Villanova University

What you'll study

The programme builds a solid foundation in microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics, then applies those tools to environmental and resource problems. Core coursework typically includes principles of economics, intermediate micro and macro, mathematical methods for economists, and applied econometrics. Concentration or elective courses focus on environmental economics, natural resource economics, energy economics, cost–benefit analysis, environmental policy and regulation, and market-based instruments such as emissions trading.

• Quantitative methods: statistics for social sciences, econometrics, and mathematical techniques often required to model environmental systems and policy impacts.
• Core economics: intermediate microeconomics and macroeconomics, public economics, and industrial organisation.
• Environmental specialisms: courses in environmental economics, natural resource economics, energy policy, valuation of environmental goods, and economics of sustainability.
• Interdisciplinary options: classes drawn from environmental studies, earth and environmental sciences, engineering or public policy that cover ecological processes, environmental law and policy design.
• Experiential learning: opportunities for internships, policy practicum, undergraduate research projects or a capstone seminar that apply economic analysis to real-world environmental problems.

Entry requirements

Applicants should present a strong secondary-school record with demonstrated ability in quantitative subjects. Typical expectations include high-school coursework in mathematics (calculus and/or statistics recommended) and a competitive overall academic profile. Admissions decisions consider the full application: transcripts, personal statement, and letters of recommendation. Transfer applicants must provide college transcripts and evidence of college-level quantitative coursework.

While prior study in economics is helpful, many first-year economics courses are accessible to students with a good mathematics background. International applicants will need to meet Villanova's general English-language proficiency requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a wide range of roles in the public, private and non-profit sectors where economic analysis is applied to environmental and resource issues. Common pathways include:

• Policy analyst or economist in government agencies and environmental regulators
• Environmental or energy economist in consulting firms and think tanks
• Sustainability analyst or corporate social responsibility roles in industry
• Program officer or researcher for environmental NGOs and international organisations
• Further study in graduate programmes such as MSc/MA in environmental economics, public policy, resource management, or doctoral study in economics

Many students also use the programme as preparation for law school or specialised professional programmes addressing environmental law, planning and management.

Why study at Villanova University

Villanova offers a liberal-arts centred education with a strong emphasis on undergraduate teaching and faculty mentorship. Economics students benefit from small class sizes in upper-level courses, accessible faculty advisors and opportunities for collaborative research. The university encourages interdisciplinary study, allowing students to combine economics with environmental studies, engineering, or public policy to build a tailored skill set.

Villanova's location near a major metropolitan area provides access to internships and employer networks in government, non-profits and the private sector. The university also supports experiential learning through internships, service-learning and capstone projects that place students in real-world policy and business settings dealing with environmental challenges.