Environmental and resource economics, a specialization option in the economic sciences major, applies economic and management decision tools to issues in forest management, water use, pollution, land use, fisheries, recycling, and hazardous wastes. Professionals in this field learn to make decisions that balance the considerations of protecting, restoring, developing, and allocating natural resources for the most benefits to society.

A degree in environmental and resource economics and management prepares students for professional careers in the following: • Environmental law • Private businesses in natural resource industries (forest, marine fisheries, sea food, marketing, agriculture, waste management, mining, and land and water management firms) • State and federal resource management agencies (National Marine Fisheries Service, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Washington Department of Natural Resources, and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife) • Non-governmental organizations (Environmental Defense Fund, Resources for the Future, and Nature Conservancy) • Environmental regulatory agencies (Environmental Protection Agency and Washington Department of Ecology) • Private consulting firms involved in regulatory compliance, economic impact assessment, planning, and policy • Environmental marketing and eco-labeling (The Food Alliance)