University of Wyoming Logo

Natural Resource Economics

Minor

Apply Now Visit Campus

A student smiles for a photo outside while holding open a book

Make an impact with a minor in natural resource economics

Learn to make smart economic decisions and carefully manage natural resources with this unique minor! UW’s natural resource economics program prepares students for fulfilling careers in natural resource planning, policy and management.

As a student, you’ll get to participate in active student-led organizations and paid internships. Students also have the opportunity to enjoy study-abroad programs that are tailored to the agricultural sector of international regions, including France and Australia.

Request Info

Program Details

Tuition and Fees

Please visit our cost of attendance page

Program Requirements

Curriculum & Courses

Department

College of Agriculture, Life Sciences & Natural Resources
Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics

About the Natural Resource Economics Minor

A minor in natural resource economics is a powerful addition to any undergraduate degree. Why? You’ll add management and economic decision-making skills to your resume in addition to learning how to allocate natural resources.

This minor consists of 21 credit hours, including four required courses and your choice of three approved electives. Course topics range from water resource economics to negotiation. Our wide variety of course offerings ensures you’ll graduate ready to pursue an impactful career!

You must be enrolled in an undergraduate degree at the University of Wyoming to declare a natural resource economics minor. Students can count courses for their primary degree toward this minor.

Three students in class
Three people out in the field

Students are encouraged to join one of the many student-led clubs and organizations on campus. Doing so is a great way to meet like-minded peers, network with professionals and get involved in the local community. 

The College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources is home to more than 30 student clubs and organizations, including:

A professor teaches a class in a warehouse

 

What can you do with a minor in natural resource economics?

A minor in natural resource economics is the right choice for anyone seeking an agriculture or business-related career. Our graduates are prepared to analyze resource trade-offs, evaluate natural resource policies and make smart economic decisions.

Alumni Employers

UW grads pursue fulfilling careers with a variety of employers in the natural resource sector. Here are some of the places they work:

  • USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
  • Wyoming Game & Fish Department
  • Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality
  • U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
  • Peace Corps
  • U.S. Forest Service

 

 

mountain logo

Natural Resource Economics Minor Highlights

A minor in natural resource economics is a great way to add management and decision-making skills to your resume while studying a topic you’re passionate about. Many of our grads pursue careers in natural resource management and apply what they learned at UW on a daily basis. Learn more about our program’s highlights!

Unique Courses

Our natural resource economics program includes a wide variety of course topics, including law, policy, microeconomics, water resources and more. Here’s some info on a few of the classes you’ll take as a natural resource economics minor:

  • Economics of Range Resources: In this course, students learn to apply economic and decision theory to the management and allocation of public and private range resources.  
  • Water Resource Economics: This course presents principles and procedures appropriate to water resource allocation and development decisions. Students study agricultural, recreational, industrial and other uses of water.
  • Natural Resource Planning and Economics: Students learn the economic concepts and rudimentary analytical tools that are applied to federal, state and local natural resource planning and management programs. Students additionally learn to evaluate tradeoffs and resolve conflicts.

Study Abroad Programs

The Department of Agriculture and Applied Economics is proud to offer two exciting study abroad programs: France’s Food and Farm Culture and Australia’s Export-Led Ag Sector. In France, students take field trips to Paris, live with host families and learn about wine and bread making. In Australia, students visit over a dozen agricultural operations and travel to Sydney.

Paid Internships

Applying what you’ve learned is a key part of mastering new skills. That’s why we partner with a variety of businesses, agricultural firms and banks to provide students with paid internship opportunities.

 

Networking Opportunities

Students have the opportunity to network with alumni and industry partners through farm and business tours, networking events and classes.

The Natural Resource Economics minor gives students the basic foundations to tackle some of today’s most pressing challenges—how we balance economic growth with environmental stewardship. Whether you're majoring in business, engineering or agricultural sciences, this minor adds valuable skills that employers are looking for.

- Ben Rashford, Department Head, Agricultural and Applied Economics

Related Programs

Interested in a natural resource economics minor? These programs may also be of interest to you:

Apply to UW
Visit Campus
Request Info

Contact Us

We're Eager to Help!

College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources

Academic and Student Programs

Department 3354, 1000 E. University Avenue

Laramie, WY 82071

Phone: (307) 766-4135

Email: uwyo_ag@uwyo.edu