High School
Environmental economists need to have a strong educational foundation. Be sure to take classes in economics, mathematics (including calculus and statistics), social sciences, and any classes related to the environment. The job entails a great deal of data studying and report writing, which is why English and communications classes are recommended. Computer science classes are important, and foreign language classes are also beneficial.
Postsecondary Training
The minimum requirement for entry-level environmental economists jobs is a bachelor's degree with a major in economics. Most environmental economists have a master's degree or a Ph.D.
In general, the economics bachelor's degree program consists of about 10 classes on various economic topics, plus two or more mathematics courses, such as statistics and calculus or algebra. To work for the federal government, entry-level economists must have a minimum of 21 semester hours of economics and three hours of statistics, accounting, or calculus. Graduate degree courses include specialties such as advanced economic theory, econometrics, environmental economics, international economics, and labor economics. Bachelor's and master's degree students are usually required to participate in an internship and possibly a fellowship for practical experience in the field.
Certification or Licensing
The National Association for Business Economics offers certificate programs in applied econometrics and economic measurement. Visit https://www.nabe.com for more information. Additionally, many colleges and universities offer certificates in general economics or specialties. Contacts schools in your area to learn more.
Other Education or Training
Environmental economists continue learning throughout their careers. They must always know the current economic theories and practices as well as current environmental practices, issues, and government regulations. They take workshops and attend educational events and conferences offered by colleges and universities as well as by professional associations such as the Agricultural & Applied Economics Association, American Economic Association, Association of Environmental and Resource Economists, National Association for Business Economics, and the Society of Government Economists.
- Accountants
- Agricultural Scientists
- Air Quality Engineers
- Aquarists
- Arborists
- Auditors
- Bank Examiners
- Biochemists
- Bioenergy/Biofuels Workers
- Biofuels Processing Technicians
- Biofuels Production Managers
- Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
- Biologists
- Biomass Plant Technicians
- Biomass Power Plant Managers
- Bookkeeping and Accounting Clerks
- Botanists
- Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers
- Chemists
- Chief Revenue Officers
- Chief Sustainability Officers
- Climate Scientists
- Corporate Climate Strategists
- Cost Estimators
- Credit Analysts
- Ecologists
- Economists
- Energy Conservation Technicians
- Energy Consultants
- Environmental Education Program Directors
- Environmental Engineers
- Environmental Lawyers
- Environmental Lobbyists
- Environmental Planners
- Environmental Restoration Planners
- Environmental Scientists
- Environmental Technicians
- EPA Special Agents
- Financial Analysts
- Financial Consultants
- Fish and Game Wardens
- Forensic Meteorologists
- Foresters
- Forestry Technicians
- Futurists
- Geological Technicians
- Geologists
- Geophysicists
- Green Builders
- Green Hotel/Resort Ecomanagers
- Green Products Manufacturers
- Green Transportation Careers
- Groundwater Professionals
- Hazardous Waste Management Specialists
- Hazardous Waste Management Technicians
- Horticultural Inspectors
- Horticultural Technicians
- Hydropower and Marine Energy Industry Workers
- Indoor Environmental Health Specialists
- Industrial Ecologists
- Investment Fund Managers
- Investment Professionals
- Land Acquisition Professionals
- Land Trust or Preserve Managers
- Landscape Architects
- Marine Biologists
- Methane/Landfill Gas Collection System Operators
- Methane/Landfill Gas Generation System Technicians
- Microbiologists
- Molecular and Cellular Biologists
- National Park Service Employees
- Naturalists
- Oceanographers
- Park Rangers
- Purchasing Agents
- Range Managers
- Recycling and Reclamation Workers
- Recycling Coordinators
- Renewable Energy Careers
- Renewable Energy Engineers
- Rewilders
- Soil Conservationists and Technicians
- Soil Scientists
- Statisticians
- Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators and Technicians
- Water/Wastewater Engineers
- Zoo and Aquarium Curators and Directors
- Zoologists