Radford University

What you'll study

The programme combines a core economics curriculum with specialised courses addressing environmental and natural resource issues. You will build a foundation in microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics, then apply those methods to topics such as market-based environmental policy, natural resource economics, cost–benefit analysis, and the economics of pollution control. Typical modules and subjects include:

• Core economics: Principles of Microeconomics, Principles of Macroeconomics, Intermediate Microeconomics, Intermediate Macroeconomics, and Econometrics/Quantitative Methods.
• Environmental specialism: Environmental and Natural Resource Economics, Environmental Policy and Regulation, Cost–Benefit Analysis, Energy Economics, and Valuation of Ecosystem Services.
• Policy and applied skills: Public Economics, Resource and Land-Use Policy, Climate Change Economics, Geographic Information Systems (introductory or collaborative modules), and environmental law and institutions.
• Capstone and experiential learning: A senior seminar or capstone project applying economic analysis to an environmental policy problem, internship placements with regional agencies or NGOs, and opportunities for undergraduate research with faculty.

The degree emphasises quantitative competence (statistics, data analysis and modelling), critical evaluation of policy instruments, and communication of findings to non-specialist audiences. Electives from related departments such as political science, geography, business and environmental science allow you to tailor the degree toward policy, conservation, or market-oriented careers.

Entry requirements

Radford looks for applicants with a solid academic record and evidence of readiness for quantitative social science. Typical requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent, satisfactory grades in mathematics (algebra and preferably precalculus), and recommended coursework in economics or social sciences where available. Transfer applicants should present college transcripts demonstrating success in introductory economics and quantitative courses.

Because this is a numerically rigorous specialism, strong performance in mathematics and coursework involving data or statistics will strengthen an application. Applicants are also expected to demonstrate written and analytical skills. Radford considers the whole application, including personal statement, recommendations and any relevant extracurricular or work experience such as volunteer or internship placements in environmental organisations.

Career prospects

Graduates of this programme are prepared for a range of roles that require economic reasoning applied to environmental and resource challenges. Common career paths include:

• Environmental analyst or economist in government agencies at state, regional or national level.
• Policy analyst or research assistant in think-tanks, NGOs and advocacy organisations focused on conservation, climate or sustainable development.
• Sustainability or natural resource analyst roles in private sector firms, energy companies and consulting practices.
• Data analyst or research positions that require econometric and quantitative skills in environmental assessment, programme evaluation and cost–benefit studies.
• Further study: many graduates progress to master's degrees in environmental economics, public policy, resource management, or related fields, and some pursue PhD research.

The programme's emphasis on internships, applied projects and communication skills helps graduates move into entry-level positions or competitive postgraduate programmes.

Why study at Radford University

Radford offers a closely supported undergraduate experience with small class sizes and direct access to faculty, which benefits students learning quantitative and policy-oriented subjects. The university's College of Business and Economics provides a strong foundation in economic theory and applied analysis, while interdisciplinary collaboration with departments such as geography, political science and environmental science strengthens the applied policy component.

Students can take advantage of regional opportunities for internships and field-based learning with state agencies, regional planning bodies and non-profit organisations. Undergraduate research, supervised capstone projects and community-engaged learning are emphasised, helping students build a professional portfolio. Overall, Radford's combination of personalised instruction, applied learning and regional engagement makes it a practical choice for students aiming for careers at the interface of economics and environmental policy.