Environmental and Sustainability Economics (Graduate Certificate)
Program Overview
The Environmental and Sustainability Economics Graduate Certificate equips students with the economic theory and quantitative modeling skills to analyze environmental and resource issues. The program emphasizes hands-on experience with economic modeling and quantitative analysis, focusing on real-world application of theoretical concepts. Graduates are prepared for positions in various sectors, including business, sustainability, government, and environmental protection.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Program Title:
Environmental and Sustainability Economics (Graduate Certificate)
Overview:
This certificate program equips students with the economic theory and quantitative modeling tools to analyze and evaluate environmental and resource issues. It focuses on understanding the consequences, societal benefits, and costs of changes in markets and environmental policies.
Objectives:
- Train students to identify and evaluate economic assumptions embedded in policy analyses and recommendations.
- Enhance the ability to critically evaluate research publications in environmental and resource economics.
- Develop proficiency in applying economic modeling approaches to real-world scenarios.
- Provide experience in using econometric techniques for causal inference and prediction.
- Enable testing hypotheses through applied economic modeling.
Outline:
Structure:
- 17 credit hours total
- Core curriculum (5 credits):
- SOS 512 Environmental and Resource Economics (3 credits)
- SOS 529 Research Seminar in Environmental and Sustainability Economics (2 credits)
- Elective coursework (12 credits):
- One course each from the following categories: microeconomic theory, statistical and econometric modeling, environmental and resource economics, modeling and empirical methods
- Specific electives list provided by the academic unit.
Schedule:
- Rolling admissions for both Fall and Spring sessions.
Modules:
Microeconomic Theory:
- Applies microeconomic principles to environmental and resource issues.
- Analyzes consumer and producer behavior, market equilibrium, and welfare economics in an environmental context.
- Explores topics like externalities, public goods, property rights, and market failures related to the environment.
Statistical and Econometric Modeling:
- Introduces statistical and econometric methods for data analysis in environmental and resource economics.
- Covers regression analysis, hypothesis testing, and causal inference techniques.
- Provides hands-on experience using statistical software packages.
Environmental and Resource Economics:
- Examines the economic aspects of environmental problems and resource management.
- Analyzes environmental policies, such as pollution control, sustainable development, and natural resource conservation.
- Explores valuation methods for environmental goods and services.
Modeling and Empirical Methods:
- Focuses on the application of economic models to analyze environmental and resource issues.
- Develops skills in building and analyzing economic models using software tools.
- Applies economic modeling to real-world case studies.
Assessment:
Assessment methods may include:
- Exams
- Assignments
- Projects
- Research papers
- Presentations
- Participation in seminars Specific assessment details are available from the academic unit.
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
- Lectures
- Discussions
- Case studies
- Group projects
- Independent research
Faculty:
- Experienced faculty with expertise in environmental and resource economics.
- Strong research backgrounds in relevant areas.
Unique Approach:
- The program emphasizes hands-on experience with economic modeling and quantitative analysis.
- Focuses on real-world application of theoretical concepts.
Careers:
Career Opportunities:
- Chief Sustainability Officer
- Economist
- Environmental Economist
- Environmental Engineer
- Environmental Protection Specialist
- Environmental Restoration Planner
- Health Sciences Manager
- Postsecondary Environmental Sciences Professor
- Sustainability Specialist
Career Outcomes:
- Graduates are prepared for positions in various sectors, including business, sustainability, government, biology, and applied mathematics.
Other:
- Students are strongly encouraged to have at least one semester of calculus or equivalent coursework before entering the program.
- The program welcomes students from diverse academic backgrounds, including sustainability, public affairs, biology, environmental social science, applied mathematics, and agribusiness.
Arizona State University: A Comprehensive Overview
Overview:
Arizona State University (ASU) is a top-ranked research university located in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. It is known for its innovative approach to education, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. ASU is recognized for its commitment to inclusivity, serving learners at all stages of life and fostering a diverse and welcoming community.
Services Offered:
ASU provides a comprehensive range of services to support student success, including:
Academic Support:
Tutoring, advising, and academic success resources.Financial Aid:
Scholarships, financial aid programs, and tuition assistance.Student Life:
Housing and dining, clubs and activities, health and wellness services, and transportation.Career Services:
Job and career resources, internship opportunities, and career counseling.Student Life and Campus Experience:
ASU offers a vibrant and engaging campus experience with a strong sense of community. Students can participate in a wide array of clubs, organizations, and events, fostering personal growth and development. The university's diverse student body creates a rich cultural environment, promoting global perspectives and intercultural understanding.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Top-Ranked Programs:
ASU boasts numerous top-ranked programs, including 82 programs ranked in the top 25 nationally, with 37 in the top 10.Innovative Learning Environment:
ASU embraces a flexible and personalized approach to learning, allowing students to customize their academic journey.World-Class Faculty:
Students benefit from instruction led by renowned professors and researchers, many of whom are leaders in their fields.Global Impact:
ASU is consistently ranked among the top universities for global impact, demonstrating its commitment to addressing global challenges.Diverse and Inclusive Community:
ASU fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment, embracing students from all backgrounds and promoting a sense of belonging.Academic Programs:
ASU offers over 800 degree programs across a wide range of disciplines, including:
Undergraduate:
More than 400 undergraduate degrees in fields such as engineering, journalism, business, sustainability, nursing, education, and more.Graduate:
Over 450 graduate degrees, including master's and doctoral programs.Other:
ASU is known for its commitment to research and innovation, with a strong focus on addressing real-world challenges. The university is also a leader in sustainability, promoting environmental responsibility and social justice.
Entry Requirements:
Domestic Students (including EU home students):
- Bachelor's or Master's Degree: Applicants must hold a bachelor's or master's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution.
- Minimum GPA: Applicants must possess a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale) in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 in an applicable master's degree program.
International Students (outside the EU):
- Bachelor's or Master's Degree: Same requirement as domestic students - must hold a bachelor's or master's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution.
- Minimum GPA: Same requirement as domestic students - a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale) in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 in an applicable master's degree program.
- Proof of English Proficiency: All applicants whose native language isn't English must provide proof of English proficiency, regardless of their current residency. Acceptable tests include TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic, or Duolingo English Test.
Additional notes:
- It is strongly recommended that students have completed at least one semester of calculus or the equivalent before applying.
- International students requiring an F1 or J1 visa must first be accepted into a graduate degree program before being considered for the certificate program.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- As mentioned above, all international applicants whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency through an accepted English language test with specific score requirements depending on the test.
