Program Overview
The master's program in Applied Economics at China University of Petroleum (East China) originated from the Department of Industrial Economics established in 1956. The university began admitting master's students in 1986, was granted the right to confer master's degrees in Industrial Economics (a second-level discipline) in 2004, and was authorized to offer the first-level discipline master's degree in Applied Economics in 2010.
From the outset, this program has maintained a distinctive disciplinary orientation centered on energy economics, which has gradually expanded into related fields such as regional economics, environmental economics, and resource economics. Currently, the program offers three major research areas: Energy Economics and Policy, Industrial Economics and Regional Development, and Resource and Environmental Economics.
Program Objectives
In line with China’s national economic and social development needs, this program upholds the fundamental goal of moral education, fosters socialist core values, and is committed to cultivating high-level professionals with:
A solid and broad theoretical foundation and in-depth expertise in the field of economics;
Critical and innovative thinking abilities;
A global perspective and strong social responsibility;
The capability to conduct independent investigation, develop economic models, and perform empirical analysis on complex real-world economic issues.
Graduates are expected to master the fundamental theories and analytical tools of applied economics, apply economic reasoning to real-world problems in economics and management, and possess a rigorous and innovative academic mindset. Students are also required to demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language, enabling them to read professional literature in economics. Upon graduation, students will be qualified to work in government agencies, enterprises, and higher education institutions, engaging in economic analysis, forecasting, decision-making, research, and teaching in fields related to applied economics.
Research Areas
| No. | Research Area | Description and Strengths |
1 | Energy Economics and Policy | This area focuses on energy markets, organizational structures of the energy industry, energy pricing and taxation, and the optimal allocation of energy resources. Research topics include oil and gas economics, renewable energy, regulatory policies in the energy sector, incentives for energy transition, reforms in energy marketization, industrial restructuring, international cooperation in the oil and gas industry, volatility and early warning mechanisms for international oil prices, and national energy strategies in resource-rich countries. |
2 | Industrial Economics and Regional Development | This area explores themes related to regional economic development, industrial structure, organization, layout, and policies. Key research topics include development strategies for regional high-tech industries, sustainable development at the regional level, and the coordinated planning of regional economic development strategies. |
3 | Resource and Environmental Economics | This area approaches resource and environmental issues from perspectives such as externalities, public goods, and sustainable development. Topics include green finance solutions for enterprise sustainability, sustainable development in resource-dependent cities, the relationship between economic growth and environmental governance, resource market reform, efficient utilization of natural resources, and the analysis of financial policies related to environmental protection. |
Study Format and Duration
The academic master’s program combines coursework, research training, and academic exchange, and is conducted under individual or team-based supervision models. It is offered primarily as a full-time program.
Standard duration: 3 years
Maximum duration: 5 years
