Environmental & Water Resource Economics Major

Become an expert on the applied economics of managing environmental and water resources. A Bachelor of Science degree in environmental and water resource economics from the University of Arizona gives you a thorough understanding of the many uses for the resources our natural world offers. You have the flexibility to design your own degree focused on environmental and water sciences, management and policy, and/or quantitative methods.

Why Major in Environmental & Water Resource Economics?

You want to transform communities through better use of our environmental and water resources. You'll work alongside faculty mentors to develop innovative, lasting solutions to critical issues at the intersection of science, politics, law and the management of our natural world. Your studies also will incorporate information technology, project management, marketing, data analysis and communication.

A bachelor's degree in environmental and water resource economics will prepare you to work with private firms, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, schools, and intergovernmental agencies, or continue your studies in graduate school.

What Can You Do with a Degree in Environmental & Water Resource Economics? 

There are a variety of career opportunities available to students who complete a bachelor's degree in environmental and water resource economics, including:

• Environmental educator: Plan events and programs to educate the next generation about environmental issues and encourage thoughtful stewardship of the natural world.
• Water quality manager: Monitor and oversee compliance of safe, quality drinking water while guiding optimal, efficient water systems.
• Environmental economic policy analyst: Work as a political scientist to understand the effects of policies and assist government agencies or private corporations with business decisions relevant to the environment.
• Legal assistant/paralegal: Assist environmental law attorneys with a full range of legal support work, including research, analysis, drafting legal documents, trial preparation, and records and case management.
• Geographic information system specialist: Build, maintain, and analyze GIS databases and create interfaces and programs, such as maps, for environmental and education purposes.
  • Learn more about careers in environmental studies.

Environmental & Water Resource Economics Degree Requirements

As an environmental and water resource economics student at the University of Arizona, you'll explore environmental and natural resource economics and quantitative methods while integrating your studies with complementary disciplines such as political science, geographical information systems, renewable and natural resources, law, and information technology.

• Spring 2023 & Fall 2023 & beyond View checklist for Environmental & Water Resource Economics with 4 year plan.
• View Pima Community College 2 + 2 four-year plan.

Courses required to complete a bachelor's degree in environmental and water resource economics are subject to change. It is important to meet with your major academic advisor each semester to review your course plan and discuss future professional development opportunities.