Boise State University

What you'll study

The programme builds a solid foundation in microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics, then applies those tools to environmental and natural resource issues. You will study how markets interact with environmental systems, how public policy affects resource use and pollution, and how to evaluate policy interventions using cost–benefit analysis and program evaluation techniques.

• Core economics modules: principles of microeconomics and macroeconomics, intermediate micro and macro, intermediate econometrics and statistics for economists.
• Environmental and policy modules: environmental economics, natural resource economics, public economics, climate policy and adaptation, and environmental law and regulation.
• Quantitative and analytical skills: applied econometrics, cost–benefit analysis, programme evaluation, and use of data analysis software; courses often include empirical projects using regional datasets.
• Interdisciplinary options: electives drawn from environmental studies, public policy, ecology or geography such as conservation policy, land use planning, and introduction to GIS for environmental analysis.
• Capstone and experiential learning: a senior seminar or capstone project applying economic methods to a real-world environmental policy question, plus opportunities for internships with state agencies, NGOs or consulting firms.

Entry requirements

Admission to Boise State’s undergraduate programmes requires a completed secondary-school qualification equivalent to a U.S. high school diploma. Applicants should demonstrate solid preparation in mathematics (algebra and preferably calculus) and strong academic performance across subjects. Colleges and departments may recommend or prefer applicants with prior coursework in statistics or economics.

International students must show proof of equivalent secondary education and meet English language proficiency expectations. Transfer students are evaluated on college-level coursework completed, and students with AP, IB or dual-enrolment credits may receive advanced standing for qualifying courses.

Career prospects

Graduates combine economic analysis with environmental knowledge, preparing them for roles in the public, private and non-profit sectors. Typical career paths include:

• Environmental or natural resource economist in government agencies and regulatory bodies.
• Policy analyst or planner for local, state or federal government, or for international organisations.
• Sustainability analyst, corporate social responsibility specialist, or environmental consultant in the private sector.
• Research assistant or analyst for think tanks and non-governmental organisations working on climate, water and resource policy.
• Further study options such as a master’s in environmental economics, public policy, resource management or a PhD for academic careers.

Why study at Boise State University

Boise State offers an opportunity to study environmental economics in a setting with strong local links to state agencies, regional conservation organisations and businesses working on resource questions. The university’s economics faculty teach applied, data-driven courses and collaborate with colleagues across environmental studies and public affairs to support interdisciplinary projects.

Students benefit from experiential learning possibilities—internships, regional field projects and capstone work—that allow application of classroom methods to real policy problems. The campus’s location also facilitates direct engagement with diverse ecosystems and natural resource issues common to the Intermountain West, which is useful for students wishing to specialise in water, forest or land-use economics.