Resource Economics and Management M.S.

Aug. 21, 2024

Next Start Date

Courses Required

$690

Cost Per Credit Hour

Total Credit Hours

Online Courses

Learning Format

Prepare For a Variety of Careers in Business and Government

The Master of Science in Resource Economics and Management, offered by the Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design, provides advanced training in the areas of natural resource, environmental, agricultural, mineral, energy, agribusiness, international, and rural development economics. Only a handful of other institutions across the country offer a relevant online master’s program in this area and the U.S. Department of Agriculture predicts that graduates of programs in the fields of natural resources and agriculture will be needed in the coming years to address issues related to food security and sustainable energy. The program can be completed with or without a thesis.

Curriculum layout: 8-week courses and 16-week courses. The program is 30 hours with or without a thesis. Students completing a thesis take 6 research credits as part of their 30 hours; students who are not completing a thesis take 30 course credits.

Students develop their formalized plan of study during their first year, in conjunction with the graduate committee.

Older man standing in a wheat field as the sun goes down.

WVU allows students to complete prerequisites before beginning coursework, but after being admitted to the program. Prerequisites for admission include the following:

Twelve or more semester credits in economics, agricultural and resource economics, statistics, or appropriate social science courses (should include a course in intermediate microeconomics)
Three or more semester hours of credit in calculus

Students lacking these prerequisites must complete coursework to acquire them. Graduate programs are planned to ensure that candidates develop competence in the following:

Communicating economic policy issues
Theoretical and analytical skills to analyze and evaluate economic policies
Research to develop economic policy proposal

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Phone: (304) 293-0915
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Resource Economics and Management M.S. Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements

Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university
Minimum GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale (or an average of 3.0 or higher for the last sixty credit hours).
Adequate academic aptitude at the graduate level as measured by the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the New Medical College Admissions Test (New MCAT).
International students must meet WVU's minimum score requirement for English language proficiency.
WVU allows students to complete prerequisites before beginning coursework, but after being provisionally admitted to the program. Prerequisites for admission include the following:
- Twelve or more semester credits in economics, agricultural and resource economics, statistics, or appropriate social science courses (should include a course in intermediate microeconomics)
- Three or more semester hours of credit in calculus

Application

Admission is rolling for the Fall and Spring semesters.

Create an account and complete the WVU Online admissions application.

For the application, you will need to provide:

Current resume
Statement of purpose
Names and email addresses for three persons acquainted with your professional work, experience, or academic background who can provide letters of recommendation.
GRE scores

Official transcripts from all previous colleges/universities (except WVU) must be sent to the Graduate Admissions Office.

It is preferred that official transcripts be sent via an online, secure service such as eScrip-Safe, National Student Clearinghouse, or Parchment to graduateadmissions@mail.wvu.edu.
Alternatively, sealed, untampered, physical official transcripts can be mailed directly to:
WVU Graduate Admissions
P.O. Box 6510
Morgantown, WV 26506-6510

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Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid

WVU provides a comprehensive approach to helping you finance your education. Learn more by visiting the Student Financial Services website.

Students are encouraged to:

File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form by the June 30, 2024 deadline to determine their eligibility for federal and state funds as well as scholarships. WVU’s FAFSA Code is 003827; and
Check with your employer to see if they provide financial support for earning your graduate degree.

Resource Economics and Management M.S. total degree cost: $20,700 – Residents and Non-Residents

Tuition and fees are usually not the only educational expenses you may have while pursuing a degree. You may have other costs such as books, supplies and living expenses. Please see the Estimate Costs and Aid webpage for how to estimate and plan for other potential expenses.

Your future in Resource Economics and Management

The primary objective of this program is to prepare students for further graduate study or a variety of careers in business and government. A candidate for the degree must comply with University, College, and program requirements. The Master of Science degree in Resource Economics and Management can be obtained under either course work or thesis options.

The Benefits to Choosing the WVU Resource Economics and Management Master of Science program

Overall, the WVU Master of Science in Resource Economics and Management program offers a comprehensive education that prepares students for careers in a variety of fields related to resource economics and management, with the flexibility and support needed to succeed in today's rapidly changing job market.

Required courses

Course	Title	Credit Hours
ARE 601	Applied Microeconomics	4
ARE 621	Quantitative Methods	3
ARE 624	Econometric Methods in Resource Economics	3
ARE 696	Graduate Seminar	1-3
ARE 632 and/or ARE 633	Natural Resource and Environmental Economics/Natural Resource Policy Analysis	3/6

Suggested Electives

Course	Title	Credit Hours
RESM 440	Foundations of GIS	3
RESM 444	Advanced GIS	3
RESM 575	Spatial Analysis for Resource Management	3
RESM 585	GIS and Spatial Analysis Project	3
RESM 540	Geospatial Modeling	3
ENVP 525	Principles of Water Resources	3
RESM 560	Advanced Energy Project Management	3
ARE 461	Agribusiness Finance	3
ARE 620	Adaptation and Mitigation Strategies for Addressing Climate Change	3

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the projected job growth the M.S. in Resource Economics and Management?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of economists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Analysts are projected to grow 3 percent. Actuaries and data scientists have a projected growth of 21 and 36 percent, faster than the average for all occupations.

What kind of jobs can I get with an MS. in Resource Economics and Management?

Graduates of a master’s degree in Resource and Economics Management may obtain jobs in a variety of fields related to natural resources, environmental policy, and energy. Some common job titles for graduates of this program include:

Environmental Economist: An environmental economist applies economic principles to environmental issues, such as pollution control, resource management, and climate change.
Natural Resource Manager: A natural resource manager oversees the conservation and use of natural resources, such as forests, wildlife, and water.
Energy Policy Analyst: An energy policy analyst works with government agencies or private organizations to develop and implement energy policies and strategies.
Sustainability Coordinator: A sustainability coordinator develops and implements sustainable practices within an organization, such as reducing energy use, promoting recycling, and conserving natural resources.
Environmental Consultant: An environmental consultant provides expertise on environmental issues to government agencies, private organizations, and individuals.
Research Analyst: A research analyst conducts research on natural resource management, environmental policy, and energy economics to inform decision-making and policy development.

How long will it take me to complete a degree in this field?

A full-time student can complete this degree in 2 semesters. A part-time student can complete this degree in 4 semesters.

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