Environmental and Natural Resource Economics (BS)
Program Overview
The B.S. in Environmental and Natural Resource Economics equips students with analytical and quantitative skills to understand the interactions between environmental and natural resources, economic markets, and societal priorities. Graduates are prepared for careers in environmental consulting, government agencies, non-profits, and international organizations, addressing environmental sustainability and resource management challenges. The program offers a modular structure with courses in environmental policy, climate economics, and resource economics, complemented by hands-on learning opportunities and faculty expertise.
Program Outline
Outline
The B.S. in Environmental and Natural Resource Economics focuses on understanding the complex interactions between environmental and natural resources with economic markets, societal priorities, and government interventions. Graduates will acquire analytical and quantitative skills applicable to diverse career paths and postgraduate studies.
Program Structure:
- Core Courses (12 credits): Students choose at least 12 credits from specific ARE courses that explore environmental and resource policy, climate economics, valuation, and resource economics.
- Elective Courses (6 credits): Students select up to 6 credits from various ARE courses, including marine economics, sustainability policy, and environmental law.
- Competency Requirements (21 credits):
- ARE 1150/ECON 1200/ECON 1201 (3 credits) - Principles of Economics
- ARE 2150 (3 credits) - Intermediate Applied and Resource Economics
- ARE 2155 (3 credits) - Imperfect Competition and Behavioral Economics
- 15 additional credits of ANY 2000-level or above ARE courses
- Writing Requirement (1 credit):
- ARE 2261W - Writing in Food Policy OR
- ARE 2435W - Writing in Environmental and Resource Policy
- Advanced Information Literacy Requirement (1 credit):
- ARE 2261W - Writing in Food Policy OR However, various courses related to specific areas within environmental and natural resource economics can be considered as distinct modules. These include:
- Environmental and Resource Policy
- Climate Economics
- Valuing the Environment
- Economics of Energy, Climate, and the Environment
- Business Finance and Investment Management
- Marine Economics and Policy
- Sustainability Policy and Management
- Environmental Law
- Economic Development, Environment, and Policy
Teaching
The program utilizes various teaching methods:
- Classroom instruction: Lectures, discussions, and case studies.
- Hands-on learning: Students can participate in individual research projects, internship opportunities, and study abroad programs in related fields. This allows them to apply their learned theoretical and analytical skills to real-world scenarios.
- Faculty Expertise: The program benefits from a diverse faculty with expertise in various areas of environment and natural resource economics. This ensures students receive comprehensive and current knowledge in the field.
Careers
Graduates of the program are equipped to pursue careers in diverse sectors:
- Public and private consulting firms specializing in environmental and natural resource management.
- Government agencies focusing on environmental protection, resource management, and policy development.
- Non-profit NGOs and research institutions working on environmental sustainability and advocacy.
- International organizations tackling global environmental challenges.
- Specific Job Titles: Environmental Scientist, Natural Resource Economist, Environmental Policy Analyst, Climate Change Analyst, Sustainability Consultant, Research Analyst, and various positions in environmental advocacy and policy development organizations.
Other
- Students can add minors offered by the ARE department, excluding the Environmental Economics and Policy minor.
- Minors in various related fields like Business Management and Marketing, Development Economics and Policy, and Equine Business Management are also available.
- Students should consult their advisors for additional course options within and outside the ARE department to fulfill the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources' 36-credit requirement for the major.
