The B.S degree in Environmental and Natural Resource Economics prepares students to use economic analysis and quantitative methods to understand and evaluate complex interactions between economic markets, societal values, human needs and wants, and government policies. After graduation, students will be able to apply their acquired analytical and quantitative skills in a variety of jobs and for graduate school preparation. Environmental and Natural Resource Economists work for firms and consulting companies in the private sector, and for public agencies. The curriculum incorporates economics into the study of pollution (air, water, and land), waste disposal and recycling, business and consumer behavior, sustainable development, climate change and adaptation, pollution control, energy, renewable resources, environmental justice, poverty, economic valuation of environmental protection, benefit cost analysis, and policy evaluation.  Students are encouraged to enroll in independent study to work individually with a faculty member on a chosen topic related to environmental and natural resource economics. Students can also receive academic credit through internships and participation in study abroad programs. For detailed information, please refer to the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics.

Competency Requirements

All Environmental and Natural Resource Economics majors must pass ARE 1150 or ECON 1200 or ECON 1201; ARE 2150, ARE 2155; and a minimum of 15 additional credits of ARE courses at the 2000 level or above. Students must also pass either ARE 2261W or ARE 2435W to fulfill their writing in the major requirement. The advanced information literacy requirement is fulfilled with either ARE 2261W or ARE 2435W. The courses used to satisfy the 15 additional credit ARE minimum can also be used to fulfill the CAHNR 36-credit requirement.

Students choosing this major 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 2434E, 3333, 3438E, 4438E, 4444, 4462E.

Elective Courses: ARE 2235, 2464, 3305E, 3436, 4217, 4305; GEOG 2320E, 2400E, 2500, 3340; NRE 3245E; 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 CAHNR 36-credit requirement for the major.

Note: Students can add one or more minors offered by the ARE Department except for the Environmental Economics and Policy minor.

Minors in Business Management and Marketing, Development Economics and Policy, and Equine Business Management are described in the Minors section.