Mineral and Energy Economics (Thesis)

Global energy systems, critical minerals and resource markets are reshaping economies, industries and geopolitics. The professionals who understand how these systems work and how decisions are made within them are the ones driving what comes next. 

The Mineral and Energy Economics master’s thesis program at Colorado School of Mines builds on your undergraduate foundation to develop advanced economic and analytical expertise focused on resource- and energy-driven markets. This is the only program of its kind in the United States and is recognized globally as a leading program in the field. It’s designed for you if you want to understand how technical, economic and policy factors shape decisions around minerals, energy systems and large-scale investments. 

In this master’s program, you'll strengthen skills in economic analysis, market modeling, quantitative methods and decision-making under uncertainty. As mineral and energy sectors remain central to global infrastructure, manufacturing and emerging technologies, organizations need professionals who can evaluate projects, markets and policies with clarity and rigor. This degree prepares you to connect economic insight with real-world technical and operational constraints.

At Mines, economics is taught through an applied, industry-connected lens. You’ll work alongside faculty who are actively engaged in research across energy, minerals and environmental systems, and who bring real-world perspective into the classroom. The thesis requirement gives you the opportunity to conduct original research on a relevant economic problem, producing work that reflects professional practice. 

Graduates of the program are recognized worldwide for their expertise and impact, and the learning environment at Mines is known for being both rigorous and highly engaging. You’ll leave with a distinctive, globally respected degree that positions you for leadership roles across industry, government and consulting or for continued study at the doctoral level. 

Program Detail

This master’s thesis program combines advanced coursework with independent research. You’ll take graduate-level courses in areas such as mineral and energy economics, microeconomic analysis, econometrics, market design, investment analysis and resource policy. Coursework is flexible and allows you to tailor your studies to align with your research interests and career goals.

The thesis is a defining component of the program. You’ll work with a faculty advisor to identify a research question related to mineral or energy economics, apply rigorous analytical or empirical methods and communicate your findings through a written thesis and oral defense. Research topics often address market behavior, project evaluation, pricing dynamics or policy impacts in resource-based industries.

The program is offered on campus and is well suited for you if you are seeking advanced analytical training, research experience and preparation for industry, policy or doctoral pathways.