State University of New York at New Paltz

What you'll study

This programme builds the standard economics major foundation—microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics—while offering specialised coursework that applies those tools to environmental issues. Students study how markets allocate natural resources, how policies influence behaviour, and how economic instruments can address pollution, climate change and conservation challenges.

• Core economics: principles of micro and macroeconomics, intermediate microeconomics, intermediate macroeconomics and econometrics or applied statistics.
• Quantitative skills: calculus, statistics for economists and data analysis for applied policy work.
• Environmental specialism: environmental and natural resource economics, environmental policy and regulation, benefit–cost analysis, climate economics, and valuation methods for non-market goods.
• Cross-disciplinary options: courses in environmental science, geography (including GIS basics), political science/public policy, and sustainability studies to broaden technical and institutional understanding.
• Capstone and experiential learning: a senior seminar or project that integrates economic analysis with environmental policy questions; opportunities for internships with regional government agencies, NGOs or private sustainability firms; and options for undergraduate research with faculty.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a high-school diploma or equivalent with a record that demonstrates readiness for college-level work. Typical preparation includes coursework in mathematics (ideally algebra and introductory calculus), English composition, and social studies. Admissions also consider overall academic performance, personal statement, and any relevant extracurricular or work experience.

Recommended preparation for success in this major includes one or more high-school courses in calculus or pre-calculus, a basic statistics course if available, and any introductory economics or environmental science classes. Transfer applicants will need to show college transcripts with completed prerequisites where relevant.

Career prospects

Graduates combine economic reasoning and quantitative skills with environmental knowledge, making them attractive to a range of employers. Career paths commonly include:

• Environmental economist or analyst in government agencies and international organisations, working on policy evaluation, regulatory design and environmental impact assessment.
• Sustainability or corporate environmental analyst roles in private sector firms, advising on compliance, emissions reduction strategies and natural capital accounting.
• Positions with non-profit organisations and advocacy groups focusing on conservation, climate policy, and community resilience planning.
• Consultancy roles in environmental consulting firms, offering services such as benefit–cost analysis, environmental valuation and programme evaluation.
• Further study at graduate level in environmental economics, public policy, natural resource management, or law.

Why study at State University of New York at New Paltz

New Paltz offers a small-college atmosphere within the SUNY system, allowing close faculty mentoring and accessible undergraduate research opportunities. The economics faculty teach both theoretical and applied approaches and often supervise student projects that connect economic analysis to regional environmental issues in the Hudson Valley.

Students benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration with departments such as Environmental Science, Geography and Political Science, local internship placements with municipal and regional environmental organisations, and proximity to a rich landscape for field-based learning. These resources make New Paltz a practical setting for students who want hands-on experience applying economics to environmental and policy challenges.