Environmental & Renewable Resource Economics Major

The Environmental and Renewable Resource Economics major helps prepare students to analyze environmental and renewable resource problems and policies and evaluate alternative solutions to those problems using the methods, concepts, and techniques of environmental and natural resource economics. Students take courses directed toward providing a firm understanding of environmental and natural resource economics, familiarity with biological and physical sciences, knowledge of legal rules and regulations affecting the environment, and the ability to communicate effectively about environmental and renewable resource issues. Core courses in this major focus on the concepts and methods of environmental and renewable resource economics as they are used in analyzing environmental protection and natural resource management issues.

Why Major in Environmental and Renewable Resource Economics?
Consider choosing this major if you are interested in

• helping communities, governments, public services, non-profit organizations, and businesses find innovative ways to protect the environment and conserve natural resources;
• evaluating the impacts of public policies and market forces on the quality of the environment, use of natural resources, and policy options for improving the quality of the environment;
• assessing options for renewing and sustaining natural resources and damages caused by pollution, waste disposal, oil spills, and environmental accidents;
• helping communities and developing countries achieve sustainable growth; or
• pursuing graduate school or law school, with a focus on environmental law.

Career Opportunities in Environmental and Renewable Resource Economics
Our graduates find employment with private consulting firms that advise public and private decision makers, government agencies at the state and federal level, public interest groups, nonprofit agencies and organizations, public utility companies, and private industries. This major also provides preparation for graduate and professional studies (for example, law school for environmental law).

For additional information about Environmental and Renewable Resource Economics, contact:

Dr. Jill L. Findeis
107 Armsby Building
University Park, PA 16802
Phone: 814-863-8246
E-mail: jp9@psu.edu

Or visit the Environmental & Renewable Resource Economics Web site.