University of Mississippi

What you'll study

The programme builds a strong foundation in microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics before specialising in environmental applications. Early years focus on principles of economics, calculus and statistics to ensure students gain the quantitative skills required for applied analysis.

• Core economics: introductory micro- and macroeconomics, intermediate microeconomics, intermediate macroeconomics.
• Quantitative methods: calculus for economists, probability and statistics, econometrics and data analysis using common software.
• Environmental specialism: environmental and natural resource economics, environmental policy and regulation, benefit–cost analysis, resource and land-use economics.
• Applied topics and electives: energy economics, water resources economics, valuation of ecosystem services, climate change economics, environmental law and institutions.
• Capstone and experiential learning: senior seminar or capstone project applying economic methods to an environmental policy question; opportunities for internships with government agencies, NGOs or industry; options for independent research under faculty supervision.

Students may combine electives from related departments such as political science, geography, environmental science and public policy to tailor the degree towards policy analysis, conservation economics or resource management.

Entry requirements

Admission to the University of Mississippi requires completion of a recognised secondary education qualification. Applicants for the Economics degree should demonstrate competence in mathematics; successful applicants typically have completed algebra, precalculus or calculus at secondary level.

• Standard academic transcript from secondary school or equivalent.
• Evidence of quantitative preparation; strong performance in mathematics is recommended.
• For international applicants, an approved English language qualification (for example TOEFL or IELTS) unless exempted under the university's policy.
• Some applicants submit standardised test scores (ACT/SAT) where required or where they strengthen the application; check current university guidance for test policies.
• Transfer students must provide college transcripts and will have transfer credit evaluated according to departmental rules.

Entry to the environmental concentration may be competitive; students normally declare the concentration after completing introductory economics and required quantitative courses.

Career prospects

Graduates with an environmental economics focus are well placed for roles that require economic analysis of environmental and resource issues. Typical career paths include:

• Policy analyst or advisor for local, state or federal government departments on environmental regulation and resource management.
• Economic or environmental consultant, working on impact assessment, valuation and regulatory compliance for consultancies and think tanks.
• Positions in non-profit organisations and environmental NGOs concerned with conservation, climate policy and sustainable development.
• Industry roles in natural resource companies, utilities and energy firms that need economic planning, cost–benefit analysis and regulatory strategy.
• Further study: many graduates progress to master’s programmes in environmental economics, public policy, resource management or pursue doctoral research in economics.

Why study at University of Mississippi

The University of Mississippi offers a balance of rigorous economic training and applied opportunities suited to environmental problems. The economics faculty include researchers active in applied and policy-relevant areas, and undergraduates have access to small-group teaching and opportunities for supervised research.

Students benefit from the university’s connections across state agencies, non-profit organisations and regional stakeholders, which support internships and practicum placements. The campus location also allows students to engage with local and regional environmental issues—such as water resource management and coastal and agricultural systems—providing practical contexts for classroom learning.

Overall, the programme is designed to prepare students with the analytical tools, empirical skills and policy understanding needed to influence environmental decisions in the public, private and non-profit sectors.