Applied Natural Resource Economics

Overview

What you’ll work on

Start with core courses, then add electives—from finance to forestry. You’ll make the Applied Natural Resource Economics program of Michigan Technological University truly yours. Our students not only participate in research, they publish it. Student-led projects have been published in Marine Policy and Resources Policy.

Student research spans across topics and locations and is often inspired by evaluating current issues of developing countries. Recent research areas include petroleum fiscal regimes, global fisheries management, carbon sequestration of forest products, and social and sustainability challenges related to mining and oil production. Being in the “Great Lakes State” also facilitates student research closer to campus, such as evaluating natural resource stressors of Lake Michigan.

Where you’ll work

Global or local focus—you decide. While you work on your MS in Applied Natural Resource Economics degree at Michigan Tech you’ll be located in the Upper Peninsula; an area that has a rich history of mining and forestry, and Lake Superior is just moments away. Our research centers and institutes, such as the Great Lakes Research Center, offer additional connections to resource-based research.

Through a thesis or independent study project, graduates develop specialized knowledge in the economics of natural resources and the environment, an ability to evaluate resource projects, and a toolkit to perform independent analysis and effectively communicate analytical results. The flexible program is grounded in economic analysis, project evaluation, and statistical analysis. Our graduates are employed around the globe with careers in finance, government, and consulting and several pursued a PhD program to further their graduate education.