natural resource economics phd programs

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College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources

Department of Agricultural & Resource Economics

Ph.d. in agricultural and resource economics.

The Ph.D. program provides a rigorous background in economic theory and analysis, with applied economics courses in the areas of Natural Resources and Environment, Agriculture, Food, and Development. Students enjoy small class sizes, a supportive atmosphere, and strong relationships with their major advisor and the ARE community. The program takes 4-5 years to complete.

Students earning graduate degrees in ARE at UConn do well in the professional job market.  Recent Ph.D. graduates have secured faculty appointments at various U.S. and foreign universities.  Several have taken positions with the USDA and other federal government agencies. International students often return to positions with high levels of responsibility in their home countries.

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Satisfactory Progress

To ensure that all students make timely progress toward successful completion of their doctoral studies, the graduate faculty of the Agricultural and Resource Economics Department (ARE) have defined the following as the minimum requirements for satisfactory progress in the PhD program. The faculty will assist students through advising and mentorship to achieve these milestones, ultimately leading to the conferral of a PhD within five years of matriculation.

A student Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA) or a Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) who fails to make satisfactory progress may not have funding renewed in the following semester. A student who fails to make satisfactory progress may appeal in writing to the Graduate Committee to present (1) the extenuating circumstances that lead to failure to make adequate progress, and (2) a specific plan for how satisfactory progress will be achieved within the following semester.  If the appeal is granted, the student is eligible for renewal of funding, subject to the availability of funds, and department needs.

All students must maintain a Cumulative GPA of no less than 3.0 at all times .

Fall semester.

Enroll in (9 credits): ECON 6201 Microeconomic Theory I,   ECON 6301 Advanced Mathematical Economics I, and ARE 6311 Applied Econometrics I.

Meet with the first-year PhD advisor within the first 2 weeks and, as necessary, after each midterm period to discuss course performance.

If funded, perform GRA/GTA duties as outlined in offer letter, with satisfactory evaluations.

Spring Semester

Enroll in ECON 6211 Microeconomic Theory II, ECON 6310 Econometrics I, and 6313 Applied Econometrics II.

Meet with the first-year PhD advisor within the  first 2 weeks   and, as necessary, after each midterm period to discuss course performance.

Meet with faculty members to discuss potential fit for dissertation research.

Take the PhD Qualifying Examination.

Identify an academic advisor who has agreed to supervise your studies.

For students who have passed the PhD Qualifying Examination

By the second week of the Fall semester, submit the necessary paperwork to officially change your academic advisor to the faculty member who has agreed to supervise your studies.

By the end of the Fall semester:

• identify the other members of your advisory committee.
• file Plan of Study (POS) with the department and UConn Graduate School. The Graduate School requires the POS when 18 credits are completed.

Complete second year course work as given in POS.

Meet at least three times with academic advisor, including at least one time with entire advisory committee, to discuss format and timing of the Field Paper.

Apply for eligible scholarships and fellowships (if not already on a full fellowship) as advised by advisory committee and as additionally identified by the student. File copies of submitted applications with the Department.

For students who have not passed the PhD Qualifying Examination

Meet with the first-year PhD advisor by the second week of the Fall semester to discuss your strategy for passing the Qualifying Examination. This may include retaking classes from the first-year sequence.

Identify two faculty members to be members of your advisory committee (the first-year PhD advisor will continue as your major advisor).

By the end of the Fall semester, file a Plan of Study (POS) with the department and University of Connecticut Graduate School. Note: The Graduate School requires the POS when 18 credits are completed.

Retake the qualifying examination the next time it is offered.  Students receive at most two opportunities to pass the Qualifying Examination. Students who fail their second attempt will face separation from the Ph.D. program.

Meet all requirements for satisfactory progress from Year 2 that have not yet been completed.

Complete the Area of Specialization Examination by the end of the Spring semester . The examination is administered by the advisory committee and may take the form of a high quality independent research paper.

Continue to follow the courses and plan as outlined in the filed POS; in the case of any necessary changes to the POS, obtain signatures from the academic advisory and committee and file amended POS with the Department and UConn Grad School by the end of the semester in which the changes occur.

Meet with academic advisor at least three times, including at least 1 time with entire advisory committee, to discuss Dissertation plan.

First Draft of Dissertation Prospectus delivered to advisory committee by the end of the   summer .

Present and successfully defend a Dissertation Prospectus by the end of the   Fall semester .

Complete all required coursework (36 credits)

Job Market paper draft accepted by the advisory committee by the end of the  Spring semester

Job Market Paper completed by the end of the  Fall semester.

Job Market Paper presentation in the  Fall Department seminar series.

Dissertation Defended before end of the  Spring semester .

Year 6 and beyond:

The program is designed to be completed within five years.   Afterward, students are no longer making satisfactory progress, nor are eligible for GTA/GRA funding.   Students may submit a written appeal to the Graduate Committee requesting eligibility to receive funding.   The appeal must document the circumstances that lead to an inability to make satisfactory progress, and a plan by which the student will complete their PhD program within a semester.  

University of California, Santa Barbara

PhD Emphasis in Economics and Environmental Science

EES Emphasis Director : Christopher Costello

Environmental and resource economics is the study of the connections between economics and the environment.

At the core of environmental economics is the recognition that markets often do not provide the right amount of environmental protection, and that some intervention by government, typically through regulation, tax policy, or the establishment of property rights, is frequently needed to strike the right balance between conflicting societal needs.

UCSB PhD students in the Bren School or the Economics Department may choose to supplement their PhD program by establishing an emphasis in Economics and Environmental Science (EES). Students who pursue this option acquire a deep and expert knowledge of economics, as well as an understanding and appreciation of the research questions and methods of a natural science that complements their economics research. The EES program typically starts in the second year of the PhD program, following successful completion of a first-year core sequence in microeconomics and econometrics.

Career Preparation

In an age when economic activity stresses the environment and utilizes fisheries, forests, minerals, energy sources, and other environmental resources, it is increasingly important to use economic tools in developing environmental approaches and policies. Armed with these tools, environmental economists are able to conceptualize economic problems related to environmental issues, then apply appropriate quantitative and qualitative techniques to design and implement appropriate research methods.

This dual emphasis uniquely prepares students for a wide variety of careers, including faculty positions in disciplinary departments (e.g. economics or agricultural economics) and multidisciplinary departments (environmental studies programs and graduate schools of the environment), and for non-academic careers in government, industry, and consulting.

Academic Preparation

Prospective UCSB students who are considering the EES emphasis should have interest in economics and the problems of environmental protection and natural-resource use. Because of the multidisciplinary nature of the emphasis, a variety of student backgrounds are entirely appropriate for EES. A master's degree is not necessary, though having one is a plus.

Although students need not have majored or minored in economics prior to entering the program, they should have been successful in their economics coursework, have an understanding of basic principles, and demonstrate a strong interest in the field. Students having little formal training in economics should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the nature of an economics graduate program and a career in economics.

It is desirable that participants have some training in natural science at the university level. Students should have taken one or more of the introductory sequences in biology, chemistry, and physics offered for science majors at most universities. Students having relatively little preparation in natural science are advised to remedy this deficiency during the year and the summer immediately preceding their enrollment in the EES emphasis at UCSB. This can be achieved, for instance, by enrolling in university physics and/or chemistry during the fall when applying to graduate school and then continuing the sequence through the remainder of the academic year.

It is important that all prospective students be well prepared in mathematics and have comfort and facility with quantitative methods and problems. Most successful EES students have done well in a rigorous course sequence in single and multivariate calculus. It is helpful to have taken such additional coursework as linear algebra, differential equations, real analysis, or mathematical statistics.

How to Enroll in the EES Emphasis

• When admitted as a PhD student, please indicate that you are interested in enrolling in the emphasis. Student application materials will then be sent to the EES Emphasis Director for evaluation prior to enrolling in any courses.
• Complete the ECON Math Bootcamp the summer prior to the Fall Quarter start of the PhD program.
• Entire first-year Economics PhD sequence - ECON 210 A, B, C; ECON 241 A, B, C; Optional: ECON 204 A, B, C.
• PhD-pass on the preliminary examination in Microeconomics and Econometrics.
• Complete and submit the Change of Degree Status Petition  (add EES emphasis). 

Only currently enrolled UCSB PhD students in the Department of Economics or the Bren School of Environmental Science and Management may add the Economics and Environmental Science emphasis. Student preparation must be evaluated by the EES Emphasis Director  prior  to enrolling in the EES program.

The emphasis begins during Year 2. However, preparing for the EES emphasis begins in Year 1.

Academic Requirements

PhD students must satisfy all requirements in their home departments in addition to the emphasis requirements. Work completed in satisfaction of departmental PhD requirements may also be used to satisfy emphasis requirements. Students must complete and submit the  EES Emphasis Verification Form   after completing the requirements to formally add the emphasis to their degree . 

• Environmental and natural resource economics coursework .  16 units, including 8 units from the core courses in Environmental and Natural Resource Economics (ECON 260 D, E, F, G, H, I, J), is required.
• Establish proficiency in a second field of economics . Establish proficiency in a second field of economics (in addition to environmental and natural resource economics) as defined by the Department of Economics , or alternatively, design a custom field that is approved by the EES Emphasis Director with the following components: The existence of a significant body of economic literature, sufficient breadth to be recognized as a field for teaching or research, and availability of Ph.D.-level coursework in support of the field.
• Seminar in economics and environmental science . Students must complete four quarters of Special Topics in Economics - Environmental and Natural Resource Economics (ECON 290).
• Field seminar . Students must enroll in one quarter of Collaborative Interdisciplinary Research at the Bren School (ESM 514).
• Natural science focus. Prior to being admitted to the emphasis, students work with their advisory committee to define an area of natural science to establish competency, such as applied ecology, climate, hydrology, or marine science. The focus will involve four to six courses of lectures, seminars, lab, research, and more. Students must select a UCSB faculty member to serve as their Natural Science Faculty Advisor. The faculty advisor may or may not be on their PhD committee, but the proposed natural science focus must be approved by their PhD committee. 
• Dissertation.  Although the expectation is that a student's dissertation be a contribution to economics, the specific subject of the dissertation is a matter between the student and their PhD committee. 

Program Timeline

The EES program typically starts in the second year of the PhD program, following successful completion of a first-year core sequence in microeconomics and econometrics. In the second year, students take coursework in environmental and natural resource economics and a second field of economics of their choosing. Students also begin to acquire an understanding of an area of environmental science. This culminates in a research experience, working in the laboratory of one of the EES natural-science faculty members. A student's dissertation is typically in an area of environmental economics.

Schedule Preview: PhD with EES Emphasis

• Entire first-year Economics PhD sequence - ECON 210 A, B, C; ECON 241 A, B, C; Optional: ECON 241 A, B, C.
• A course or directed reading with an EES natural-science faculty member.
• One or more electives (natural science, macro, or other).
• During the summer after Year 1: An optional natural-science research experience or policy internship.
• Complete and submit the Change of Degree Status Petition (add EES emphasis). 
• Identify an advisor and apply for admission into the emphasis.
• 16 units, including 8 units from the core courses in Environmental and Natural Resource Economics (ECON 260 D, E, F, G, H, I, J).
• An additional field in economics (2-3 courses).
• Coursework and directed reading in chosen area of natural science.
• Problem-based cross-disciplinary seminar ( ESM 514 ).
• Environmental Economics seminar (ECON 290) - four quarters.
• Fall Quarter: students must submit PhD Committee petition to department.
• Spring Quarter: students must take written exams (Bren students only).
• During the summer after Year 2: An optional natural-science research experience or policy internship.
• Environmental Economics Seminar (ECON 290).
• Dissertation proposal and defense.
• Fall Quarter: students must take oral exams (Bren students only).

Years 4 & 5

• Dissertation research.
• Environmental Economics Seminar (ECON 290)
• Upon completion, certify your progress with the EES Emphasis Director.
• Complete and submit the EES Emphasis Verification Form . 

Are you ready to solve environmental problems?

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Ph.D. Programs

The Harvard Environmental Economics Program (HEEP) does not grant degrees. Rather, students pursue a Ph.D. degree in Economics, Business Economics, Business Administration, Political Economy and Government, Public Policy, or Health Policy. Those whose dissertation interests focus on environmental and natural resource economics are invited to become Pre-Doctoral Fellows of HEEP.

If you are interested in pursuing a Ph.D. degree at Harvard focused on environmental economics, we encourage you to contact one or more of the following doctoral programs directly.

The Economics Ph.D.  program is the most traditional route for students interested in environmental economics. It is recommended for those applicants who wish to pursue an academic career in an economics department. It is one possible path for students who desire academic positions in professional schools or research positions in national or international agencies and research centers. The program is based in Harvard University’s Department of Economics in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. For general information about the Department, see its website . The Doctoral Program—including admissions requirements— is described here .

Business Economics

The Business Economics Ph.D.  program is offered jointly by the Department of Economics , in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, and Harvard Business School, and combines economic analysis with practical aspects of business. This degree is primarily intended to prepare students for careers in research and teaching in business administration and related fields of economics. The general management approach of the Harvard Business School is an important ingredient in the program. For more information on the Business Economics program and for admissions requirements, please see the  Business Economics website.

Health Policy

The Health Policy Ph.D.  program is co-sponsored by the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, the Kennedy School of Government, the Harvard Medical School, and the Harvard School of Public Health. Students interested in environmental economics should consider the “Economics” track of the program. This program is recommended for students with a particular interest in the intersection of health and environmental policy and who desire academic and/or research careers in health policy. For more information on the Health Policy program and for admissions requirements please see the Health Policy website.

Political Economy and Government

The Political Economy and Government  (PEG) program is co-sponsored by the  Department of Economics and the  Department of Government in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences —and the Harvard Kennedy School . The PEG program is appropriate for the select group of students whose breadth of academic interests is not well served by doctoral studies confined to economics, political science, or public policy. The program is recommended for students whose research interests span the intersection of economics and political science and who desire academic careers in professional schools or research careers with national or international agencies and research centers. For more information on the PEG program and for admissions requirements, please see the program’s web page.  

Public Policy

The Ph.D. in Public Policy  is granted by the  Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and administered by the Harvard Kennedy School . This program is recommended for students who are interested in environmental economics as applied to the policy world and whose career goals include academic careers in professional schools, research positions in national or international agencies and research centers, or professional positions of various kinds in policy organizations. For more information on the Public Policy program and for admissions requirements and materials please see the program’s web site.

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Doctoral Programs

Students work closely with their faculty advisor and mentor to develop a unique research program that will prepare them for a career in this field. Course work for varies depending upon the career goals of the student, past course history, and educational needs for the intended research project. Typically all students take 2 semesters of Statistics (STAT 511 and 512) and an advanced GIS class or as advised by their graduate committee. 

Natural Resource Economics

This program offers an area of emphasis in applied economics for natural resource economics (NRE). It allows students to further specialize in (1) natural resource and/or environmental economics, (2) regional economics and/or development, or (3) spatial analysis. The NRE program provides students with a strong foundation in economic theory, economic and policy analysis, and quantitative methods. The primary objective of the PhD in NRE is to educate professionals capable of meeting the demands at the highest levels of their chosen occupations.

Recreation, Parks and Tourism Resources

This program focuses on human dimensions of recreation, tourism and natural resources. We include a diverse group of publics in our training, research, and technical assistance programs such as policy-makers, tourists, communities, resource managers, entrepreneurs, nonprofit organizations, and private landowners. We aim to understand how human and organizational values, perceptions, attitudes, and behavior shape and are shaped by recreation, tourism, and natural resource management systems. 

Wildlife and Fisheries Resources

The Wildlife and Fisheries Resources Program at WVU is dedicated to developing the next generation of young fisheries and wildlife professionals. Students typically focus on either Wildlife or Fisheries for this advanced degree, and are required to complete necessary coursework to obtain professional certification as a biologist by The Wildlife Society or The American Fisheries Society by the time of graduation. 

This program is designed to prepare students for the challenges of a wood products industry career. Graduate students enrolling in wood science will be expected to have taken WDSC 223, Wood Anatomy and Structure, WDSC 232, Primary Conversion and Grading, and WDSC 401, Field Trip or their equivalents. Graduate students are expected to make up deficiencies in undergraduate background as part of their program of study. 

Agribusiness Management

This minor gives students additional skills aimed specifically at rural businesses that produce, process or market agricultural products and commodities. Such companies range from locally owned firms to Fortune 500 companies such as Unilever and Nestle.

This minor is designed to introduce students to the beneficial and harmful roles of microorganisms in a variety of diverse environments including plants, animals, soil, food, air and water. Emphasis is given to the importance of microorganisms in such applied areas as public health, plant disease, pollution and pollution abatement, biological control of pests, biodeterioration, and ecology.

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Resource Economics

Welcome to Resource Economics

At the Department of Resource Economics, we tackle complex questions about how to use our environmental, natural and human resources. By researching important societal problems and gathering and analyzing data, we offer policy solutions that move the needle on today’s most pressing issues. Our undergraduate and graduate programs focus on industrial organization, environmental economics, natural resource economics and health economics. And our award-winning faculty produces groundbreaking research that impacts how we approach our world. 

Learn More.

Announcements

2023 annual newsletter.

Looking for More Information

Interested in learning more about our programs? Take the first step: Connect with us now!

JOB MARKET CANDIDATES 2023 - 2024

Gazi Uddin , Environmental and Natural Resource Economics Faculty Sponsor: Nathan Chan

Spring 2023 Seminars

The department of Resource Economics is pleased to present the Fall 2023 seminar series.  All seminars will be available in person in Stockbridge 303 unless stated otherwise below.

Friday, March 15 , 10:30am - 12:00pm | Nicholas Ryan Department of Economics, Yale University Speciality: Development Economics, Environmental Economics, Industrial Organization

Friday, April 5 , 10:30am - 12:00pm | Sofia Villas-Boas Department of Agricultural & Resource Economics, University of California Berkeley Specialty: Industrial Organization, Consumer Behavior, Food Policy & Environmental Regulation

Friday,  April 19 , 10:30am -12:00pm |  Christian Vossler Department of Economics, University of Tennessee Specialty:   Environmental & Public Economic Issues

Wednesday, April 24 , 10:30am - 12:00pm | Tongzhe Li Department of Food, Agricultural & Resource Economics, University of Guelph Specialty: Economic Theory & Behavioral Approaches  

Computer Science Meets Behavioral Sciences: Interdisciplinary Research Focuses on Heat Resilience in the Age of Climate Change

As high temperatures become more frequent and intense due to climate change, UMass Amherst scientists are developing interdisciplinary research aimed at helping communities increase resilience to extreme heat by monitoring physiological, mental and behavioral health factors.

Tauhidur Rahman, assistant professor of computer and information sciences, and social scientist Jamie Mullins, assistant professor of resource economics,received a $75,000 planning grant from the National Science Foundation’s Smart and Connected Communities program to fund their project.

Now recruiting graduate students for NSF funded program focused on equitable energy transition

Assistant Professor Lucy Xiaolu Wang wins 2023 IHEA Adam Wagstaff Prize

Resource Economics Assistant Professor Lucy Xiaolu Wang wins the 2023 IHEA Adam Wagstaff Prize for her paper "Procurement Institutions and Essential Drug Supply in Low and Middle-Income Countries." 

Professor Dave Keiser has two new publications in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

Professor Dave Keiser has two new publications in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on the economics water quality in the U.S.

"Valuing Improvements in the Ecological Integrity of Local and Regional Waters using the Biological Condition Gradient" can be found here . 

College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics

Environmental and resource economics.

The Environmental and Resource Economics (ERE) field develops student expertise in economic theory and empirical methods for analyzing problems in environmental and natural resource economics. Relevant methods include dynamic optimization and simulation analysis, non-market valuation techniques, hedonic pricing, location theory, and policy evaluation under uncertainty. Learning these methods enables students to understand and study why certain markets fail to provide environmental and resource services efficiently, how formal and informal institutions can be constructed to promote more efficient provisioning of these services, and how to measure the associated economic gains and losses. Students also acquire advanced knowledge of a range of historical and contemporary environmental and natural resource problems and policies.

Faculty working in the ERE field have expertise in the economics of land use, water resources, energy, ecosystem management, non-market valuation, property rights, resource dynamics, and policy design to achieve environmental objectives. Faculty in the field collaborate extensively with graduate students and those working in other fields across the Department, as well as with researchers from other disciplines. 

ERE research programs cover a broad range of topics including water quality, economic sustainability, bioenergy economics and policy, prevention and control of invasive species, infectious disease in wildlife systems, corporate environmental management, recreational demand modeling, the design and analysis of economic incentives to achieve public policy objectives, and improvements in theory and empirical methods.

Course Programs

Ph.D. students with a major field in ERE take three required courses: 

• AFRE 823 Environmental Economics Methods
• AFRE 923 Advanced Environmental Economics
• AFRE 925 Advanced Natural Resource Economics 

Ph.D. students can also choose from a range of other courses, both in and outside the Department, to support their ERE interests and meet other program course requirements. 

Master's students with an interest in environmental and resource economics put together a suitable course program in consultation with their major professor and guidance committee.

The ERE course program also links to an  interdepartmental graduate specialization in environmental and resource economics  directed by economists from across the college. By fulfilling the requirements of this specialization, which involves little if any additional coursework beyond that required for their Department degrees, students can receive a formal transcript certification indicating that a graduate specialization in environmental and resource economics has been accomplished. The specialization is available at the Master's and Ph.D. levels ( https://reg.msu.edu/AcademicPrograms/Programs.aspx?PType=SPCG&Sort=Department ).

Ph.D. students can also achieve a dual major in AFRE and Environmental Science and Policy (ESPP) . For more information on the ESPP dual major, see https://environment.msu.edu/education/dualmajor.html .

ERE students interested in regional economic issues can build a program in that area by following the recommendations for specializing in  Regional Economics and State and Local Government Policy . 

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Home » Agricultural and Resource Economics (Ph.D.)

Agricultural and Resource Economics (Ph.D.)

The department of Agricultural and Resource Economics specializes in agricultural education, agribusiness management and finance, livestock systems, consumer choice and the economics of water, land and environment.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Agricultural and Resource Economics

Areas of study.

• Agricultural economics
• Natural resource and environmental economics
• Contact your department representative or request more program information .
• Check out department requirements and resources from your department’s website.
• When you’re ready to take the leap, start your application .

Requirements

Coursework, credit requirements, and more information is available in the Colorado State University general catalog . Please contact your department representative with program-related questions.

Student Employment

Graduate students interested in employment positions (GTA, GRA, GSA appointments and hourly positions) should contact their advisor and their departmental graduate coordinator for the process to apply.

Financial Aid

• Financial aid resources available through the Office of Financial Aid website.
• Your department may have financial aid options available and please check our financial resource section for additional opportunities.

• Degrees and Certificates
• Graduate Degrees

Resource Economics and Management M.S.

Aug. 21, 2024

Next Start Date

Courses Required

Cost Per Credit Hour

Total Credit Hours

Online Courses

Learning Format

Prepare For a Variety of Careers in Business and Government

The Master of Science in Resource Economics and Management, offered by the Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design, provides advanced training in the areas of natural resource, environmental, agricultural, mineral, energy, agribusiness, international, and rural development economics. Only a handful of other institutions across the country offer a relevant online master’s program in this area and the U.S. Department of Agriculture predicts that graduates of programs in the fields of natural resources and agriculture will be needed in the coming years to address issues related to food security and sustainable energy. The program can be completed with or without a thesis.

Curriculum layout: 8-week courses and 16-week courses. The program is 30 hours with or without a thesis. Students completing a thesis take 6 research credits as part of their 30 hours; students who are not completing a thesis take 30 course credits.

Students develop their formalized plan of study during their first year, in conjunction with the graduate committee.

WVU allows students to complete prerequisites before beginning coursework, but after being admitted to the program. Prerequisites for admission include the following:

• Twelve or more semester credits in economics, agricultural and resource economics, statistics, or appropriate social science courses (should include a course in intermediate microeconomics)
• Three or more semester hours of credit in calculus

Students lacking these prerequisites must complete coursework to acquire them. Graduate programs are planned to ensure that candidates develop competence in the following:

• Communicating economic policy issues
• Theoretical and analytical skills to analyze and evaluate economic policies
• Research to develop economic policy proposal

Ann is here to help.

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"I am a graduate of Michigan State University, with a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology. I have worked in an advising setting for over 15 years and am here to help answer any questions you may have about the enrollment process in our online programs. Our online programs are designed to allow everyone the opportunity to earn a degree, while balancing school, family and life, and I am happy to help you as you go through that journey."

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Resource Economics and Management M.S. Admission Requirements

Admission requirements.

• Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university
• Minimum GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale (or an average of 3.0 or higher for the last sixty credit hours).
• Adequate academic aptitude at the graduate level as measured by the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the New Medical College Admissions Test (New MCAT).
• International students must meet WVU's minimum score requirement for English language proficiency .

Application

Admission is rolling for the Fall and Spring semesters.

Create an account and complete the WVU Online admissions application .

For the application, you will need to provide:

• Current resume
• Statement of purpose
• Names and email addresses for three persons acquainted with your professional work, experience, or academic background who can provide letters of recommendation.

Official transcripts from all previous colleges/universities (except WVU) must be sent to the Graduate Admissions Office.

• It is preferred that official transcripts be sent via an online, secure service such as eScrip-Safe, National Student Clearinghouse, or Parchment to [email protected] .
• Alternatively, sealed, untampered, physical official transcripts can be mailed directly to: WVU Graduate Admissions P.O. Box 6510 Morgantown, WV 26506-6510

Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid

WVU provides a comprehensive approach to helping you finance your education. Learn more by visiting the Student Financial Services website.

Students are encouraged to:

• File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form by the June 30, 2024 deadline to determine their eligibility for federal and state funds as well as scholarships. WVU’s FAFSA Code is 003827; and
• Check with your employer to see if they provide financial support for earning your graduate degree.

Resource Economics and Management M.S. total degree cost: $20,700 – Residents and Non-Residents

Tuition and fees are usually not the only educational expenses you may have while pursuing a degree. You may have other costs such as books, supplies and living expenses. Please see the Estimate Costs and Aid webpage for how to estimate and plan for other potential expenses.

Your future in Resource Economics and Management

The primary objective of this program is to prepare students for further graduate study or a variety of careers in business and government. A candidate for the degree must comply with University, College, and program requirements. The Master of Science degree in Resource Economics and Management can be obtained under either course work or thesis options.

The Benefits to Choosing the WVU Resource Economics and Management Master of Science program

Overall, the WVU Master of Science in Resource Economics and Management program offers a comprehensive education that prepares students for careers in a variety of fields related to resource economics and management, with the flexibility and support needed to succeed in today's rapidly changing job market.

View Courses and Curriculum for Resource Economics and Management M.S.

Required courses

Suggested Electives

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the projected job growth the m.s. in resource economics and management.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of economists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Analysts are projected to grow 3 percent. Actuaries and data scientists have a projected growth of 21 and 36 percent, faster than the average for all occupations.

What kind of jobs can I get with an MS. in Resource Economics and Management?

Graduates of a master’s degree in Resource and Economics Management may obtain jobs in a variety of fields related to natural resources, environmental policy, and energy. Some common job titles for graduates of this program include:

• Environmental Economist: An environmental economist applies economic principles to environmental issues, such as pollution control, resource management, and climate change.
• Natural Resource Manager: A natural resource manager oversees the conservation and use of natural resources, such as forests, wildlife, and water.
• Energy Policy Analyst: An energy policy analyst works with government agencies or private organizations to develop and implement energy policies and strategies.
• Sustainability Coordinator: A sustainability coordinator develops and implements sustainable practices within an organization, such as reducing energy use, promoting recycling, and conserving natural resources.
• Environmental Consultant: An environmental consultant provides expertise on environmental issues to government agencies, private organizations, and individuals.
• Research Analyst: A research analyst conducts research on natural resource management, environmental policy, and energy economics to inform decision-making and policy development.

How long will it take me to complete a degree in this field?

A full-time student can complete this degree in 2 semesters. A part-time student can complete this degree in 4 semesters.

Become a problem solver.

Be a decision maker. First, your degree. World-class academics at an exceptional value.

Occasionally a student will encounter an issue with an online course that he or she doesn’t know how to resolve. Should this occur, please visit the link below.

Internal Student Complaint Process

WVU Online West Virginia University PO Box 6800 Morgantown, WV 26506-6800

Phone: (800) 253-2762 Email: [email protected]

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The University of Virginia graduate student experience couples the resources of a large state university, with the mentorship of a personalized program. With more than a hundred advanced degrees to choose from, our graduate students take advantage of one-on-one attention with world-class faculty, state-of-the art facilities and the highest caliber academics. 

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A World of Opportunity

Taking a Hard Look at Rollovers

The University has always fostered close mentoring relationships between students and faculty. Today, we improve upon this longstanding approach by pairing it with meaningful opportunities for development, including career advising, internships, cross-disciplinary research initiatives and fellowships.

Consensus Environmentalism

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Conn Nugent, President , [email protected] Conn Nugent is President of the H. John Heinz III Center for Science, Economics and the Environment. Nugent comes to Heinz directly from the JM Kaplan Fund in New York, where he served as Executive Director since September 2000. During his time there, the Kaplan Fund earned a reputation as a quick-reacting supporter of scientists and activists trying to place conservation objectives high on agendas of emerging issues: shipping in the Arctic; fishing on the High Seas; ranching in northern Mexico; pedestrian plazas in New York waterfronts. Previous to his work at Kaplan, Nugent directed the environment program at the Nathan Cummings Foundation, ran the Five Colleges consortium in Western Massachusetts, and served as Executive Director of International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War when that organization won the 1985 Nobel Peace Prize. His articles and op-eds have been published in a wide variety of newspapers and magazines.

John Dawes, Chesapeake Commons Administrator , [email protected] John Dawes joined the Heinz Center in January 2012 as Administrator of the Chesapeake Commons Data Tool. John is responsible for the implementation and development of this new Bay-oriented data mapping tool that aids watershed organizations in the collection, management and sharing of Bay restoration oriented data. Prior to arriving at The Heinz Center, John worked at Environmental Integrity Project as a Researcher Analyst, mapping public and private drinking water wells and their proximity to hazardous coal ash impoundments. John graduated from Juniata College with a B.A. in Environmental Policy and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). When John is not at work, he can be found kayaking on the Potomac River.

Carleena Graham

Matthew Grason, Fundraising Coordinator , [email protected] Matt Grason is Fundraising Coordinator for the Heinz Center. Prior to coming to the Center, Matt worked for the Food Research and Action Center, primarily writing proposals to foundations and corporations to support its D.C. Hunger Solutions program. Matt has also provided fundraising or programmatic support to the League of American Bicyclists, Green America, and the CommonGoods Network. He holds degrees in music performance from Manhattan School of Music and James Madison University and is a professional musician, bandleader, and composer in his free time.

Lindi L. Harvey, Director of the Bipartisan Initiative for the Prevention of Breast Cancer, [email protected] Lindi Harvey leads the Bipartisan Initiative on the Prevention of Breast Cancer, designed to study possible environmental factors that may contribute to the development of breast cancer and disseminate scientific, evidence-based findings for public awareness. Lindi has served as a business executive in private-sector, government and not-for-profit organizations developing comprehensive strategies, policies and programs; alliance and partnership management; and, effective communication outreach efforts. Most recently, she directed the world’s largest not-for-profit workplace-giving program achieving a record-breaking contribution total distributed to over 4,000 local, national and international charitable organizations. Ms. Harvey has served as Deputy Director of the Office of Global Women’s Issues for the U.S. Department of State, Deputy Director of the U.S. National Park Service for the U.S. Department of the Interior and as Senior Advisor to the National Women’s Business Council for the U.S. Small Business Administration. In addition, Harvey was selected by U.S. Senator Elizabeth Dole (R-NC) to create and lead the Women’s Majority Network National Initiative. Her private-sector career includes serving as Senior Vice President/Managing Director for the Geneva Strategies Division of Citigroup.

Schneka Hines, Administrative Assistant , [email protected] Schneka Hines joined the Center as an administrative assistant in March 2010. The newest member of our team, Schneka plays a central role working with all of the projects in support of our wide range of environmental initiatives. She has completed coursework at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and eventually hopes to pursue a career in child psychology. A native of Durham, North Carolina, Schneka loves all things "Tarheels!

Thomas E. Lovejoy, Biodiversity Chair , [email protected] Thomas E. Lovejoy became the first recipient of the newly created Heinz Center Biodiversity Chair in August 2008. Previously he served as President of the Heinz Center since May 2002. Before coming to The Heinz Center, he was the World Bank’s Chief Biodiversity Advisor and Lead Specialist for Environment for Latin America and the Caribbean and Senior Advisor to the President of the United Nations Foundation. Dr. Lovejoy has been Assistant Secretary and Counselor to the Secretary at the Smithsonian Institution, Science Advisor to the Secretary of the Interior, and Executive Vice President of the World Wildlife Fund–U.S. He conceived the idea for the Minimum Critical Size of Ecosystems project (a joint project between the Smithsonian and Brazil's INPA), originated the concept of debt-for-nature swaps, and is the founder of the public television series Nature. In 2001 he was awarded the prestigious Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement. Dr. Lovejoy served on science and environmental councils or committees under the Reagan, Bush, and Clinton administrations. He received his B. S. and Ph.D. (biology) degrees from Yale University.

Anne S. Marsh, Program Director , [email protected] Anne S. Marsh, Project Director, leads the Center’s efforts to design indicators, support the technical development of monitoring programs, and promote increased integration of data and institutionalization of indicators. From 2004 to 2008, she worked as a staff scientist for the Center’s Environmental Reporting Group. Before joining the Center, Anne was a visiting scientist at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center. She has also worked as a consultant to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and served as a research associate and editor of the National Wetlands Newsletter at the Environmental Law Institute. Anne received her B.A. from Williams College (Environmental Studies), and her M.F.S (Forest Science) and Ph.D. (Ecosystems Ecology/Plant Physiology) from Yale.

Jonathan Mawdsley, Program Director , [email protected] Jonathan Mawdsley, Project Director, co-directs the Center’s efforts to promote sustainable responses to the challenges posed by global climate change. He is the lead author of the Center’s newly released reports, “Strategies for Managing the Effects of Climate Change on Wildlife and Ecosystems” and “Measuring the Results of Wildlife Conservation Activities,” which was funded by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation through the Wildlife Habitat Policy Research Program of the National Council for Science and the Environment. Before joining the Center, Dr. Mawdsley worked for five years at the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, where he served most recently as a Program Director administering national and regional grant programs on topics that included native plant conservation, invasive species management, endangered salmonid restoration, and the restoration of the Chesapeake Bay. Prior to working at the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, he was a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Department of Entomology of the National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution. In addition to his work at the Center, he maintains an active research program at the National Museum of Natural History that focuses on insect and pollinator conservation in the United States and southern Africa. He received his B. A. from Harvard University (Biology) and his Ph.D. from Cornell University (Entomology).

Tom Nichols, Vice President, Finance and Administration/CFO, [email protected] Tom Nichols is a seasoned financial professional with over 25 years of oversight experience in strategic planning, budgeting, accounting, financial analysis, international human resources, administration, government grants management and contracting. Tom has established staffing plans, systems, policies and procedures for accounting, financial management, human resources, information technology, contracting and administration for more than 30 offices in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. He is also a highly skilled trainer, facilitator, presenter and team builder. Prior to his time at The Heinz Center, Tom has served as VP for Operations and CFO for Washington DC based environmental organizations such as the African Wildlife Foundation n and World Wildlife Fund - US. Tom is also an accomplished producer, sound engineer, composer and musician.

Dennis Ojima, Senior Scholar , [email protected] Dennis Ojima is a Senior Scholar at the Heinz Center. He is also a Senior Research Scientist of the Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory (NREL) at Colorado State University where he was Interim Director from 2005 to 2006. Dr. Ojima received his BA and Masters Degree in Botany from Pomona College (1975) and the University of Florida (1978), and his PhD from the Rangeland Ecosystem Science Department at Colorado State University in 1987. His current US research contributes to the North American Carbon Project. His research areas include global change effects on ecosystem dynamics and regional climate change assessment for the Central Great Plains, as well as international efforts in Central Asia, Mongolia, and China. His research with the Chinese Academy of Sciences includes development of Regional Carbon Management. Dr. Ojima is also member on the U.S. National SCOPE Committee and member-at-large on the Governing Board of the Ecological Society of America (2005-2007).

Leslie Corcelli, Program Associate,  [email protected] After 22 years as a real estate professional, Leslie Corcelli had an epiphany brought on by a summer trek through a Florida swamp. She retired from real estate, enrolled at University of Central Florida as an undergrad, and has been on the go since. She received her Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies in May of 2012, and is now a Master of Science candidate in Environmental Science and Policy at Johns Hopkins University. Leslie is the President of the Florida Natural Resources Leadership Institute Alumni Association, having served as a fellow at the institute from 2009 to 2010. Leslie joined the Heinz Center in November of 2012 and focuses on outreach to state agencies, wildlife management, pollinator research, and climate change.

Martha Surridge, Program Associate , [email protected] Martha H. Surridge joined the Heinz Center as a Program Associate in 2011. She has worked previously for World Wildlife Fund as a Program Officer for Conservation Planning and Design. In that capacity she led strategic planning workshops and designed financial models for conservation projects around the world. Most recently she worked in Swaziland with All Out Africa and the Lubombo Conservancy on a variety of wildlife monitoring projects, including research on leopard tortoises and marabou storks. As a consultant with the Corporate Executive Board in Washington, D.C., she conducted best practices research on human resources management and corporate recruiting. Martha holds a M.S. in Sustainable Development & Conservation Biology from the University of Maryland-College Park. As a part of her studies, she worked as a consultant for FWS to model the potential impact of sea level rise on marshes in coastal Refuges. She has a B.A. in Physical Anthropology, with a concentration on primate behavior, from Yale University.

Kathryn Wallace, Program Associate,  [email protected] Kate received her Bachelor of Science in Resource Economics at the University of Connecticut in May 2012 and is currently pursuing her Master of Public Administration at George Mason University (Environmental Science and Public Policy Concentration). While completing her undergraduate degree, Kate worked for the Science and Technology Advisory Council for the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation. She joined the Heinz Center team in September 2012, where she focuses her efforts on pollinator conservation in her home state of Rhode Island and other eastern states. Kate's recent publication, Rhode Island Pollinators and Agriculture, is now shared by several environmental and agricultural agency websites in the northeastern United States. 

Carmen R. Thorndike, Executive Assistant to the Biodiversity Chair, [email protected] Carmen R. Thorndike is the Executive Assistant to the Biodiversity Chair of the Heinz Center. Ms. Thorndike has been with Dr. Lovejoy since 1987, when he was Vice President for Science at the World Wildlife Fund. Since that time, she has served with him at the Smithsonian Institution, the World Bank, and the United Nations Foundation. Before joining the World Wildlife Fund, Ms. Thorndike had been a Project Associate for the Latin American Manufacturers Association (LAMA). She received a business administration degree from Cenecape Andrés Bello, Peru.

Tim Tourbin, Director of Finance , [email protected] Tim Tourbin joined the Heinz Center as Director of Finance in November 2009 after working here as a consultant since March 2009. He brings over 20 years of experience in accounting, finance, administration, and human resources. Prior to joining the Center he served as director of finance for the Public Education Network. He also worked in public accounting with Raffa, P.C. in their outsourcing department, where his clients included numerous local and national non-profits. Tim has a passion for the arts and has performed on many stages in the D.C. area, including the Kennedy Center and Signature Theatre.

Artificial Intelligence Research

The recent explosive growth in artificial intelligence (AI) and data mining demonstrates their vast potential to radically transform the norms and practices in every industry and every aspect of our society. Our department is advancing the state of the art in both fundamental algorithms as well as new algorithms to help users benefit from this revolution and provide new capabilities for the benefit of society.

AI Core Faculty

Zezhou cheng , david evans .

For information about me and my research, please see my web page and research group blog .

Farzad Farnoud 

Lu feng , matheus venturyne xavier ferreira , ferdinando fioretto .

Ferdinando Fioretto works on machine learning, optimization, differential privacy, and fairness. He is a recipient of the Amazon Research Award, the NSF CAREER award, the Google Research Scholar Award, the Caspar Bowden PET award, the ISSNAF Mario Gerla Young Investigator Award, the ACP Early Career Researcher Award, and several best paper awards.

Tom Fletcher 

Yangfeng ji , yen-ling kuo , jundong li .

Li's research interests are generally in data mining and machine learning, with a particular focus on graph mining, causal inference, and algorithmic fairness. As a result of his research work, he has published over 100 papers in high-impact venues. He has won several prestigious awards, and his work is supported by NSF, JLab, JP Morgan and Cisco.

Yu Meng 

Yanjun qi , hongning wang , tianhao wang , chen-yu wei .

Chen-Yu Wei is an Assistant Professor in the Computer Science department at the University of Virginia. Previously, he was a Postdoctoral Associate at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His research focuses on fundamental problems in interactive decision making and reinforcement learning.

Haifeng Xu 

Aidong zhang .

Aidong Zhang develops machine learning and data science approaches to modeling and analysis of structured and unstructured data with a variety of applications, especially biological and biomedical applications. Her research interests focus on machine learning, data mining, bioinformatics and health informatics.

Miaomiao Zhang 

Professor Zhang completed her PhD in computer science at the University of Utah. She was a postdoctoral associate in the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Shangtong Zhang