One of the most important challenges of the 21st century will be to develop and manage energy resources in a sustainable manner. Projections show energy consumption worldwide will increase nearly 50 percent by 2035. And half of the leadership in the energy industries is expected to retire in the next five to ten years.
The future of energy will be characterized by increasing knowledge, relentless change, and technological innovation. As global energy industry increases in complexity, demand will dramatically grow for professionals with a multidisciplinary, entrepreneurial skill set. Future leaders must understand complex technology within the context of business, legal, social and public policy in order to create comprehensive and sustainable solutions.
The Energy Resource Management and Development (ERM&D) B.S. program is designed to fill this need through a combination of rigorous courses, real-world internships, and undergraduate research experiences. The curriculum balances depth of learning with breadth of understanding to train graduates for sustained competitive success in the energy workforce at the frontiers of knowledge and for self-directed, life-long learning. Students learn to focus on continuous improvement, constant assessment and the importance of a sense of urgency and consideration of profit motive in the energy industry
Our program emphasizes career planning and provides constant one-on-one guidance and assistance to ensure optimal workforce placement. Students are strongly encouraged to complete an industry internship (minimum GPA requirement is typically 3.000). Opportunities are also available for undergraduate research, a study abroad experience or a summer field trip. Multiple events during the year connect students to energy industry professionals.
Student Learning Outcomes
The Energy Resource Management and Development Program is designed to meet the demands of the energy workforce and enhance social literacy related to complex energy issues. Competency-based learning that integrates problem solving, critical analysis of uncertain and complex issues, and constant improvement in performance are overarching components of our undergraduate program.
- Gain appreciation and understanding of fundamental concepts of energy systems.
- Acquire a foundational understanding of business fundamentals relative to energy companies, including organizational structure, management, entrepreneurship and international commerce.
- Understand the legal, cultural, scientific, and technological dimensions of energy resources.
- Demonstrate the business and professional skills necessary to engage in meaningful conversation and dialogue across written, oral and digital platforms.
- Exhibit critical thinking and problem solving related to earth, energy, and environmental problems.
- Appreciate the demands and responsibilities of engaged citizenship and decision making.
- Prepare for a lifetime of ethical service to the profession.
- Apply concepts and skills to real world problems to gain practical understanding and experience.
Professional Land Management Concentration
Develop a complex and nuanced understanding of the U.S. legal system relative to energy development, including administrative law, legislation and regulation, and the common law of property and contracts.
Required Academic Performance
The student must earn a letter grade of C or better in each course and a cumulative GPA of 2.000 or better.
Concentrations
The Energy Resource Management and Development program offers two concentrations and students must declare at least one concentration. They are professional land management and energy land and water management. The suggested course sequences are shown below.
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