Natural Resources and Environmental Economics

Introduction

This major combines in-depth study of the natural sciences with economics, law and other social sciences. The program trains students to analyze the benefits and costs of using natural resources and the environment for recreation, agriculture, wildlife habitat, industry, forestry and mining. It also emphasizes the assessment of public policies regulating the use of natural resources and environmental benefits.

Students in this program work closely with faculty in both the Department of Agricultural Economics and the School of Natural Resources. This major is for students with an interest in natural resource management and environmental impact analysis. The need for employees with training in environmental and natural resource economics is expanding rapidly as the public gains greater awareness of environmental issues and demands better resource management. Heightened news coverage, new environmental regulations and the growing costs of complying with them, as well as the penalties for violating them, mean that both public and private organizations need accurate environmental accounting.

Natural resource and environmental economics is a relatively new area of study in the United States, but opportunities for employment continue to grow.

Information Sheet

• Natural Resources and Environmental Economics Information Sheet (from SNR)

Sample Classes

• See a Sample Schedule of Classes (from UNL Admissions)

Meet our students!

Follow this link to see stories from current and former UNL students. Notice the diverse interests and career goals of the students! Can you imagine having experiences like theirs? Contact an advisor (see below) for more information about this major.

Careers

• Resource recovery
• Energy production
• Federal, state or local government agencies who deal with the environment
• Natural resource districts, state or local power districts or major corporations with divisions whose focus is environment-related
• Waste management
• Preparation for graduate work

Potential Advising Faculty

• Ya Ding
• Bruce Johnson, Chief Contact
• Gary D. Lynne
• Karina Schoengold
• Raymond J. Supalla