Ursinus College

What you'll study

This programme builds a strong foundation in microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics, then applies those tools to environmental questions. Core topics typically include:

• Principles of Microeconomics and Macroeconomics – consumer and firm behaviour, market structure, national income and monetary/fiscal policy.
• Intermediate/Advanced Microeconomics – optimisation, externalities, public goods and welfare economics as they relate to environmental problems.
• Econometrics and Quantitative Methods – regression analysis, causal inference and applied data analysis for policy evaluation.
• Environmental and Natural Resource Economics – valuation of ecosystem services, resource depletion, common-pool resources and market-based policy instruments (taxes, tradable permits).
• Environmental Policy and Regulation – policy design, cost–benefit analysis, regulatory approaches and institutional frameworks at multiple scales.
• Interdisciplinary Electives – courses drawn from environmental studies, political science, biology or geography such as conservation biology, environmental law, or land-use planning to provide scientific and institutional context.
• Capstone or Senior Thesis – an independent research project, often supervised by a faculty member, that applies economic analysis to a concrete environmental or policy question.
• Experiential Learning – internships, community-based projects and fieldwork opportunities that allow students to work with government agencies, NGOs, or local businesses on sustainability and policy initiatives.

Entry requirements

Ursinus is a selective liberal arts college that evaluates applicants holistically. Typical academic expectations for admission to the Bachelor’s programme include a strong high-school record with coursework in mathematics (algebra and preferably precalculus or calculus) and evidence of quantitative aptitude. Preparation in social sciences or environmental science is advantageous but not required.

Applicants should provide high-school transcripts and academic references; domestic applicants may follow the college's standard undergraduate admissions process. International applicants must submit certified transcripts and demonstrate English proficiency through recognised tests or equivalent evidence if their prior education was not in English. Successful candidates often show engagement in extracurricular activities, community or environmental projects, research experience, or internships that indicate commitment to the field.

Career prospects

Graduates with an economics degree focused on environmental economics and policy are well positioned for a variety of roles in the public, private and non-profit sectors. Common career paths include:

• Environmental analyst or economist for government agencies and regulatory bodies assessing policy impacts and designing market-based instruments.
• Sustainability coordinator or corporate social responsibility analyst in private companies and utilities, working on emissions strategies, resource efficiency and corporate reporting.
• Research assistant or analyst at think tanks, NGOs and international organisations focusing on climate policy, conservation finance or development projects.
• Consultant in environmental economics or policy evaluation firms advising on cost–benefit analysis, regulatory compliance and impact assessment.
• Further study in economics, public policy, environmental science or law for careers in academia, policy research or specialised technical roles.

Why study at Ursinus College

Ursinus College offers a close-knit liberal arts environment with small classes and direct access to faculty, making it well suited for undergraduate research and mentored projects. The college emphasises experiential learning—students routinely combine classroom study with internships, community-based projects and off-campus study to gain practical experience in environmental issues and policy implementation.

Students benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration across economics, environmental studies and the natural sciences, and many pursue senior theses or capstone projects that connect economic analysis with on-the-ground environmental problems. The college’s advising structure and alumni network also help students secure internships and entry-level positions or prepare for graduate study in related fields.