Tennessee Technological University

What you'll study

The programme combines core economic theory and quantitative methods with specialised study of environmental and natural resource issues. You will take foundational courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics alongside statistics and mathematics for economists. Core environmental modules typically cover environmental economics, natural resource economics, cost–benefit analysis, and environmental policy and regulation.

• Microeconomic and macroeconomic theory
• Econometrics and applied statistics
• Environmental and natural resource economics
• Cost–benefit analysis and valuation methods
• Public economics and environmental policy design
• Electives such as energy economics, land-use economics, ecological economics, or environmental law
• Tools and methods courses: GIS basics, data analysis with statistical software, and policy evaluation techniques
• Capstone experience or senior seminar, plus opportunities for internships and undergraduate research

The degree is delivered within the university’s general education framework, so students also complete broad liberal-arts and science requirements. This prepares graduates to communicate findings to technical and non-technical audiences and to work in interdisciplinary teams.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a high-school diploma or equivalent with a strong preparation in mathematics (college-preparatory algebra and preferably precalculus or calculus) and demonstrate competency in reading and written communication. Admissions typically consider the overall academic record, strength of the quantitative coursework, and any relevant extracurricular experience such as environmental clubs, volunteer work, or internships.

Recommended preparation before entry includes at least one year of algebra and a course in introductory economics if available. Transfer applicants are evaluated on college transcripts and may receive credit for prior coursework in economics, mathematics, statistics or environmental science.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for careers where economic analysis informs environmental and resource decisions. Common entry roles include:

• Environmental or natural resource economist
• Policy analyst or regulatory analyst for government agencies
• Sustainability analyst or consultant in the private sector
• Research assistant in non-governmental organisations or think tanks
• Analyst roles in utilities, energy companies or water resource firms

Many graduates also progress to graduate study in economics, environmental policy, public policy, resource management or related fields. The programme’s emphasis on quantitative skills and applied policy analysis makes alumni competitive for both practitioner and research career paths.

Why study at Tennessee Technological University

Tennessee Technological University offers a practical, student-centred undergraduate experience with accessible faculty and opportunities for applied learning. The campus’s location in Cookeville and proximity to Tennessee’s diverse landscapes provide convenient settings for field projects and partnerships with regional resource agencies.

Students benefit from small-to-medium class sizes in upper-level economics courses, opportunities for undergraduate research, internships with state and local government, and collaboration with departments such as environmental science, geography and public policy. Career services and alumni networks help connect students to employers in government, non-profit and private sectors focused on environmental and resource issues.

The programme is designed for students who want a rigorous grounding in economics together with the specialised tools needed to analyse environmental problems and shape effective policy responses.