Fairleigh Dickinson University

What you'll study

The programme builds a foundation in microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics before applying those tools to environmental questions such as resource allocation, pollution control, and valuation of ecosystem services. You will follow a sequence of core economics courses alongside specialised modules in environmental economics and policy, plus supporting subjects from natural science, statistics and law.

• Core economics: Principles of Microeconomics and Macroeconomics, Intermediate Microeconomics, Intermediate Macroeconomics, Econometrics/Statistics for Economists.
• Environmental specialisms: Environmental Economics, Natural Resource Economics, Economics of Climate Change, Environmental Policy Analysis, Cost–Benefit Analysis and Valuation Methods.
• Interdisciplinary and applied modules: Environmental Law and Regulation, Sustainable Development, Public Economics, GIS or environmental data methods (where available), and courses that integrate science and policy.
• Capstone and practical experience: Senior seminar or capstone project focused on applied environmental policy, plus opportunities for internships with government agencies, NGOs or private-sector sustainability teams.
• Electives: Students may choose electives in finance, urban planning, energy economics, or international development to tailor the degree to specific career goals.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a high school diploma or equivalent with a record of strong performance in mathematics. Typical preparation includes coursework in algebra, calculus or statistics if available, and recommended classes in economics or the natural sciences. Admission decisions at Fairleigh Dickinson consider overall academic record and course rigour; standardised test submission may be optional depending on the campus and applicant profile.

International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised tests or by meeting the university's pathway requirements. Transfer applicants should submit college transcripts and will have transfer credit evaluated against programme requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles that require economic analysis of environmental and resource issues. Common career destinations include:

• Environmental or resource economist positions in government agencies and regulatory bodies
• Policy analyst and research roles at think tanks, NGOs and international organisations
• Sustainability analyst or consultant roles in the private sector, utilities and energy companies
• Data analyst roles that focus on environmental metrics and impact assessment
• Further study: many graduates progress to master's programmes in economics, environmental economics, public policy or environmental science.

Why study at Fairleigh Dickinson University

Fairleigh Dickinson offers small class sizes and accessible faculty, which supports close mentorship for quantitative subjects and applied projects. The university's campus locations provide proximity to public agencies, industry and NGOs—facilitating internships and practical experience in a metropolitan policy environment. Students benefit from an interdisciplinary approach, combining economics with legal and scientific perspectives, and from career services that help place graduates into internships and entry-level roles in sustainability and policy sectors.

Additionally, the programme emphasises experiential learning through capstone projects and applied research, enabling students to build a portfolio of real-world analysis useful for employers and graduate study.