The Department of Resource Economics is an academic unit within the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Students in the Department of Resource Economics choose from two majors: B.S. Managerial Economics and B.S. Environmental & Natural Resource Economics (ENRE).
Managerial Economics
Managerial Economics applies microeconomic theory and data analysis to business decision making. Students develop expertise in accounting, finance, business strategies, and market demand analysis. They also engage in work related to industrial organization, public policy, experimental economics, and behavioral economics. Microeconomic models and case studies are incorporated into the curriculum to demonstrate how an individual can make wise choices to operate effectively within a complex economy of millions of businesses linked by thousands of markets. A BS in Managerial Economics is considered a STEM degree for the purposes of Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Environmental & Natural Resource Economics
Environmental & Natural Resource Economics (ENRE) prepares students to assist in public and private decisions about environmental and natural resource issues. Population and income growth are increasing the pressure on our resources, making allocation, management, and protection decisions among our top priorities. Water quality and supply, environmental and energy policy, climate change, air pollution, and clean energy are some of the issues studied. Students learn to apply decision making tools such as benefit-cost, risk-benefit, and cost-effectiveness analysis. They also engage in work related to environmental economics, natural resource economics, public policy, experimental economics, and behavioral economics. A BS in Environmental & Natural Resource Economics is considered a STEM degree for the purposes of Optional Practical Training (OPT).