Bachelor of Science [B.S] [Environmental and Natural Resource Economics] From University of Rhode Island

The major is comprised of two options: Green Markets and Sustainability (GMS) and Environmental Economics and Management (EEM). The two options are discussed below.Option 1: Green Markets and Sustainability (GMS).This option is for students who wish to develop a deep understanding of social and economic systems as they relate to a sustainable environment. This option is designed to provide considerable flexibility so students can focus their studies to meet their professional goals. Twenty-four credits in concentration courses are required at the 300 level or above, including 15 credits in environmental and natural resource economics (EEC), three credits in microeconomic theory (ECN 328), and 6 credits in other concentration courses selected by students, selected in consultation with their advisors. Up to 9 concentration credits may be in economics (ECN) or business (BUS). A minimum of 21 credits in basic and supporting sciences are required, including three credits in mathematics, introductory geology (GEO 100 or 103), introductory biology (BIO 101/103 or 105), and introductory chemistry (CHM 100, 101, or 103). Introductory calculus (MTH 131) is strongly recommended, especially for students who are considering going to graduate school. Supporting sciences can be selected from a broad range of subjects including business (BUS 210 and 212 only), mathematics, statistics, computer science, natural resources science, physics, genetics, plant physiology, biology, ecology, chemistry, geology, or oceanography. An additional 25–27 credits in supporting electives allow the student either to develop a closely related focus area (e.g., green business) or to sample from a broad set of relevant courses.Option 2: Environmental Economics and Management (EEM). This option is for students who seek a balanced focus on environmental sciences and environmental economics. The option requires 36 credits of basic sciences, including at least eight credits in general biology (BIO 101/103, 102/104); four credits in general chemistry (CHM 101/102 or 103/105); introductory soil science (NRS 212); 3 credits in introductory ecology (BIO 262); 4 credits in introductory geology (GEO 103); 3 credits in introductory calculus (MTH 131); and 3 credits in introductory statistics (STA 308). The 24-credit concentration includes a minimum of 12 concentration credits in environmental and resource economics (listed under EEC), including economics of natural resource management and policy (EEC 310) and a capstone course in environmental economics and policy (EEC 432), as well as six additional credits selected to meet the student’s particular interests. Students are also required to take a minimum of 12 concentration credits selected from ecology, soils and watersheds, and geosciences. Students choose a minimum of 20 credits in supporting electives and 8 credits in free electives.