Eastern Mennonite University

What you'll study

This programme blends standard economics training with specialised study in environmental systems, resource management and policy analysis. You will develop skills in microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics alongside modules that address the economic causes and consequences of environmental change.

• Core economics: introductory and intermediate microeconomics and macroeconomics, econometrics or applied statistics, and financial and managerial economics principles that provide a quantitative foundation.
• Environmental economics: courses on valuation of environmental goods, cost–benefit analysis, externalities and market-based instruments, natural resource economics and ecological economics.
• Policy and law: environmental policy design and evaluation, public economics, regulatory frameworks and the role of institutions in resource management.
• Interdisciplinary topics: environmental science fundamentals, conservation biology or physical geography modules to provide scientific context; courses in sustainability, ethics and peacebuilding that reflect the university's liberal-arts strengths.
• Data and methods: applied econometrics, GIS or spatial analysis options, quantitative modelling and research methods for policy evaluation.
• Capstone and experiential learning: a senior seminar, thesis or applied capstone project with community partners, plus practicum or internship opportunities with government agencies, non-profits or local businesses.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary school diploma. Admissions typically consider a combination of high-school grades, a transcript of completed coursework, a personal statement and one or more academic or character references. Mathematics preparation through algebra and precalculus is recommended; coursework in social sciences or natural science is advantageous.

Eastern Mennonite University welcomes students from diverse backgrounds and may ask for additional materials for international applicants such as proof of English language proficiency. The programme values demonstrated interest in sustainability, community engagement or public policy but does not require a specific religious background.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles that require economic analysis of environmental issues and evidence-based policy advice. Typical career paths include:

• Environmental policy analyst or researcher in government departments and regulatory bodies
• Sustainability analyst or coordinator for businesses, utilities and local governments
• Environmental consultant or economic modeller for consulting firms and NGOs
• Program officer or analyst in conservation organisations, international development agencies and think tanks
• Further study: master’s degrees in environmental economics, public policy, natural resource management, or law and doctoral research

Why study at Eastern Mennonite University

EMU offers a small, residential liberal-arts environment with close faculty mentoring and strong emphasis on experiential learning. The university’s commitment to peacebuilding, social responsibility and community engagement complements environmental economics by encouraging ethical and practical approaches to policy problems.

Students benefit from internship and service-learning connections in the Shenandoah Valley region, opportunities for undergraduate research and an interdisciplinary curriculum that integrates economics with environmental science, ethics and public affairs. Small class sizes and accessible faculty make it straightforward to design individualized research projects or pursue joint study with related departments.