Indiana University of Pennsylvania

What you'll study

The programme blends the core principles of economics—microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics—with specialised modules that examine the economics of natural resources, environmental valuation, regulation and climate policy. You will study cost–benefit analysis, environmental policy instruments (such as taxes, tradable permits and subsidies), resource and energy economics, and the economics of sustainability. Applied and quantitative skills are emphasised through intermediate and advanced econometrics, statistical methods, and data analysis.

Typical components include:

• Core economics: intermediate microeconomics and macroeconomics, introductory and advanced econometrics.
• Environmental and resource modules: environmental economics, natural resource economics, climate change economics, valuation methods and policy design.
• Quantitative and applied skills: statistics for economists, applied econometrics, geographic information systems (GIS) or environmental data analysis where available.
• Policy and interdisciplinary electives: public economics, urban/regional economics, energy economics, environmental law or courses from environmental science and public policy to broaden practical understanding.
• Capstone or experiential learning: senior seminar, research project or internship with a public agency, non‑profit organisation or private sector employer to apply theory to real problems.

The programme is structured to progress from foundational theory to applied policy work, allowing students to tailor their degree through electives and a final-year research or practicum option.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to have a high school diploma or equivalent and to demonstrate preparedness for college‑level study. Strong performance in mathematics (algebra and preferably precalculus or calculus) and coursework that develops quantitative reasoning is recommended. Typical admissions will consider high school grades, a personal statement, and any relevant extracurricular or volunteer experience; standardised tests may be optional depending on institutional policy.

Transfer applicants should present college transcripts showing satisfactory college‑level work and may receive credit for relevant introductory economics and mathematics courses. Mature applicants with work experience in related fields are considered on an individual basis.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles that require economic analysis applied to environmental and resource questions. Common career paths include:

• Environmental economist or analyst in government departments, regulatory agencies and international organisations.
• Policy analyst or advisor for local and state governments, non‑governmental organisations and think tanks focused on sustainability and environmental policy.
• Sustainability analyst or consultant in private sector firms, environmental consultancies and energy companies assessing environmental impacts, regulatory compliance and corporate sustainability strategies.
• Research assistant or analyst roles in academic and research institutions; many graduates also progress to postgraduate study (master's or PhD) in economics, environmental economics, public policy, or law.

The degree’s quantitative training plus opportunities for internships and applied projects helps graduates move into roles that blend data analysis, policy evaluation and stakeholder engagement.

Why study at Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Indiana University of Pennsylvania offers a public university environment with small class sizes and direct access to faculty who teach both theory and applied methods. The campus’s regional location provides strong connections to state agencies, regional planning bodies and industries active in energy and natural resources, creating practical internship and employment opportunities.

Students benefit from hands‑on learning through research projects and internships, access to statistical and data‑analysis resources, and career services that support placements in government, non‑profits and the private sector. The programme’s combination of rigorous economics training and applied environmental policy makes it well suited for students who want to influence environmental decision‑making or continue to advanced study in related fields.