Ferris State University

What you'll study

This programme blends the fundamentals of micro- and macroeconomics with specialised courses that address environmental and natural resource issues. You will study how markets interact with ecosystems, how public policy shapes environmental outcomes, and the quantitative tools used to evaluate policy options.

• Core economics: introductory and intermediate microeconomics and macroeconomics, econometrics and applied statistics for economics.
• Environmental economics: theory of externalities and public goods, valuation of environmental assets, cost–benefit analysis, and the economics of pollution control.
• Policy and law: environmental policy analysis, natural resource policy, environmental regulation, and environmental law fundamentals.
• Applied methods: program and project evaluation, impact assessment, geographic information systems (GIS) fundamentals, and data analysis using common statistical software.
• Sectors and electives: energy economics, conservation economics, sustainable development, agricultural and fisheries economics, and urban/regional environmental planning.
• Capstone and experiential learning: a senior seminar or capstone project that typically involves applied research or a policy brief; opportunities for internships with regional agencies, NGOs or industry partners.

Structure

The degree is offered as a four‑year bachelor programme combining general education, core economics requirements, environmental electives, and a culminating capstone or practicum. Students can expect a mix of lectures, quantitative lab sessions, case studies and fieldwork opportunities where available.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a secondary school leaving qualification equivalent to a US high school diploma. Successful candidates typically have completed college-preparatory coursework with a strong foundation in mathematics (algebra and preferably precalculus) and demonstrated competence in writing and analytical subjects.

• Domestic applicants: high school diploma with college-preparatory subjects; submission of transcripts is required. Standardised tests may be considered according to university policy.
• International applicants: proof of equivalent secondary completion and documentation of English proficiency where required.
• Recommended preparation: coursework in mathematics, statistics, environmental science, and economics if available. Prior experience with spreadsheet or statistical software is advantageous but not mandatory.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles that require both economic reasoning and environmental literacy. Career paths commonly followed by alumni include:

• Policy analyst or economic analyst in local, state/provincial or national government bodies focused on environmental regulation, resource management, or energy policy.
• Analyst or consultant in environmental consulting firms, natural resource companies, utilities, and multi‑disciplinary engineering practices.
• Program or project officer for non‑governmental organisations and think tanks working on conservation, sustainability or climate policy.
• Data analyst or research assistant roles in academic, public‑sector or private research organisations; positions that can lead to graduate study (e.g. MSc/MA in environmental economics, public policy, resource management).

Why study at Ferris State University

Ferris State offers an applied, career-focused education with relatively small class sizes and direct access to faculty who emphasise practical problem solving. The university’s location in Michigan provides proximity to Great Lakes environmental issues and a range of regional employers in government, utilities and industry for internships and applied projects.

• Applied learning: emphasis on hands-on methods, data analysis and practicum or internship experience tied to real‑world problems.
• Interdisciplinary options: the programme allows students to combine economics training with environmental science, public administration or geographic information systems.
• Career support: connections with regional agencies and employers, and university career services to assist with placement and professional development.