WHAT IS ENVIRONMENTAL AND NATURAL RESOURCE ECONOMICS (ENRE)?

This major is part of the Business Exploration Group and Social & Behavioral Sciences Exploration Group

ENRE Major Website

Business Management and Marketing Minor

Development Economics and Policy Minor

The Environmental and Natural Resource Economics major applies economic analytic methods to address problems pertaining to pollution, conservation, energy, decarbonization, climate change, and management of natural resources and the environment. There is a concurrent focus on markets, sustainable regional and community development, and resilient and sustainable economies. The curriculum promotes critical thinking, communication, and hands-on practice with an extraordinary suite of technical and analytical tools.

Examples of questions ENRE majors will address: Is any level of pollution good for society?  What is the economic value of national parks? How do poverty, affluence and population changes affect the environment and vice versa? What is the value of clean air and clean water? How are business interests aligned with environmental interests, and how can good policy bring about alignment? How much does a day at the beach cost other beach users? What types of economic policies align environmental goals with economic prosperity? How does water quality connect the economies of different regions? How do incentives rule the world?

ENRE Program highlights:

-The Department and faculty have a long-standing academic tradition of excellence in teaching, research, and public service, courses are taught by faculty with Ph.Ds.

-Economic theory, methods, and techniques equivalent to an economics degree taught through methods that incorporate real-world examples pertaining to problems in natural resources, the environment, and policy. Economic concepts are learned through highly relevant applications aligned with career interests, and applicable to any other interests.

-The ARE Department has dedicated scholarships to award each semester to our majors based on academic performance, leadership skills, and financial need.

-Individual attention through small-class settings and personalized advising.

-Many varied opportunities for research experience – students benefit from high level of faculty research activity and public engagement.

-Rewarding career opportunities and high starting salaries.

-Optional 4 + 1 fast track to an MS degree in Applied Economics.

-Internships for experience, including with the ARE Department’s Zwick Center for Food and Resource Policy.

-Motivated, high achieving undergraduates are employed as research assistants with Department faculty on their research grants.