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Doctoral Programs

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Natural Resource Economics

This program offers an area of emphasis in natural resource economics (NRE). It allows students to 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 Ph.D. in NRE is to educate professionals capable of meeting the demands at the highest levels of their chosen occupations.

Admissions

Students entering this program should be well prepared to successfully complete advanced course work in economic theory, economic policy analysis, and quantitative methods, at least at the master’s level. A master's degree or a bachelor’s degree that includes a strong background in economics and/or quantitative methods is required for admission.


image of cliffs at New River gorge Resource Management

This program provides interdisciplinary doctoral training for professionals interested in pursuing careers in academia, private industry, government agencies, or non-profit organizations that focus on the management of natural resources and the environment. It offers a multi- and inter-disciplinary degree that combines applied economics, particularly natural resource and environmental economics, with studies of and coursework in the natural and spatial sciences. The objective is to support the integration of natural and human systems to enable advanced policy analyses using research techniques from relevant disciplines. A Ph.D. program is composed of (1) core courses taken by all students and (2) field courses, which are selected based on the student’s research focus.

Admissions

Applicants are expected to have a master's degree or significant experience in resource economics, other social sciences, natural science disciplines, or spatial analysis. Applicants are expected to demonstrate an adequate background in either a natural science discipline or a social science field at the time of admission to enable building integrated training and research across human and natural systems.