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Environmental and Natural Resource EconomicsMajor

With this major’s flexibility, you can design a program of study tailored to your environmental and natural resource interests, such as water use and quality, soil protection, waste management, ecosystem management or land use.

Overview

What is Environmental and Natural Resource Economics at WVU like?

Description

The Environmental and Natural Resource Economics program focuses on environmental and natural resource economics policy. Course work prepares students for careers at all levels of government and in private industry. A special feature of the program is the opportunity to explore the interdisciplinary nature of environmental problems and links between natural resource and economic development issues.

Environmental and Natural Resource Economics program highlights:

3+3 Law Program
Living-Learning Communities

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At a Glance

Admission Requirements
Careers and Employers
Cost and Aid
Courses and Plan of Study
Fast Facts
Related Majors and Minors
Related Pathways

College/School:
Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design
Division:
School of Natural Resources
Department:
Degree Designation:
BS
Degree Program:
Resource Management
Program:
Environmental and Natural Resource Economics

Next Steps

Interested in this major? Here are some suggested next steps:

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Fast Facts

What makes Environmental and Natural Resource Economics at WVU unique?

Academic
Facility
Financial Support
Go First

Small-school environment with the resources of a large university. You’ll benefit from one-on-one faculty interactions and develop a close relationship with your faculty adviser.
Farms and forests located throughout West Virginia.
$600,000+ in scholarships awarded annually by the Davis College in partnership with WVU Student Financial Support and Services.
Connect with professionals in your field of study and enhance your professional communication skills through the Davis College Mentor Program.
Work on one of the oldest and largest certified organic university farms in the U.S.

3+3 Law Degree Program

This major is eligible for the 3+3 Law Degree Program that allows qualified students to earn a bachelor’s degree and law degree in six years instead of seven years.

Living-Learning Communities (LLCs)

Live, study and pursue outside-the-classroom learning in a residence hall community that shares your interests:

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU. Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.

Careers

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

Possible Careers

Wondering what you can do with a degree from WVU's Environmental and Natural Resource Economics major? Check out these ideas from WVU Career Services and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is the midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.

Bright Outlook
Green Occupation
Requires a Graduate Degree

Accountants and Auditors

Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others. Install or advise on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data.
Possible job titles for this career include: Auditor.
$78,000Median Salary

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Chief Sustainability Officers

Communicate and coordinate with management, shareholders, customers, and employees to address sustainability issues. Enact or oversee a corporate sustainability strategy.
Possible job titles for this career include: Corporate Sustainability Process Manager.
$189,520Median Salary

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Environmental Economists

Conduct economic analysis related to environmental protection and use of the natural environment, such as water, air, land, and renewable energy resources. Evaluate and quantify benefits, costs, incentives, and impacts of alternative options using economic principles and statistical techniques.
Possible job titles for this career include: Environmental Economist.
$101,050Median Salary

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Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health

Perform laboratory and field tests to monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution, including those that affect health, under the direction of an environmental scientist, engineer, or other specialist. May collect samples of gases, soil, water, and other materials for testing.
Possible job titles for this career include: Environmental Specialist.
$44,190Median Salary

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Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health

Conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or the health of the population. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, may collect, synthesize, study, report, and recommend action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources.
Possible job titles for this career include: Environmental Programs Specialist.
$76,480Median Salary

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Farm and Home Management Advisors

Advise, instruct, and assist individuals and families engaged in agriculture, agricultural-related processes, or home economics activities. Demonstrate procedures and apply research findings to solve problems; and instruct and train in product development, sales, and the use of machinery and equipment to promote general welfare. Includes county agricultural agents, feed and farm management advisors, home economists, and extension service advisors.
Possible job titles for this career include: 4-H Youth Development Specialist.
$53,450Median Salary

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Industrial Ecologists

Apply principles and processes of natural ecosystems to develop models for efficient industrial systems. Use knowledge from the physical and social sciences to maximize effective use of natural resources in the production and use of goods and services. Examine societal issues and their relationship with both technical systems and the environment.
Possible job titles for this career include: Ecologist.
$68,910Median Salary

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Management Analysts

Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively. Includes program analysts and management consultants.
Possible job titles for this career include: Business Analyst.
$95,290Median Salary

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Natural Sciences Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.
Possible job titles for this career include: Environmental Program Manager.
$144,440Median Salary

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Soil and Water Conservationists

Plan or develop coordinated practices for soil erosion control, soil or water conservation, or sound land use.
Possible job titles for this career include: Conservationist.
$61,810Median Salary

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This page includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.

Employers

Graduates from this major have gone to work at:

Courses

What are the courses like in Environmental and Natural Resource Economics at WVU?

ARE 187:
Energy Resource Economics

Dilemmas posed for developing and modern societies by rising energy demands amid concerns for the world's environment. Economics of fuel sources and technologies, and historical and new concerns over resource scarcities.

ARE 382:
Agricultural and Natural Resources Law

Introduction to legal concepts, principles and practices related to environmental, natural resource, and agricultural issues; in the context of the legal system within which statues are enacted, administered and enforced.

ARE 445:
Energy Economics

Analysis of the energy sector and its relationship to the rest of the economy; energy security, deregulation, full cost pricing, substitutability among energy sources, transmission, new technologies, environmental considerations.

ARE 450:
Agriculture, Environmental and Resource Policy

Economic analysis of agricultural, natural resource and environmental policies; problems of externalities and market failure, and alternative policies for addressing such problems; benefits and cost of alternative policies.

RESM 442:
Introduction Geographic Information Systems Social Science

PR or CONC: RESM 440. Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to solve problems in the social sciences.

RESM 480:
Environmental Regulation

Course focusing on laws and policies applicable to the environment. Students will learn to read and interpret statutes, regulations and cases that impact water, air, toxic substances, land and endangered species.

Cost and Aid

How much does Environmental and Natural Resource Economics at WVU cost? And how can you save?

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates are available on our tuition website. Anyone who is not a current West Virginia resident, including international students, will be charged non-resident rates.

View Tuition and Fees

Scholarships

Estimate your eligibility for merit scholarships at WVU Morgantown.

Find Scholarships

Net Price Calculator

Estimate your cost of attendance and eligibility for financial aid and scholarships at any WVU System campus.

Visit the Net Price Calculator

Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending WVU in addition to university scholarships.

Extra Merit-based Scholarships

Incoming freshmen to the Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design may qualify for Innovators scholarships based on GPA. No additional application is necessary. These scholarships are in addition to University scholarships.

See if You Qualify

Ohio Tuition Reciprocity

As the result of a special agreement, students from Ohio who are fully admitted to Environmental and Natural Resource Economics can enroll at WVU and pay in-state tuition rates. Students must be admitted to both the University and this major.

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU.

Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.

Learn How to Transfer Course Credits

Requirements

What are the requirements to apply for Environmental and Natural Resource Economics at WVU?

To be admitted to WVU's Environmental and Natural Resource Economics major, you must meet WVU's first-time freshman admission requirements for the 2024-25 academic year. Interested in transferring? Review the transfer admission requirements.

Related Majors and Minors

What minors could I consider?

Agricultural and Natural Resources Law
Minor

Related Pathways

What majors share similar career interests with this major at WVU?

Agriculture and Natural Sciences
Interested in the environment? Agriculture and natural sciences jobs range from sustainable crop and food production to ensuring responsible use of natural resources.

Learn More
Business and Communications
Our world relies on the exchange of information, ideas, goods and services. Majors in this pathway ready you for the rapidly evolving business and media fields.

Learn More
Law and Public Policy
If you’re passionate about serving the greater good, these majors will prepare you for government, law, criminal justice and related fields.

Learn More

Next Steps

I like this major. What are the next steps?

Apply Now

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Request Information

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