Major in Environmental and Natural Resource Economics

The Major in Environmental and Natural Resource Economics prepares students to apply economic tools to evaluate the allocation and utilization of natural resources and the management of the natural environment. Economic analysis provides a strong basis to guide societal choices that directly and indirectly affect our environment. Economic theory provides a framework for understanding both environmental and natural resource issues, predicting the likely effects of government policies and regulations, and devising solutions to pressing economic and environmental problems.

This major differentiates from other programs of study that address natural resource management in that it focuses on weighing the private and public implications of choices that we make ranging from a local through a global scale. To broaden their technical training, students majoring in Environmental and Natural Resource Economics can simultaneously complete a second major in Natural Resource Management, or other more specialized majors offered through the Warner College of Natural Resources.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, graduates will exhibit: 

Professional Development: Graduates will embody a general awareness of issues in natural resource management and their implications in a larger societal context.  Students will begin to develop a network of personal and professional connections which will foster an understanding of the culture surrounding professional expectations and conduct.

Technical Competence: Graduates will demonstrate technical competency within their chosen discipline including the ability to use the appropriate theory and methods in approaching problems, identifying and gathering appropriate evidence, and employing appropriate methods to analyze that evidence, utilizing appropriate available technology in all phases.

Problem-solving Skills: Graduates will demonstrate the ability to solve real-world problems beyond the context of the classroom. Students will be able to identify a problem and its scope, evaluate resources available to address the problem, formulate alternative solutions, and select the solution(s) most consistent with a stated objective. 

Communication Skills: Graduates will demonstrate proficiency in oral and written communication in terms of substance, organization, mechanics, documentation, and synthesis. Proficient students will have the ability to clearly communicate findings, critically and analytically, at a professional level within their chosen career.

Leadership: Graduates will have developed leadership qualities that they will use in their professional, personal and community interactions leveraging the other competencies acquired in the program. These leadership qualities include vision, initiative, personal responsibility, team building, and motivating collective action.

Potential Occupations

Environmental and resource economists are employed in a wide range of fields from education and research to business and government. Profit and non-profit organizations employ economists in international and community development, international relations, and environmental and conservation analyses. Some examples include, but are not limited to, energy resource analyst, environmental researcher/analyst, resource policy analyst, natural resource analyst, environmental pollution analyst, environmental policy analyst, economic analyst/forecaster, land use planner, international development specialist, rural community organizer, community development specialist, financial analyst, foreign trade analyst, market forecaster, and extension agent. Participation in internships, volunteer activities, and cooperative education opportunities is highly recommended to enhance practical training and development. Graduates who seek further specialization are prepared to pursue advanced studies.

Effective Fall 2023

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AREC 230 is recommended.

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Select from courses with AB, AGED, AGRI, ANEQ, BSPM, BZ, CBE, CHEM, CIVE, ECOL, ESS, FW, F, GEOL, GES, HORT, LAND, LIFE, NR, NRRT, RS, SOCR, or WR subject codes.

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At least one of AREC 460 or AREC 478 must be taken to fulfill AUCC 4B requirement.

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Select enough elective credits to bring program total to 120 credits with a minimum of 42 upper-division (300- to 400-level) credits.