The program in Environmental and Natural Resource Economics focuses on environmental and natural resource economics and policy. The major prepares students for careers at all levels of government and in private industry. A special feature of the program is the opportunity to explore the interdisciplinary nature of environmental problems and links between natural resource and economic development issues. The program offers training in the use of economics, computer applications, and financial management to address environmental, natural resource, and agricultural issues. This degree program combines knowledge of environmental resources and agricultural systems with an understanding of how the market economy works and the appropriate role of government regulation. Growth and production in the economy are examined in the context of environmental protection and natural resource conservation. An abundance of computer facilities are available for students in Environmental and Natural Resource Economics, and computer technology is incorporated into course work. Class sizes are relatively small, and advising is handled by faculty members. Other opportunities for enrichment are offered through student organizations on campus. Majors in the Davis College of Agriculture, Forestry and Consumer Sciences Agribusiness Management & Rural Development B Agricultural & Extension Education B, M Agricultural & Resource Economics M Agriculture Education M Agriculture, Forestry, & Consumer Sciences M Agronomy B, M Animal & Food Sciences D Animal & Veterinary Sciences B, M Basic Sciences B Biochemistry B Child Development & Family Studies B, M Entomology M Environmental Microbiology M Environmental & Natural Resource Economics B Environmental Protection B Family & Consumer Sciences M Forest Resources Management B Forest Resources Science D Forestry M Genetics & Developmental Biology M, D Horticulture B, M Human Nutrition & Foods B Interior Design B Landscape Architecture B Natural Resource Economics D Plant Pathology M Plant & Soil Sciences D Recreation, Parks, & Tourism Resources B, M Reproductive Physiology M, D Textiles, Apparel & Merchandising B Wildlife & Fisheries Resources B, M Wood Science & Technology B B = Bachelor's; M = Master's; D = Doctorate For more information, contact Alan Collins at 304-293-4832, ext. 4473, Alan.Collins@mail.wvu.edu or visit the Web site at: www.cafcs.wvu.edu/resm/are/

WVU Davis College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Consumer Sciences
The Davis College has 18 undergraduate major fields of study that are divided into five academic divisions: Animal and Veterinary Sciences; Family and Consumer Sciences; Forestry; Plant and Soil Sciences; and Resource Management. The excellent instructional facilities of the Davis College offer many learning opportunities. The Agricultural Sciences Building contains most offices, classrooms, and laboratories for agricultural programs. Percival Hall houses the Division of Forestry’s offices, classrooms, and laboratories, including the wood processing facilities. In Allen Hall, Family and Consumer Science classes are held, and the laboratory nursery school is located on the Evansdale Campus. Maintaining eight farms, two campus greenhouses, and more than 8,000 acres of forest land for teaching and research, the Davis College offers students a variety of educational opportunities with hands-on experiences.

Students are offered fields of study that complement various careers. The study of ecology is interwoven throughout courses to offer students the education necessary for careers emphasizing the protection of environmental quality and the management, utilization, and conservation of our soil, water, forests, wildlife, domestic animals, food, and fiber.

Admission
Students who meet University admission requirements may be accepted directly into the Davis College as Environmental and Natural Resource Economics majors.

Curriculum
The bachelor of science degree in Environmental and Natural Resource Economics is based on a flexible set of courses designed to provide graduates with exciting career and advanced study opportunities. It requires 128 credit hours of course work, much of which can be planned around the special interests of the student. Students take courses in economics, business, mathematics, computer science, and applied sciences in preparation for professional or graduate study. Requirements include six hours of English composition and rhetoric; courses that meet the General Education Curriculum (must include ECON 201 and 202 and include courses in calculus and statistics); 19 credit hours of required courses for this major; 30 hours of electives approved in consultation with the student’s academic advisor, including at least four courses in the Davis College; and 26 hours of electives selected by the student. For those who plan on continuing their education at the graduate level, ECON 301, 421, and 425 are recommended.

Course Work

* ECON 301, 421, and 425, are recommended for graduate school preparation.
Please see the current WVU Undergraduate Catalog for complete course descriptions.

Accreditation
West Virginia University is fully accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Environmental and Natural Resource Economics Program may find employment with federal and state agencies involved in environmental, natural resource, and agricultural issues. There are also many opportunities with private consulting companies and nonprofit environmental organizations. Many majors choose to continue their education by attending graduate school.

Graduate School Opportunities
Graduate schools offer additional education in focused areas. These degrees grant an increase in salary and responsibilities. Specialized training or advanced degrees may be required for some jobs.

Salary Range
Employees with a bachelor’s degree in Environmental and Natural Resource Economics average a starting salary of $25,000 to $35,000 their first year, with opportunities for advancement.