Ripon College

What you'll study

The programme builds a foundation in microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics before applying those tools to environmental questions. You will study how markets interact with natural resources, the design of environmental regulation, valuation of ecosystem services and the economics of climate change. The curriculum emphasises quantitative analysis, policy evaluation and interdisciplinary perspectives drawn from environmental science and political economy.

• Core economic modules: intermediate microeconomics, intermediate macroeconomics, introductory and applied econometrics, and public finance.
• Environmental and applied modules: environmental economics, natural resource economics, cost–benefit analysis for environmental policy, environmental law and institutions, and climate change economics.
• Skills and methods: statistical and econometric techniques, data analysis with standard software, cost–benefit and risk assessment methods, and introductory spatial/GIS concepts where offered.
• Capstone and experiential learning: senior seminar or honours thesis in environmental economics, field projects with community partners, and internship placements with government agencies, NGOs or businesses on sustainability issues.
• Interdisciplinary options: students can combine courses from Environmental Studies, Political Science, Biology or Management to tailor their pathway.

Entry requirements

Ripon College seeks applicants with a solid quantitative foundation and genuine interest in environmental and policy issues. Typical applicants will have completed high-school level mathematics and coursework demonstrating analytical ability. Assessment of applications is holistic and considers academic record, recommendation(s), and a personal statement describing interest in economics and environmental policy.

• Evidence of readiness for college-level quantitative work (for example, advanced mathematics or statistics in high school).
• A personal statement outlining academic interests and relevant experiences (volunteer, work, projects or coursework related to environment, economics or policy).
• One or more academic references.
• International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency according to the College’s standard entry procedures.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a wide range of careers where economic thinking informs environmental and policy decisions. The programme’s combination of analytical skills and applied experience is valued in both public and private sectors.

• Public sector and government roles: environmental or natural resource policy analyst, regulatory analyst, planning and conservation officer.
• Non-profit and international organisations: policy advisor, programme officer for environmental NGOs, research associate.
• Private sector and consulting: sustainability analyst, environmental consultant, corporate social responsibility and compliance roles.
• Further study: many graduates progress to postgraduate degrees in economics, environmental economics, public policy, environmental management or law.

Why study at Ripon College

Ripon College offers a liberal-arts environment with small classes and close faculty mentorship, which suits students who want hands-on learning and personalised guidance in economics. The college encourages interdisciplinary study, enabling students to pair economic training with environmental science and policy perspectives.

• Small-group teaching and opportunities for faculty-supervised research or senior thesis projects.
• Access to applied learning through internships, field projects and community partnerships that focus on local and regional environmental issues.
• Support services including career guidance, internship placement assistance and writing/statistics help to prepare students for professional roles or graduate study.
• A curriculum designed to develop both quantitative competence and the policy-relevant communication skills employers and graduate programmes seek.