Northwest Missouri State University

What you'll study

The degree builds a foundation in microeconomics, macroeconomics and quantitative methods, then applies those tools to environmental and resource issues. You will study how markets interact with natural resources, the design and effects of environmental regulation, and the economics of renewable and non‑renewable resources.

• Core economics: principles of micro and macroeconomics, intermediate micro, intermediate macro, and public finance.
• Quantitative skills: statistics, econometrics, and data analysis for policy evaluation.
• Environmental and resource topics: environmental economics, natural resource economics, cost–benefit analysis, and valuation of environmental goods.
• Policy and regulation: environmental policy, law and institutions, market‑based instruments (taxes, permits) and regulation design.
• Applied electives: land and water resource management, agricultural economics, energy economics, geographic information systems (GIS) and sustainable development.
• Capstone and experiential learning: research project or senior seminar that integrates economic analysis and policy recommendations, along with internship opportunities with government agencies, NGOs or private firms.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a high school diploma or equivalent. Admissions typically consider the overall academic record, strength of mathematics preparation (algebra and preferably calculus), and relevant coursework in social sciences. Prospective students without recent quantitative coursework may be advised to take preparatory mathematics or statistics classes.

Transfer applicants will need to submit college transcripts for evaluation; prior coursework in economics, mathematics or statistics can be applied toward degree requirements where appropriate. International applicants must meet the university's general admissions requirements, including evidence of English language proficiency where required.

Career prospects

Graduates gain skills valued in both public and private sectors where environmental and resource issues intersect with economics. Typical roles include:

• Environmental or resource economist in government agencies and research institutes
• Policy analyst or legislative assistant focusing on environmental regulation and sustainability
• Consultant in environmental, energy or sustainability consulting firms
• Data analyst or research assistant using econometric and GIS skills for applied projects
• Positions with NGOs, conservation organisations and industry groups concerned with natural resource management
• Continued study in graduate programmes in economics, environmental economics, public policy or natural resource management

Why study at Northwest Missouri State University

Northwest Missouri State offers a student‑centred learning environment with small classes and accessible faculty who supervise applied research and internships. The university emphasises experiential learning and community engagement, giving students opportunities to work on real policy questions relevant to the region’s agricultural and natural resource contexts.

Students benefit from cross‑disciplinary connections with business, geography and environmental science programmes, hands‑on data and GIS training, and career services that support internship placement and employer connections. The programme prepares graduates to enter the workforce with practical analytical skills and a policy‑oriented perspective on environmental challenges.