time‑series data, programme evaluation techniques, and spatial analysis relevant to environmental data.
• Policy and practice: courses on environmental policy design, regulation, cost–benefit and cost‑effectiveness analysis, and stakeholder engagement.
• Electives and applied work: opportunity to take electives from public policy, sustainability, geography or statistics, and to complete an applied practicum or a thesis that uses empirical economic methods to address a real environmental problem.

Teaching typically combines seminars, applied data projects, and policy case studies. Students build skills in statistical software, environmental valuation techniques, and communicating results to non‑technical audiences.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, preferably with coursework in economics, mathematics or statistics. Typical preparation includes undergraduate microeconomics, macroeconomics, and an introductory statistics or econometrics course. Admissions will consider overall academic record, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose explaining research and career goals, and a current résumé or CV.

International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency in line with university policy. Where academic preparation is insufficient, applicants may be admitted conditionally and asked to complete prerequisite undergraduate courses.

Career prospects

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

• Policy analyst or economist in local, state/provincial or federal government agencies working on environmental regulation, natural resources, or climate policy.
• Environmental or natural‑resource economist in consulting firms providing valuation, cost‑benefit analysis and regulatory impact assessments.
• Research or programme roles in non‑governmental organisations, think tanks and international organisations focused on sustainability and conservation.
• Analyst positions in utilities, energy companies, or corporate sustainability teams assessing environmental risks and policy impacts.
• Further academic study or research leading to doctoral programmes in economics, environmental economics or public policy.

Why study at Eastern Michigan University

Eastern Michigan University offers a graduate environment with accessible faculty and opportunities for applied, regionally relevant research. The programme emphasises practical econometric and policy skills that employers seek and provides options to collaborate across related departments such as public policy, geography and sustainability studies. Its location in southeastern Michigan affords proximity to a mix of urban, industrial and Great Lakes environmental issues, creating internship and research opportunities with state agencies, regional organisations and private firms. Small class sizes and a focus on applied projects help students build a professional portfolio of empirical analyses and policy evaluations that support career entry or further study.