University of Hawaii at Manoa

What you'll study

This undergraduate programme centres on core principles of microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics, and applies those tools to environmental and resource issues. You will learn how markets, institutions and policies affect use of natural resources, environmental quality and long-term sustainability, with a focus on issues relevant to island and coastal economies.

• Core economics modules: intermediate microeconomics, intermediate macroeconomics, statistics for economists and introduction to econometrics.
• Environmental and resource modules: environmental economics, natural resource economics, ecosystem services valuation, and the economics of renewable energy.
• Policy and applied topics: public economics, cost–benefit analysis, environmental policy design and regulation, and climate change economics.
• Quantitative and technical skills: applied econometrics, data analysis, and optional training in geographic information systems (GIS) or modelling tools used in resource assessment.
• Regional and applied studies: courses that address coastal and marine resource management, island economies, and traditional ecological knowledge relevant to Hawaiʻi and the Pacific.
• Capstone and experiential learning: a senior seminar, research project or internship with state agencies, university research centres or non-governmental organisations to apply economic analysis to real-world environmental policy problems.

Structure

The degree typically combines major requirements with general education breadth and elective choices. Students progress from introductory courses to advanced electives and a culminating experience such as an honours thesis, capstone project or supervised internship. Opportunities exist to take interdisciplinary courses in environmental science, public policy, anthropology and marine biology.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to have completed secondary education with a strong foundation in mathematics and quantitative reasoning. Successful candidates typically present coursework in algebra, precalculus or calculus and university-level or high-school statistics where available. Good academic standing in prior study is required.

• Domestic applicants: high-school diploma or equivalent with competitive grades; preparation in mathematics is strongly recommended.
• International applicants: equivalent secondary-school qualification and demonstration of English proficiency through recognised tests or approved institutional pathways if required.
• Transfer students: transfer credit for introductory economics, calculus or statistics may be considered; applicants should provide official transcripts and course descriptions for evaluation.
• Additional considerations: some applicants strengthen their profile with relevant extracurricular experience, community or environmental work, or quantitative coursework. Placement or prerequisite checks may occur for calculus or statistics.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles that combine economic analysis with environmental and policy concerns. The degree develops skills in quantitative analysis, policy evaluation and applied research valued by public, private and non-profit employers.

• Environmental economist or analyst in government agencies, regional organisations and intergovernmental bodies.
• Policy analyst or advisor focusing on climate policy, natural resource management, coastal and marine policy, or energy transition.
• Consultant in environmental, resource and sustainability consulting firms conducting valuation, impact assessment and regulatory analysis.
• Research assistant or associate at university research centres, think tanks or economic research organisations.
• Positions in non-governmental and community organisations working on conservation, sustainable development and indigenous resource rights.
• Further study options including master’s programmes in economics, environmental economics, public policy, law or PhD research.

Why study at University of Hawaii at Manoa

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa offers a distinctive setting for environmental economics and policy study, located in the middle of the Pacific and close to a wide range of island and coastal resource issues. The campus has interdisciplinary connections across environmental science, marine biology, public policy and indigenous studies, enabling students to combine economic analysis with place-based knowledge.

• Regional relevance: proximity to Hawaiʻi’s coastal and marine environments provides direct exposure to the policy challenges of small-island and Pacific ecosystems.
• Research and partnership opportunities: students can engage with on-campus research units and regional partners, including economic research groups and Sea Grant programmes, for applied projects and internships.
• Hands-on learning: field courses, community-based projects and internships offer practical experience in resource assessment, stakeholder engagement and policy implementation.
• Interdisciplinary faculty: faculty expertise spans environmental and resource economics, econometrics, public policy and regional studies, supporting supervised research and mentoring.