Colorado State University

What you'll study

This undergraduate programme builds from the core principles of microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics into specialised topics that apply economic tools to environmental and natural‑resource issues. Early coursework focuses on economic theory and quantitative methods: intermediate microeconomics, intermediate macroeconomics, statistics and econometrics. Core concentration modules typically include environmental economics, natural resource economics, cost–benefit analysis, and environmental policy and regulation.

• Foundations: introductory micro and macro, mathematical methods for economists, principles of statistics
• Quantitative skills: intermediate econometrics, applied data analysis, time series or forecasting
• Environmental and resource topics: environmental economics, natural resource economics, valuation of environmental goods, renewable and non‑renewable resource management
• Policy and applied electives: environmental law and policy, climate change economics, energy economics, ecosystem services, cost–benefit and policy evaluation
• Interdisciplinary options: GIS or spatial analysis, conservation science, watershed management or courses offered through Warner College of Natural Resources and Agricultural and Resource Economics
• Capstone experience: senior seminar, applied policy project or an honours thesis involving original empirical work and policy recommendations

Students are encouraged to combine classroom study with fieldwork, lab exercises, data analysis projects and internships with government agencies, NGOs or private firms to develop practical skills in environmental assessment, policy design and economic modelling.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a high‑school diploma or equivalent with a strong background in mathematics. Typical preparation includes A‑level/IB Higher Level mathematics or university preparatory calculus; AP Calculus and AP Statistics are also relevant. Admissions considers academic transcripts, a personal statement describing interest in economics and environmental issues, and any relevant extracurriculars or work experience.

Standard academic expectations include successful completion of college preparatory coursework in mathematics and quantitative subjects. Test score requirements (SAT/ACT) vary with institutional policy and may be optional—check the university’s admissions pages for current practice. Transfer applicants will normally need college transcripts showing competency in economics or quantitative coursework; contact admissions for specific credit evaluation.

Career prospects

Graduates with an environmental economics and policy specialisation work across the public, private and non‑profit sectors. Common roles include environmental economist, policy analyst, sustainability analyst, resource or energy analyst, natural resource manager, and consultant for environmental valuation or regulatory impact assessment.

• Government and public agencies: state and federal environmental departments, natural resource agencies, municipal planning and utilities
• International organisations and NGOs: environmental policy teams, conservation organisations, international development agencies
• Private sector: energy and utilities, environmental and economic consulting firms, corporate sustainability and compliance
• Research and academia: graduate study in environmental economics, public policy, resource economics or related fields

The degree provides a strong foundation for further study (Master’s or PhD) and practical roles that require econometric analysis, policy evaluation and an understanding of environmental systems.

Why study at Colorado State University

Colorado State University offers direct access to interdisciplinary expertise in natural resources, ecology and agricultural economics, enabling students to pair economic training with applied environmental science. Located in Fort Collins, the university’s proximity to diverse ecosystems and public lands supports field‑based learning, internships and partnerships with state agencies and regional research centres.

Undergraduates benefit from opportunities for hands‑on research with faculty, collaborative projects across departments such as the Warner College of Natural Resources and Agricultural and Resource Economics, and strong connections to employers in the Rocky Mountain region. The programme emphasises quantitative skills, experiential learning and policy‑relevant analysis — preparing graduates to address contemporary environmental and resource challenges.