It specializes in the economic and policy issues associated with natural resources and natural resource based industries, as well asagribusiness management. The department offers programs relatedto managing resource based businesses, and the social science aspectsof the managing of natural resources and the formulating of environmentalpolicies. The Department tries to maintain a small college environment with the advantages of a major university. The Department takes pride in its relationships with students. Faculty will know a student's name and who that student is.
Students have their own club which combines professional and social activities.
Recently they have gone whale watching, cross-country skiing, traveled to national and international conventions, and met with prospective employers. Although the Department maintains a close community, the fact that it is part of a major university offers some additional benefits to students. There are currently about fifty undergraduate and fifteen graduate students in the department. The small size of thedepartment guarantees that students enjoy small class sizes and receive individual attention through advising and support services.