The Department of Resource Economics is an academic unit within the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. As of Spring 2020, students in the Department of Resource Economics choose from two majors: B.S. Environmental & Natural Resource Economics (ENRE) and B.S. Managerial Economics.
Prior to Spring 2020, the department offered a B.S. in Resource Economics with a concentration in Managerial Economics. This degree required the same coursework as the current B.S. in Managerial Economics. The department currently has students who joined the department prior to Spring 2020 completing degrees in Resource Economics with a concentration in Managerial Economics. A degree in Resource Economics with a concentration in Managerial Economics is not an option for students entering the department Spring 2020 or later.
Students in ENRE and Managerial Economics complete 12 departmental core courses. Departmental core courses have been selected to provide the basic tools of economic theory and quantitative decision-making and a perception of how our economic system works. ENRE majors then complete five required courses related to environmental and natural resource issues and five upper-level required electives. Managerial Economics majors then complete six required courses designed to build competency in accounting, management, finance, industrial organization, public policy and managerial decision making and four upper-level required electives.
B.S. ENRE and B.S. Managerial Economics are STEM degrees for the purposes of Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Some career opportunities for graduates of each major are identified below. Although most students accept jobs upon graduation, some students continue their education in graduate school. Students who are considering going to graduate school in any field of economics should supplement departmental requirements with additional math courses. Consult with your advisor to learn more about the math courses recommended for students wishing to pursue graduate school in economics.