University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

What you'll study

The programme builds from the standard economics major core into applied modules that address environmental and resource issues. You will take foundational courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics, calculus and econometrics, then move into intermediate and applied classes such as public economics, cost–benefit analysis, and environmental economics.

• Core economics: introductory micro and macro, intermediate microeconomics and macroeconomics, econometrics and mathematical methods for economists.
• Environmental and policy modules: environmental economics, natural resource and energy economics, climate change economics, land use and environmental policy, valuation of environmental goods, and cost–benefit analysis.
• Quantitative and technical skills: applied econometrics, statistics, data analysis, GIS and modelling tools frequently used in environmental assessment.
• Capstone and research: options for a senior seminar, honours thesis or independent research project supervised by faculty, often connected to interdisciplinary groups such as the Institute for the Environment.
• Electives and breadth: electives from related units—environmental sciences, public policy, law, energy systems, or sustainability studies—to round out policy and technical knowledge.

Entry requirements

Admission to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is competitive and based on an assessment of secondary-school performance, the strength of the curriculum, letters of recommendation and personal statements. Successful applicants to the economics major with an environmental emphasis typically have strong preparation in mathematics and quantitative subjects.

• Academic background: high-school courses in calculus or advanced mathematics, and coursework in science or social science are recommended.
• Skills: evidence of quantitative ability—through coursework, exams or relevant extracurriculars—is important because the major includes econometrics and mathematical economics.
• International applicants: must meet the University’s requirements for comparable secondary qualifications and English language proficiency.
• Progression into the major: students admitted to the University typically complete initial prerequisite economics and math courses before formally declaring the major or a specialisation in environmental economics and policy.

Career prospects

Graduates combine economic analysis with environmental knowledge and are well placed for roles across the public, private and non-profit sectors. Typical career paths include:

• Policy analyst or economist in federal, state or local government agencies concerned with environment, energy or natural resources.
• Environmental or energy consulting roles, including cost–benefit analysts, regulatory analysts and sustainability specialists.
• Research and data-analyst positions in think tanks, NGOs and international organisations focusing on climate, conservation and development.
• Graduate study in economics, public policy, environmental management, law or business, leading to academic, research or senior policy roles.

Why study at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

UNC Chapel Hill offers a strong economics department with faculty who work on environmental and resource topics and close links to interdisciplinary environmental programmes. Students benefit from research centres and initiatives that connect economics with ecology, energy and public policy, providing opportunities for applied projects and faculty supervision.

• Interdisciplinary resources: access to campus-wide environmental institutes and collaborative projects that bring together economists, scientists and policy experts.
• Applied experience: internships and placements available in state government, regional organisations and the Research Triangle, helping students gain practical policy and consulting experience.
• Research opportunities: options for undergraduate research and honours work under faculty guidance, useful preparation for graduate study or technical careers.
• Supportive community: a mix of large foundational lectures and smaller upper-level seminars that encourage close interaction with faculty and peers.