Loading...

Some major career opportunities in each option are identified below. Also, it should be noted that many of our students continue their education in graduate school.

Consumer and Family Economics
The consumer and family economics option focuses on the economic needs and functions of individuals and families. Students are prepared to mediate between the consumer and various financial business institutions as financial counselors and consumer affairs specialists. This option also provides students with a strong foundation for careers in the areas of family financial management and consumer policy. Graduates may also become Certified Financial Planners by passing the appropriate exams administered by the Commonwealth.  Consumer and Family Economics students are required to complete an intensive internship.  While utilizing the knowledge and skills learned in their courses, students develop new skills and start to build a career network.

Environmental and Natural Resource Economics
The environmental and natural resource economics option prepares students to assist in public and private decisions about environmental and natural resource issues. Population and income growth are increasing the pressure on our resources, making allocation, management, and protection decisions among our top priorities. Water quality and supply, land use, climate change, pesticide policy, recycling, waste disposal, and marine fisheries management are some of the issues studied. Students learn to apply decision-making tools such as benefit-cost, risk-benefit, and cost-effectiveness analysis.  This training prepares students for careers in research, planning, education, and administration with federal, state, or community governments, as well as in private businesses that provide services in various environmental and natural resource areas.

Managerial Economics in Food and Resource Industries
The managerial economics in food and resource industries option concentrates on the application of economic principles to business decision-making.  Students develop expertise in accounting, finance, business strategies, and market demand analysis. Microeconomic models and case studies are used to demonstrate how an individual can make wise choices to operate effectively within a complex economy of millions of businesses linked by thousands of markets. Career opportunities include research, planning, marketing, and managerial positions in a wide range of firms and governmental agencies, particularly in food and natural resource related industries.  Recent graduates hold positions in food industry management, environmental consulting, energy demand analysis, market research, financial analysis, and strategic planning.