Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Economics, Environment and Sustainability
Get a competitive edge in the job market with an internship at local and national conservation organizations, tech startups and more.
Be prepared to study the impact of sustainability efforts and conservation of the environment through an economic lens.
Economics, Environment and Sustainability Degree at a Glance
Program Type
Major
Mode of Study
On Campus
Internship
Guaranteed
Est. Time
4 Years
Start Terms
Fall, Spring
Cost
School
Accreditation
Tell Me More About Merrimack's Economics, Environment and Sustainability Major
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Spring Open House
Tuesday, April 22, 2025
from 1:00 pm
to 4:00 pm
At our Spring Open House, you'll attend academic breakout sessions, connect with members of our community, and take a tour of our beautiful New England campus.
The Economics, Environment and Sustainability Major
Examine the intersection of economics and environmental science to address today’s ecological challenges. You’ll explore social justice issues, sustainability and the impacts of climate change, poverty and inequality. You’ll also analyze resource allocation, production, exchange and the connections between globalization, national economies and environmental concerns.
What You'll Study
Our program is designed to give you exposure to a wide range of materials, so you will graduate with knowledge of our economical and physical environment and how they intersect.
Macroeconomics
Sustainability Development
Environmental Research
Ecological Economics
Social Justice
Societal Issues
Skills You'll Learn
Learn about how economics, environment and sustainability intertwines in our economy and society. This degree allows you to enter a multitude of industries combining a variety of skill sets!
Quantitative Analysis
Critical Thinking
Project Management
Ethical Reasoning
Economics, Environment and Sustainability Courses You'll Take
Environmental
Science Gateway
ESS 1060
Humans depend on the functioning of the global ecosystem to support our existence on this planet. However, many of our activities threaten this life support system. In this course, students will explore the impacts of human activity on the physical, biological, and chemical aspects of atmospheric, aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems with a focus on sustainability and stewardship.
Sustainable
Development
ECO 3303
Sustainable development is the study of how economies can develop without depleting their natural resources or overloading the Earth with pollution and waste. But by the 21st century, this goal is increasingly problematic, as global environmental challenges render the traditional tools of economic development such as endless economic growth through the market.
Ecological
Environments
ECO 3305
This course introduces ecological economics as a transdisciplinary framework to economic, social, and environmental problem solving. It covers the theories and insights unique to ecological economics as opposed to other schools of economic thought. It overviews the ecological economic interpretation of standard topics in economics, such as economic growth, concepts of capital, trade and finance.
See All Courses & Options Available to Economics, Environment and Sustainability Majors
Economics, Environment and Sustainability Major Requirements
General Education Requirements
In addition to the major requirements below, you will also need to complete Merrimack’s general education requirements. To see more details about the major, please visit catalog.merrimack.edu.Sample Four-Year Schedule - Curriculum Guide
Why Choose the Bachelor of Arts in Economics, Environment and Sustainability?
Choosing this interdisciplinary major will offer you an extensive education with potential for various career pathways!
ADVOCATE FOR CHANGE
With a complete understanding of the challenges being faced, be able to lead conservation efforts in a logical and analytical manner.
DIVERSE JOB MARKET
Think of all the possibilities this major will open for you - careers in economics, accounting, conservation and more.
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
Take an internship during your junior or senior year and expand your learning to real world application.
Career Outlook: Where Can an Economics, Environment and Sustainability Degree Take You?
Career Outcomes Rate
94% of the undergraduate class of 2023 in Arts & Sciences were either employed, participating in voluntary service or continuing their education within nine months of graduation.
Experiential Learning
90% of the undergraduate class of 2023 participated in at least one internship, co-op, clinical, practicum or research opportunity while at Merrimack.
Graduate School
Merrimack, New England School of Law, George Washington University and Boston College are just some of the graduate programs Arts & Sciences graduates are attending.
Jobs with an Economics, Environment and Sustainability Degree
Upon completing our program, you’ll be well-equipped to pursue graduate study or a career in the related disciplines. Positions may include:
- Economist
- Environmental Marketing and Behavior Specialist
- Environmental Technician
- Environmental Consultant
- Environmental Lawyer
- Environmental Manager
Beyond the Classroom
Student Life
You’ll have endless opportunities to find your fit, get involved and pursue what makes you happy—all while making lifelong friends (and memories!).
Explore your passions alongside others with similar interests, whether that means a cappella singing or outdoor adventuring.
- 70+ student organizations
- Division I Athletics, club and intramural sports
- Beloved traditions like Homecoming, Block Party and Spring Concert
- Fraternities and sororities
Internships & Co-Ops
Our students gain valuable work experience and connections with leading companies through guaranteed internships and the Warriors at Work co-op program. Recent placements include:
- Interning with Homeland Security Investigations, shadowing special agents
- Interning at Delta Tech-Ops, working in components engineering
- Working as a tax intern at Baker Tilly
Research with Faculty
With access to cutting-edge tools, undergraduate students can collaborate with faculty on research projects that can lead to presentations and publications.
- Explore the complexities of the human mind in a state-of-the-art psychology lab.
- Understand how inflammation affects immune cell aging in our Shared Instrumentation and Research Facility.
- Build fully functional battle bots for competitions.
Study Abroad
Global Merrimack provides transformative, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Our 30+ study abroad programs include semesters abroad, faculty-led trips and international internships.
- Explore and study in the Dominican Republic or Iceland.
- Immerse yourself in cities like Dublin, Madrid or Rome.
- Experience a semester at sea or intern in vibrant cities like London or Paris.
Service Learning
Community and service are at the heart of our Augustinian mission.
Over 1,000 students work together to engage in hands-on service learning projects each year, supporting our communities and those in need.
- Participate in our campus-wide Mack Gives Back volunteer days.
- Spend your winter, spring, or summer break on an immersive SEND trip in the U.S. or abroad, helping those in need.
- Tutor students in nearby school districts.
See for Yourself
Programs Related to the Economics, Environment and Sustainability Major
Explore other areas and where they can take you.
Take the Next Step (We're Here to Help)
At Merrimack, we are ready to meet you where you are and get you where you want to go. And, we make the process simple along the way!
Upcoming Events
Info Session & Campus Tour
Monday-Friday & Most Saturdays
Attend a 20-minute info session led by an admission counselor and then take a student-led campus tour. Registration is required.
Merrimack College Awards & Recognition
U.S. News & World Report | Best Regional Universities North (2024)
- Most Innovative Schools (#5)
- Regional Universities North (#39)
- Best Undergraduate Teaching (#19)
- Best Colleges for Veterans (#15)
- Best Value Schools (#51)
Tell Me More About Merrimack's Economics, Environment and Sustainability Major
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