Emory University

Programme overview

The undergraduate Economics degree with an emphasis on Environmental Economics and Policy is grounded in micro‑ and macroeconomic principles and strong quantitative training. The programme integrates environmental topics — such as valuation of ecosystem services, resource management and climate policy — into standard economics coursework, giving students both rigorous analytical foundations and applied policy perspectives.

What you'll study

• Core economic theory: introductory and intermediate microeconomics and macroeconomics that cover consumer and firm behaviour, market structure, and aggregate economic dynamics.
• Quantitative methods: courses in calculus, statistics and econometrics to equip students for empirical analysis and policy evaluation.
• Environmental economics: modules on environmental valuation, non‑renewable and renewable resource economics, and the economics of pollution and climate change.
• Public economics and policy analysis: study of environmental regulation, market‑based instruments (taxes, tradable permits), cost‑benefit analysis and policy design.
• Electives and interdisciplinary options: classes drawn from environmental studies, public policy, geography and sustainability — for example natural resource management, urban sustainability, and energy economics.
• Applied work: empirical projects, lab or fieldwork, and opportunities for independent study or a senior thesis using real datasets to address environmental policy questions.

Entry requirements

• Successful completion of secondary education or equivalent with a strong academic record.
• Demonstrated aptitude in mathematics; prior coursework in algebra, precalculus or calculus is typically expected.
• A personal statement outlining academic interests, relevant experience and reasons for pursuing economics with an environmental focus.
• Letters of recommendation from teachers or other referees who can speak to academic potential and preparedness for rigorous quantitative study.

Career prospects

Graduates combine economic analysis with environmental knowledge and are well placed for roles in public policy, environmental NGOs, sustainability teams in the private sector, and international organisations. Typical entry positions include policy analyst, environmental economist, research assistant, sustainability consultant and programme officer. Many alumni also go on to postgraduate study in economics, public policy, environmental science or law to deepen technical expertise.

Why study at Emory University

• Interdisciplinary environment that encourages combining economics with environmental studies, public policy and sustainability science.
• Access to faculty engaged in applied research on environmental and resource economics and opportunities to work on faculty research projects.
• Small seminar classes and advising that support independent research projects and a senior thesis option.
• Proximity to Atlanta’s policy, non‑profit and business communities, which helps with internships, practicum placements and career networking.
• Opportunities for study abroad and fieldwork that allow students to examine environmental policy challenges in international contexts.