University of Tennessee

What you'll study

This programme builds a solid foundation in microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics before applying those tools to environmental and natural resource questions. Core topics typically include environmental economics, resource and energy economics, benefit–cost analysis, natural resource policy, and law and economics. Quantitative training covers statistics, econometric methods and applied data analysis using real-world datasets.

Students will study a mix of lecture courses, seminars and applied projects. Typical modules and subjects you can expect include:

• Introductory economics: principles of micro- and macroeconomics
• Intermediate theory: intermediate microeconomics and macroeconomics
• Econometrics and statistics: regression analysis, applied econometrics and data methods
• Environmental economics: valuation of environmental goods, market failures, externalities and instrument choice
• Natural resource and energy economics: renewable and non-renewable resources, climate economics and energy policy
• Policy analysis and cost–benefit methods: programme evaluation, regulatory analysis and economic impact assessment
• Electives and interdisciplinary options: environmental law, conservation science, sustainability, urban economics, public finance
• Capstone / research project: applied policy project or senior thesis, often involving local stakeholders or datasets

Opportunities for experiential learning are available through internships, community-engaged research and collaboration with campus research centres focused on environment and sustainability.

Entry requirements

Applicants should have a strong secondary-school academic record with competence in mathematics (including algebra and preferably calculus) and coursework in social sciences. Typical expectations include a competitive overall grade profile from your secondary qualification; applicants from different systems should provide an equivalent credential as assessed by the university.

US applicants usually apply with high-school transcripts; standardised tests may be optional or considered as part of a holistic review—check the university’s admissions pages for the current policy. International applicants must demonstrate equivalent secondary qualifications and meet English language proficiency requirements (for example, through tests such as IELTS or TOEFL) unless exempt.

Successful candidates show quantitative aptitude, clear written communication skills, and an interest in public policy, environmental issues or resource management. Transfer students are considered based on college-level coursework and GPA.

Career prospects

Graduates with an Economics degree emphasising environmental economics and policy can pursue a wide range of career paths in the public, private and non-profit sectors. Common roles include:

• Environmental or resource economist in government agencies and regulatory bodies
• Policy analyst or advisor on environmental regulation, climate policy and sustainability
• Research assistant or analyst at think tanks and academic research centres
• Sustainability consultant for private firms, utilities and environmental consultancies
• Data analyst or programme evaluator focusing on environmental interventions and impact assessment
• Positions with non-governmental organisations, conservation organisations or international development agencies

Many graduates also continue to postgraduate study in economics, environmental economics, public policy, law or related fields to specialise further or pursue research careers.

Why study at University of Tennessee

The University of Tennessee offers an environment where economics training is paired with interdisciplinary expertise in environment and sustainability. Students benefit from faculty with active research in environmental and resource economics, opportunities to work with campus institutes and centres, and connections to state and regional agencies dealing with natural resources, energy and environmental policy.

The campus emphasises experiential learning—students can access internships, community-engaged projects and applied research opportunities. Dedicated advising and career services help connect students with employers in government, consulting, non-profits and industry. The programme’s balance of rigorous quantitative training and policy-relevant coursework prepares graduates to analyse real-world environmental problems and contribute to evidence-based decision making.