Harvey Mudd College

What you'll study

The programme builds a core of economic theory and quantitative methods and applies them to environmental and resource issues. Core courses typically include microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics and public economics. Specialised classes focus on environmental economics, natural resource economics, the economics of climate change, cost–benefit and policy analysis, and regulation.

Because Harvey Mudd emphasises quantitative fluency, students also take substantial mathematics and computation: calculus, linear algebra, probability and statistics, optimisation, and programming (often in R or Python). Coursework commonly integrates applied topics such as geospatial analysis (GIS), environmental data analysis, and experimental and field methods for causal inference.

The curriculum is highly interdisciplinary. Students draw on science and engineering courses to understand the physical systems underlying environmental problems, and may take classes in public policy, political science, or environmental studies through the Claremont Colleges consortium to broaden policy and institutional perspectives.

A senior capstone or major independent research project is a key element: many students undertake faculty-mentored empirical studies, model-based policy assessments, or collaborative projects with external partners, producing a written thesis and oral presentation.

• Introductory and intermediate microeconomics
• Macroeconomics and public economics
• Econometrics and applied statistics
• Environmental and natural resource economics
• Climate economics and policy instruments
• Mathematics for economists (calculus, linear algebra, optimisation)
• Programming for data analysis (R/Python) and GIS
• Senior thesis or capstone research project

Entry requirements

Harvey Mudd is selective and looks for applicants with strong academic preparation, especially in mathematics and the sciences. Typical expectations include a rigorous high-school curriculum with calculus and laboratory science; for international applicants, equivalent advanced coursework is expected. Demonstrated quantitative ability (through coursework, test scores if submitted, or graded assessments) is important.

Successful applicants often show evidence of independent work or research, clear interest in interdisciplinary problem-solving, and extracurricular engagement related to STEM, economics, public policy or environmental work. Transfer applicants must show strong college-level performance in relevant courses. For entry into the economics major, students will be expected to complete introductory calculus and an introductory economics course in their first year or to place into those courses through department placement procedures.

Career prospects

Graduates are well prepared for a range of careers that require quantitative analysis combined with environmental and policy knowledge. Common paths include:

• Environmental economist or analyst in government agencies and intergovernmental organisations
• Policy analyst or advisor for environmental NGOs, think tanks, and advocacy groups
• Consultant in sustainability, natural-resources management, or environmental risk assessment
• Data scientist, analyst or modeler in private sector firms working on energy, utilities, or environmental services
• Researcher or academic careers via graduate study in economics, public policy, environmental science or related fields

Graduates often leverage strong quantitative and programming skills to move into data-focused roles, while others pursue specialised professional programmes in environmental law, public policy, or business with sustainability concentrations.

Why study at Harvey Mudd College

Harvey Mudd offers a distinctive combination of rigorous quantitative training and a tight-knit, collaborative undergraduate environment. The College’s emphasis on mathematics, science and engineering gives economics majors unusual technical depth, preparing them to tackle complex empirical problems in environmental economics.

Students benefit from small class sizes, close faculty mentorship and hands-on research opportunities. The Claremont Colleges consortium expands course options in policy, political science and environmental studies, and provides access to interdisciplinary research centres and practicum placements. The programme’s strong focus on computation, modelling and empirical methods ensures graduates are ready for both professional roles and competitive graduate programmes.