Kent State University

What you'll study

The programme builds a solid foundation in microeconomics and macroeconomics, quantitative methods and econometrics, then applies those tools to environmental issues. Core modules typically include Principles of Microeconomics, Principles of Macroeconomics, Intermediate Microeconomics, Intermediate Macroeconomics, and Econometrics or Statistics for Economists.

• Environmental Economics: market failures, externalities, valuation of ecosystem services, natural resource economics, pollution control and tradable permits.
• Environmental Policy and Law: policy instruments, cost–benefit analysis, environmental regulation, public goods and common-pool resources.
• Applied Methods: econometric techniques for environmental data, programme evaluation, modelling of resource allocation and benefit–cost frameworks.
• Interdisciplinary electives: courses from environmental studies, geography, political science, and sustainability studies such as environmental impact assessment, natural resource management, GIS applications and energy policy.
• Capstone/Research: a senior seminar, practicum or independent research project that integrates economic analysis with real-world environmental policy problems.

The degree usually permits elective choices and a minor or double-major, enabling students to tailor study towards areas like sustainable business, public policy, or environmental science. Opportunities for internships, community-based projects and study abroad support applied learning.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised secondary school diploma. Typical offers consider a combination of cumulative high-school achievement and performance in quantitative subjects—especially mathematics (algebra and calculus recommended where available). Prior study in economics or statistics is helpful but not always required.

• Domestic applicants: strong high-school grades with evidence of quantitative ability; portfolio of extracurricular or work experience in related areas can strengthen an application.
• International applicants: an equivalent secondary school qualification and proof of English proficiency (accepted tests include TOEFL or IELTS, where applicable).
• Transfer students: credit is commonly awarded for transferable college-level courses in economics, mathematics and statistics; consult the admissions office for evaluation of transcripts.

Admissions may also consider standardised test scores where submitted. Prospective students are encouraged to contact the department for guidance on course planning and any preparatory coursework.

Career prospects

Graduates with this concentration combine economic reasoning and quantitative skills with domain knowledge about environmental systems, making them attractive to a wide range of employers:

• Government agencies and regulators at local, state and federal levels (environmental protection, natural resources, energy departments).
• Environmental and policy NGOs, think tanks and advocacy groups, working on analysis, programme evaluation and policy design.
• Consulting firms specialising in environmental economics, sustainability, resource management and cost–benefit analysis.
• Private sector roles in energy, utilities, natural resource companies, and corporate sustainability teams.
• Research and data-analytics positions using econometrics and modelling, or further study at graduate level (MSc/MA/PhD) in economics, environmental economics or public policy.

Typical job titles held by alumni include environmental economist, policy analyst, sustainability analyst, natural resource analyst, research assistant and programme evaluator. The mix of quantitative skills and policy knowledge also prepares graduates for roles that require data analysis and evidence-based decision-making.

Why study at Kent State University

Kent State offers a comprehensive undergraduate economics programme housed within a college that encourages interdisciplinary study. Students benefit from faculty with applied research interests, opportunities to take complementary courses in environmental studies, geography and political science, and active connections with regional employers and civic organisations in the Cleveland metropolitan area.

• Strong emphasis on applied learning: internships, practicum courses and senior projects let students work on real environmental policy problems.
• Access to quantitative training and research methods that are central to environmental economics, including econometrics and data analysis support.
• Options to personalise study through minors, certificates or electives in sustainability, geographic information systems and public policy.
• Campus resources and student organisations related to environmental issues, offering networking and leadership experience outside the classroom.

Prospective students should consult the Department of Economics and related departments at Kent State for detailed advising on course sequences, internship placement and research opportunities that align with environmental economics and policy interests.