Environmental Economics & Sustainability

When you think green, you should think money. Why? Because economic and environmental progress go together. The Environmental Economics and Sustainability major at Mississippi State University is designed for students who want to make a difference in the world now and in the future.

The need for efficient and productive management of natural and environmental resources is greater than ever before, and the training students receive in the Environmental Economics and Sustainability major prepares them for the challenge.

Students learn the skills they need through three major areas. The first is environmental science, where students learn fundamentals about biology, chemistry, and ecology. The second area is policy, where students take courses in government, law, and how they interact with the environment. The third area of the major is economics, which includes a course in natural resource economics. Graduates will be well-prepared to impact their world immediately or continue their education in graduate or law school.

Environmental Economics & Sustainability 4-year Curriculum

Environmental Economics & Sustainability 3-year Curriculum

Environment & Sustainability Certificate Program

Students in this major are also well positioned to earn the Environment & Sustainability Certificate, a multi-disciplinary program offered through the Provost's office.

Internships

Internships are designed to enhance the education of students through meaningful off-campus work experiences, and are open to qualified students. Students can earn 3 hour credits for an internship up to a total of 6 hours. An internship is an important part of the majors in Agricultural Economics as it provides an opportunity for students to apply classroom learning to the work place. The goal of internships is to provide students with valuable professional growth and development opportunities that prepare them for rewarding careers. Successful internships not only complement academic progress, but also provide employers a preview of prospective candidates for employment.

Eligible students are encouraged to seek entry-level positions with business firms, government agencies, and other organizations. The student and the prospective cooperator design a program that provides practical work experience focused on the specific goals and career objectives of the student.

For more information contact Dr. Josh Maples, 662.325.1774, or josh.maples@msstate.edu. Current students interested in internships may download the application and return it to Dr. Maples.

Job Outlook

The Environmental Economics & Sustainability major prepares students for a career with a variety of potential employers, including: local governments; federal and state agencies (U.S. EPA, NRCS, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality); environmental interest groups (Ducks Unlimited, The Nature Conservancy); private firms (banks, consulting firms, resource management companies). Employment of environmental scientists and specialists is projected to grow 11 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. The median annual wage for environmental scientists and specialists was $69,400 in May 2017, according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Minor

The Department of Agricultural Economics offers a minor in Environmental Economics and Management to students outside the department. Course selection for the minor is designed to equip students with fundamental economic and management principles pertinent to environmental and resource policy issues to broaden the scope of career opportunities for students completing the minor. A minor in Environmental Economics and Management is attained by completing at least 18 hours of environmental and resource economics courses. To satisfy the minor, students must maintain a 2.0 grade point average in courses taken to satisfy the minor. Visit the Undergraduate Catalog for minor requirements.

Scholarships

Students may apply for university, college and departmental scholarships through one application. You can find the scholarship application once you login to myState. Under the banner tab, select Financial Aid and Scholarships. The application is listed as Submit/Revise General Scholarship Application.

Study Abroad

The Office of Study Abroad (OSA) offers the students and faculty of Mississippi State University the opportunity to explore academic opportunities outside of the United States. Students have three options to study abroad: MSU Faculty led-programs, exchange programs, and affiliated provider company programs. Find out more at the MSU Office of Study Abroad.

Student Organizations

Student organizations provide an excellent opportunity to network with professionals and peers. There are numerous organizations that are available through the Department and the University.