Natural Resource and Environmental Economics, BS
The Bachelor of Science in Natural Resource and Environmental Economics equips students with the skills to understand how economic principles apply to valuing natural resources and natural resource management, as well as knowledge for careers in environmental law and environmental policy. This program blends economics and environmental sciences to understand the complexity of how human activity and natural resources can interact for economic growth.
Program Overview
The natural resource and environmental economics major prepares students for the process of balancing economic and environmental tradeoffs while providing unique experiences through career opportunities, innovative courses, and direct alumni connections.
Whether you are interested in working in the public or private sector, natural resource and environmental economics students can pursue a wide range of careers. Students are equipped to pursue careers in environmental law and policy, and learn how data analytics and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping can be applied to make data-driven and economically informed decisions on natural resource management.
Concentrations
Natural resource and environmental economics offers two concentrations: natural resource economics and sustainable supply chain management.
Why study Natural Resource and Environmental Economics?
Interdisciplinary Learning
Students pursuing a natural resource and environmental economics degree acquire skills in economics, environmental studies, and data analysis. Coursework includes both physical and environmental sciences, such as conservation, ecology, and forestry; Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping, which is a powerful tool for exploring spatial patterns’ impact on economic activity; and environmental policy law.
Learning is not just confined to the classroom. Through one-on-one connections with alumni, natural resources and environmental economics students can establish professional relationships and explore potential career opportunities.
Expanding Research Opportunities
Students have an abundance of experiential learning and research opportunities in production economics, natural resources and environmental economics, rural development, policy and trade and marketing, logistics, and finance.
A Fast Track to Advanced Study
The Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics offers a unique accelerated BS-MS program to qualified students. This five-year program provides students with both a Bachelor of Science in Food and Agricultural Business or Natural Resource and Environmental Economics and a Master of Science in Agricultural and Resource Economics.
What can you do with a degree in Natural Resource and Environmental Economics?
Economics is utilized in every industry. A degree in natural resource and environmental economics provides access to a large range of careers, but also a niche expertise in environmental economics and natural resource pathways.
Graduates may find employment as natural resource and environmental economists in private firms, consulting companies, forestry management businesses, nonprofit organizations, or government agencies such as the United States Department of Agriculture, the Department of the Interior, and the Department of Energy.
Featured Courses
AREC 270 – Economic Perspectives on Natural Resource and Environmental Issues
Exploration of the economic causes of natural resource depletion and environmental degradation, employing the concepts of externalities, public goods, and market failure. Use of economic logic and analysis to assess the relative effectiveness of alternative policy approaches for addressing such problems. Application to issues of air quality, climate change, water quality, water quantity, energy use, fisheries management, endangered species protection, and waste recycling.
AREC 313 – Environmental Law
Survey of legal topics related to the natural environment, including an overview of the most important federal environmental statutes and the regulatory tools and concepts used to mitigate environmental degradation.
AREC 345 – Climate Change and Renewable Energy Economics
Overview of climate change economics and policy and avenues for addressing climate change, including renewable energy. Assessment of the economic, environmental, and policy forces that are shaping the policy debate surrounding climate change policy. Exploration of methods for evaluating the economic costs and benefits of climate policy and investment in renewable energy.
AREC 470 – Policy Analysis for Environmental and Natural Resource Management
Application of a policy analysis framework to conflicts and issues associated with natural resource use and related environmental quality impacts. Design of institutional changes to improve economic efficiency and equity, with emphasis on the potential applicability of market-type and incentive-based policy mechanisms.
Admissions and Aid
Learn more about admissions and aid by visiting the links below.