University of Environmental Sciences

Program Overview

Our Ph.D. in Natural Resource Economics provides comprehensive training in economic theory, quantitative methods, and specialized coursework related to the allocation and use of natural resources. The program prepares students for careers in academia, government agencies, international organizations, and private sector research.

With a distinguished faculty engaged in cutting-edge research on environmental economics, resource economics, and sustainability science, our program offers students the opportunity to contribute to important conversations about how to balance economic development with environmental stewardship.

Students in our program benefit from:

• Individualized mentorship from faculty experts
• Opportunities for collaborative research
• Access to state-of-the-art research facilities
• Connections to policy institutions and industry partners
• Interdisciplinary collaborations across campus

Curriculum

Our rigorous curriculum combines core economic theory with specialized training in natural resource economics. Students develop strong quantitative skills and learn to apply economic analysis to complex environmental challenges.

Core Courses

• Microeconomic Theory I & II
• Macroeconomic Theory
• Econometrics I & II
• Natural Resource Economics
• Environmental Economics
• Cost-Benefit Analysis

Research Seminars

• Research Design and Methods
• Advanced Topics in Resource Economics
• Climate Change Economics
• Energy Economics
• Water Resource Economics

Research Milestones

• First Year Paper: Original research paper presented by the end of the first year
• Comprehensive Exams: Taken at the end of the second year
• Research Proposal: Detailed dissertation proposal submitted by the third year
• Dissertation: Original contribution to knowledge in the field

Faculty Expertise

Our distinguished faculty members are recognized leaders in their fields and are committed to mentoring the next generation of natural resource economists. Their research covers a wide range of topics including climate change policy, water resource management, energy economics, conservation, and sustainability science.

Faculty members have published in leading journals such as the American Economic Review, Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, Ecological Economics, and Nature Climate Change, among others. They regularly serve as advisors to governmental and international organizations, bringing real-world policy relevance to their research and teaching.

Admissions Requirements

We seek students with strong analytical skills, a solid foundation in economics, and a deep interest in environmental and resource issues. While we welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, successful applicants typically have the following qualifications:

Prerequisites

• Bachelor's degree with strong economics and mathematics coursework
• Understanding of intermediate microeconomics and macroeconomics
• Proficiency in calculus and statistics
• While not required, courses in econometrics, environmental science, or natural resources are beneficial

Application Timeline

• Application deadline: December 15th
• Admissions decisions: Late February
• Visits for admitted students: March
• Acceptance deadline: April 15th

Funding Opportunities

We are committed to fully funding our Ph.D. students so they can focus on their research and academic development. Our funding packages are competitive with leading programs in the field.

Financial Support

• Annual stipend of $32,000 for five years, guaranteed for students making satisfactory progress
• Full tuition waiver and health insurance coverage
• Summer research support available
• Funding for conference travel and research expenses

Additional Funding Sources

• Research assistantships with faculty
• Teaching assistantships (typically in the second year and beyond)
• University fellowships and grants
• External fellowships (NSF, EPA, etc.) - we provide support for applying to these opportunities

Career Outcomes

Our graduates pursue successful careers in academia, government, international organizations, and the private sector. The rigorous training they receive in our program positions them well to address complex challenges at the intersection of economics and natural resources.

Recent Graduate Placement

• Academic Positions: University of California, Berkeley; Penn State; University of British Columbia; London School of Economics
• Government: Environmental Protection Agency; Department of Energy; U.S. Forest Service; Congressional Budget Office
• International Organizations: World Bank; United Nations; OECD; International Food Policy Research Institute
• Private Sector: Environmental consulting firms; Energy companies; Think tanks and policy research organizations

Alumni Insights

"The Natural Resource Economics Ph.D. program provided me with the rigorous theoretical foundation and methodological tools needed to tackle complex sustainability challenges. The interdisciplinary approach and collaborative research opportunities set me up for success in my career at the World Bank."

- Dr. Sarah Johnson, Class of 2018, Senior Economist at the World Bank

Apply Now

Ready to pursue your Ph.D. in Natural Resource Economics? The application process for the upcoming academic year is now open. We welcome applications from students with diverse backgrounds and experiences who are passionate about addressing the economic dimensions of environmental challenges.

To learn more about our program or start your application, visit our graduate admissions portal or contact us directly at phd.program@ues.edu.

Frequently Asked Questions