Seattle University

What you'll study

This programme provides a foundation in microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics, then applies those tools to environmental and resource issues. Typical topics and modules include:

• Core economics: principles of microeconomics and macroeconomics, intermediate micro, intermediate macro, and econometrics/statistics for economists.
• Environmental economics: market failures and externalities, valuation of environmental goods, natural-resource economics, cost–benefit analysis and the economics of pollution control.
• Policy and regulation: environmental law and regulation, climate and energy policy, public economics and fiscal instruments (taxes, tradable permits, subsidies).
• Quantitative and applied methods: applied econometrics, data analysis, programme evaluation methods, and often geographic information systems (GIS) or modelling tools used in environmental assessment.
• Interdisciplinary electives: courses from environmental studies, political science, urban planning or sustainability that cover ecology, environmental ethics, community resilience and natural‑resource management.
• Experience-based learning: policy labs, research projects, capstone seminars and internships with local government agencies, NGOs or private firms to apply economic tools to real environmental problems.

Students usually complete a combination of required core courses, concentration electives, and general education requirements. A senior capstone or research project gives an opportunity to undertake an applied policy or empirical economics study.

Entry requirements

Seattle University’s Bachelors-level entry typically requires a completed high-school qualification or equivalent. Typical expectations include a strong record in mathematics and social sciences; admissions will consider overall academic achievement, personal statement and extracurricular activities. For applicants from systems that use standardised tests, submission of scores may be optional depending on the current admissions policy. International applicants must provide certified academic transcripts and evidence of English proficiency (for example TOEFL or IELTS) if their previous education was not conducted in English. Transfer applicants are evaluated on previous college coursework and credit will be awarded where courses match departmental requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates with an economics degree focused on environmental policy are prepared for roles in public, private and non‑profit sectors, including:

• environmental economist or analyst for government agencies (e.g. environmental protection, energy departments, local planning offices);
• policy analyst or researcher at think‑tanks and NGOs concerned with climate, conservation or sustainable development;
• sustainability or corporate social responsibility analyst within utilities, natural‑resource companies or consultancies;
• data analyst or quantitative researcher applying econometric and valuation techniques to environmental and resource questions;
• further study in master’s programmes such as environmental economics, public policy, environmental management, or a PhD for a research career or university teaching.

Strong quantitative training and practical experience from internships or capstone projects improve employment prospects and prepare graduates to work on policy design, regulatory impact assessment, programme evaluation and market‑based environmental solutions.

Why study at Seattle University

Seattle University combines a liberal arts approach with applied, socially engaged learning rooted in the Jesuit tradition of service and social justice. The university’s location in the Seattle metropolitan area gives students access to a diverse regional economy — including public agencies, environmental NGOs, research institutes and industry — for internships and collaborative projects. Small class sizes and faculty who blend teaching with applied research enable close mentorship on empirical projects and policy work.

Students can personalise their programme through interdisciplinary electives with environmental studies, political science and business, and can take advantage of experiential learning opportunities such as policy labs, community partnerships and study‑away options that deepen practical skills and local policy knowledge.