The B.S degree in Applied and Resource Economics prepares students to use analytical approaches to solve real world decision problems related to how individuals, firms, and society benefit from natural, human and built capital, and the impact of economic activity on the environment, health, and wellbeing of people, communities and regions locally and worldwide. A wide variety of topics include production, marketing and finance; the economics of environmental protection policies and natural resource management; the economics of development and human health; and food production and safety. The curriculum incorporates business management, investment choices, international trade, consumer behavior, sustainable development, economics of climate change and adaptation, renewable energy, poverty, and policy analysis.
The program is highly flexible, with three optional areas of concentration that can be adapted to fit individualized interests. Regardless of their specific interest, all students develop highly marketable skills.
Students with research interests are encouraged to enroll in independent study to work individually with a faculty member on a chosen topic related to the major areas of study. Students can also receive academic credit through internships and participation in study abroad programs. For detailed information, please refer to are.uconn.edu.
Competency Requirements
All Applied and Resource Economics majors must pass ARE 1150 or ECON 1200 or ECON 1201; ARE 2150; and a minimum of 15 additional credits of ARE courses at the 2000 level or above. Students must also pass either ARE 3261W or 3440W to fulfill their writing in the major requirement. The advanced information literacy requirement is fulfilled with either ARE 3261W or 3440W. The courses used to satisfy the 15 additional credit ARE minimum can also be used to fulfill the 36-credit requirement and the concentrations.
Concentrations
Applied and Resource Economics majors can choose a concentration in one or more of the following areas: Business Management and Marketing, Environmental Economics and Policy, and Development Economics and Policy.
Business Management and Marketing
Majors choosing a concentration in Business Management and Marketing must take a total of at least 18 credits from the courses listed below. At least 12 credits must be taken from the Core Courses and up to six credits must be taken from the Elective Courses.
Core Courses: ARE 2210, 3215, 3221, 3222, 3223, 3333.
Elective Courses: ARE 3225, 3260, 3462, 4217, 4279; ECON 2411; with approval of advisor up to three credits of any 3000-level or above course.
With approval of advisor, additional courses in ARE or in related fields can be used to fulfill the 36-credit requirement for the major with this area of concentration.
Environmental Economics and Policy
Majors choosing a concentration in Environmental Economics and Policy must take a total of at least 18 credits from the courses listed below. At least 12 credits must be taken from the Core Courses and up to six credits must be taken from the Elective Courses.
Core Courses: ARE 3333, 3434, 3462, 4438, 4444, 4462.
Elective Courses: ARE 2235, 3436, 4217, 4305; GEOG 2320, 2400, 2500, 3340; NRE 3245; with approval of advisor up to three credits of any 3000-level or above course.
With approval of advisor, additional courses in ARE or in related fields can be used to fulfill the 36-credit requirement for the major with this area of concentration.
Development Economics and Policy
Majors choosing a concentration in Development Economics and Policy must take a total of at least 18 credits from the courses listed below. At least 12 credits must be taken from the Core Courses and up to six credits must be taken from the Elective Courses.
Core Courses: ARE 3260, 3333, 3462, 4279, 4305.
Elective Courses: ARE 3434, 4444; ANTH 3325; ECON 2440, 2456, 2474, 3421W, 3473, 3479; GEOG 3100; POLS 3406, 3410; SOCI 3701; WGSS 2267, 3216; with approval of advisor up to three credits of any 3000-level or above course.
With approval of advisor, additional courses in ARE or in related fields can be used to fulfill the 36-credit requirement for the major with this area of concentration.
Minors in Business Management and Marketing, Environmental Economics and Policy, and Equine Business Management are described in the Minors section.
Agricultural and Resource Economics Department
Agricultural and Resource Economics (ARE) Course Descriptions