Academic Programs

The International Energy Management and Policy Track (within SIPA’s Energy and Environment Concentration) is designed for students interested in international energy resource management and related public policy issues.  The curriculum provides a thorough understanding of energy industry fundamentals, including the structure and operation of international energy systems and of the business organizations involved in the producing, transporting, and marketing of energy products.  It examines economic, environmental, and social policies applicable to energy development and consumption; political and strategic issues arising from the unequal distribution of global energy resources; and the impact of technological change on the future role of energy in the global economy.  Electives are available to permit students to pursue detailed study in such areas as energy project finance, petroleum markets and trading, electricity markets, alternative energies, the geopolitics of oil, and marine transportation systems.

The Sustainable Energy Policy Track (within SIPA’s Energy and Environment Concentration) is designed for students interested in renewable energy, energy efficiency and the relationship of energy to sustainable economic development. The curriculum provides a thorough understanding of the challenges facing the formulation and implementation of sustainable energy policy including the connection of energy systems to business and political  structures. This track permits the study of sustainable energy policy on a global, national and local scale.  It permits the study of urban energy systems, alternative energy resources, governmental energy policy, energy industry fundamentals, and the business organizations involved in all aspects of energy production, distribution and consumption. Courses are available to permit students to pursue detailed study in sustainable energy policy, energy development and consumption; energy law, climate policy, carbon management, political and strategic issues arising from the unequal distribution of global energy resources; and the impact of technological change on the environmental impacts of energy use and development.