Georgia Institute of Technology

What you'll study

The PhD programme combines advanced microeconomic theory and econometrics with specialised coursework and research in environmental and resource economics, energy markets, and policy analysis. Early in the programme students complete a set of core courses in microeconomic theory, macroeconomics (as required for their research programme), and advanced econometrics to build the methodological foundation for empirical and theoretical work.

Typical subject areas and modules include:

• Advanced Microeconomic Theory: consumer and producer theory, general equilibrium, game theory, mechanism design relevant to environmental regulation and market design.
• Econometrics and Applied Econometrics: time series, panel methods, causal inference, spatial econometrics and techniques for analysing environmental and energy data.
• Environmental and Resource Economics: valuation of environmental goods, non-market valuation methods, renewable and non-renewable resource modelling, and common-pool resource management.
• Energy Economics and Policy: energy market structure, pricing, regulation, technological change, and policy instruments including carbon pricing and renewables policy.
• Climate Economics and Integrated Assessment: modelling the economic impacts of climate change, adaptation and mitigation strategies, and uncertainty in climate–economic interactions.
• Methods for Environmental Analysis: field experiment design, programme evaluation, cost–benefit and cost-effectiveness analysis, and computational methods for dynamic models.
• Seminars and Research Workshops: regular departmental and interdisciplinary seminars where students present work-in-progress and engage with visiting scholars.

Programme structure typically includes coursework in the first years, a qualifying or comprehensive examination, and then transition to dissertation research under the supervision of a faculty advisor. Students are encouraged to take electives across related units such as Civil and Environmental Engineering, Public Policy, Industrial and Systems Engineering, and participate in interdisciplinary centres.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a strong academic background, typically a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in economics, mathematics, engineering, statistics, or a closely related field. Key elements of a competitive application include:

• Quantitative preparation: demonstrated mastery of calculus, linear algebra, and probability/statistics; prior coursework in intermediate microeconomics and econometrics is highly desirable.
• Academic record: strong grades in relevant coursework and evidence of ability to undertake graduate-level research.
• Research experience: prior research, publications, or substantive research projects are advantageous and help demonstrate fit for doctoral study.
• Letters of recommendation: at least two to three references from academic or professional referees who can attest to research potential and quantitative skills.
• Statement of purpose: a clear description of research interests in environmental, resource, or energy economics and how they align with faculty expertise and institutional resources.
• Supporting materials: curriculum vitae and academic transcripts. Standardised test requirements and English language proficiency requirements follow institutional policy and should be checked on the programme webpage.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in Economics with an emphasis on environmental economics and policy follow a variety of career paths. Many pursue academic careers as faculty or researchers in economics, public policy, environmental science and interdisciplinary departments. Others take roles in public sector agencies, environmental and energy regulators, and national or regional governments where they shape policy and regulation.

Applied research positions are also common in international organisations, think tanks and non-governmental organisations focused on climate, conservation and sustainable development. In the private sector, graduates work in consulting firms, energy companies, utilities, and finance, applying economic analysis to environmental risk, carbon markets, project evaluation and policy strategy. The programme’s quantitative emphasis also prepares graduates for data science and research economist roles in industry and research laboratories.

Why study at Georgia Institute of Technology

Georgia Tech provides a strong quantitative environment and interdisciplinary opportunities that are especially valuable for environmental economics research. The School of Economics is housed within a research-intensive university with close links to engineering, public policy and environmental science units, enabling collaboration on empirical and model-based projects.

Students benefit from access to specialised research centres and institutes focused on energy systems, sustainability and climate, which provide data resources, applied project opportunities and connections with industry and government partners. The location in Atlanta and Georgia Tech’s network also facilitate engagement with regional policymakers, private-sector energy firms and national laboratories. Faculty working in environmental and energy economics have active research programmes on topics such as energy markets, climate policy design, natural resource management and valuation methods, offering supervision across theory, empirical and policy-oriented projects.

Overall, the programme is well suited to students seeking rigorous training in economic methods applied to environmental and energy problems, supported by interdisciplinary collaboration and practical engagement opportunities.