Environmental and Renewable Resource Economics (E RRE)
Program Coordinator Coordinator of Undergraduate Services
Dr. James Dunn Megan Sinasky
814-863-8625 814-865-6220
www.erre.aers.psu.edu
The Environmental and Renewable Resource Economics major at Penn State is the only non-science-based major studying the environment. The major focuses on economic concepts and methods for organizing the analysis of alternative ways of solving pressing environmental and resource use problems. The major offers students the opportunity to study the impact of global decision-making on environmental policy, resource management, and economics. Students in the E RRE major develop a working knowledge of economics and learn to apply that knowledge to examine current issues.
Why Choose This Major?
Students should choose Environmental and Renewable Resource Economics as their major if they are interested in the environment and/or economics, but are not interested in chemistry, biology, or being out in the field. Current students have found that in this major, they are learning useful tools and methods to solve some real-world issues, and graduates have found that environmental organizations are excited to have Penn State alumni as a part of their company.
Students with an interest in the environment are encouraged to apply to this major as an alternative to majoring in the Eberly College of Science, the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, and more science-oriented programs within the College of Agricultural Sciences.
Successful Students
Successful students in Environmental and Renewable Resource Economics are typically very concerned about the state of our environment, wish to do something to help the Earth and feel that starting with economic and policy analysis is the best way to begin. Also, our students typically very ambitious; highly attentive to detail; are motivated to be successful academically, professionally, and personally; are active and engaged in both departmental and University organizations and activities; and have excellent communication skills.
Career Opportunities for Graduates
Graduates of the Environmental and Renewable Resource Economics major find jobs within a variety of settings. A large number of graduates go on to graduate school or law school, and even spend time in other countries as a member of the Peace Corps. Beyond that, some examples of position titles include:
- Environmental Policy Analyst
- Water Specialist
- Research Associate
- Environmental Advocate
- Environmental Lobbyist
Employers have included the United States Department of Agriculture, the Environmental Protection Agency, The Student Conservation Association, and various advocacy and nonprofit organizations.
Course Scheduling Tips
Environmental and Renewable Resource Economics students will be assigned an academic faculty adviser within their first semester at Penn State. It is the student's responsibility to speak with their adviser during each semester, and it is highly encouraged that students seek out their adviser often. It is also the student's responsibility to develop and implement their own academic plan in conjunction with their academic adviser. The student is encouraged to take an active role in his/her education. They can do so by obtaining and keeping a copy of the Environmental and Renewable Resource Economics Student Handbook and by tracking their academic process using the Handbook and eLion.
- It is strongly recommended that students who began at a location other than University Park apply for a change of campus during their third semester, and prepare for a change of assignment at the beginning of their fourth semester. By delaying this change of assignment, students may hinder their eight-semester graduation plan.
Required courses only offered in the fall semester at University Park:
E RRE 431W, ERM 411
Required courses only offered in the spring semester at University Park:
E RRE 404, 429
Supporting Courses
Students majoring in Environmental and Renewable Resource Economics must take a number of supporting courses in the following areas:
- Applications and Analysis: 9 credits
- Environmental Science: 6 or 9 credits
- Social Science: 6 or 9 credits
A student's adviser has a list of courses that have been approved in each area; this list is merely a suggestion not a requirement. A student can work closely with the adviser to determine which classes should be taken. A list of these supporting courses may also be found in the Environmental and Renewable Resource Economics Student Handbook.
Recommended Academic Plan
Environmental and Renewable Resource Economics: Penn State Campuses (PDF), University Park (PDF)