Ithaca College

What you'll study

The programme builds on a foundation of microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics, then applies those tools to environmental problems. Typical core and elective topics include:

• Intermediate Microeconomics and Macroeconomics – consumer/producer theory, market structure, growth and business cycles as the basis for applied analysis.
• Econometrics and Data Analysis – regression, causal inference and empirical methods used to evaluate environmental policy and programmes.
• Environmental Economics – valuation of ecosystem services, externalities, market-based instruments (taxes, tradable permits) and non-market valuation techniques.
• Natural Resource Economics – renewable and non-renewable resource management, commonly shared resources and sustainability criteria.
• Public Policy and Regulation – policy design, cost–benefit analysis, regulatory impact assessment and institutional frameworks for environmental governance.
• Applied Seminars and Capstone – policy practicum or senior project that typically involves empirical analysis, policy evaluation or a community-based consulting project in the Finger Lakes region.
• Interdisciplinary electives – courses from environmental studies, geography, political science or biology to provide scientific and institutional context for economic analysis.
• Fieldwork and Internships – opportunities for placements with local government, NGOs, research centres or private consultancies to gain applied experience.

Entry requirements

Applicants should meet the college's undergraduate admission standards and present a strong secondary-school academic record. Successful applicants commonly have:

• A background in mathematics (algebra and preferably precalculus) and social sciences.
• Experience or interest in quantitative work; prior coursework in statistics or calculus is advantageous.
• A well-rounded academic profile with evidence of critical reading and writing skills. Demonstrated interest in environmental issues, public policy, or economics through extracurricular activities, volunteer work or relevant summer programmes strengthens an application.
• Standard application materials including transcripts, a personal statement and recommendations; international applicants must satisfy English-language proficiency requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles that require economic reasoning, quantitative analysis and an understanding of environmental policy. Common career paths include:

• Policy analyst or researcher in local, state or national government agencies focused on environmental regulation, natural resource management or energy policy.
• Analyst or consultant in environmental consulting firms, think tanks and NGOs working on impact assessment, valuation or programme evaluation.
• Sustainability officer or corporate analyst in industry sectors addressing environmental compliance, corporate social responsibility and sustainability strategy.
• Data analyst or researcher using econometric and spatial data skills in utilities, finance or research organisations.
• Graduate study in economics, environmental economics, public policy or related fields for careers in academia or specialised research.

Why study at Ithaca College

Ithaca College offers a liberal-arts environment with small class sizes and close faculty mentorship, which is particularly valuable for a quantitatively oriented major. The campus location in the Finger Lakes region provides direct access to diverse ecosystems and regional policymakers, creating practical learning and internship opportunities. Students benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration with environmental studies and public affairs programmes, hands-on capstone experiences, and a career services office that helps place graduates in internships and entry-level roles in the public, private and non-profit sectors.