Preparing Future Leaders of Sustainable Energy Systems

The Energy and the Environment (EE) concentration offers a strong community of scholars, practitioners and students devoted to advancing our understanding of energy systems and ensuring that energy remains secure, affordable and clean.

Our students study how today’s energy system operates and develop an ability to critically evaluate future energy alternatives. They acquire an understanding of how technology, economics and policy interact to enable or constrain change, and learn how to speak to experts in these fields. Students also gain experience using the cutting-edge analytical tools and energy-modeling frameworks needed to support decision-making in an uncertain world. 

Our curriculum leaves room for students to tailor their studies to their career goals, whether those goals involve crafting business strategy, developing policy, modeling power markets or designing and managing energy projects.

Concentration Courses

CORE COURSES – REQUIRED 

All students must take the following courses:

  • ENVIRON 520—Resource and Environmental Economics I (1.5 credits, fall year two)
  • ENVIRON 635—Energy Economics and Policy (1.5 credits, fall year two)
  • ENVIRON 631—Energy Technology and its Impact on the Environment (3 credits, spring year one)
  • ENVIRON 711—Energy and Environment (3 credits, fall year one)
  • ENVIRON 716—Modeling for Energy Systems (3 credits, fall year one)

ELECTIVE COURSE SUGGESTIONS

Students may consider the following courses to round out their degree:

  • ECS 792—Microgrid Seminar
  • ENVIRON 588—Introduction to Solar Project Development
  • ENVIRON 590.05—Economics of Modern Power Systems
  • ENVIRON 630—Transportation Energy
  • ENVIRON 717—Markets for Electric Power
  • ENVIRON 797—Time Series Analysis for Energy and Environmental Applications
  • ENVIRON 830—Building Energy
  • ENERGY 620—Energy Finance
  • ENERGY 727—Energy Law

 

Expectations

Coming in: In addition to the school-wide prerequisites in calculus and statistics, which are required for all concentrations, successful EE students have strong analytical skills and an undergraduate background that includes quantitative coursework. A degree in a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) field is not required, but students must be prepared for classes that involve rigorous applications of math and science concepts.

During the program: The EE core curriculum provides a solid introduction to the entire energy system, as well as the knowledge base and analytical skills needed to pursue more advanced elective coursework in energy modeling, policy, law, finance and technology.

 

Rochelle Martin

I chose the EE concentration because transitioning the grid to renewable energy is the fastest way for America to combat climate change, and I want to make the biggest impact in the shortest time to help solve this crisis. The most rewarding part of the program has been the incredible people I've met—fantastically brilliant students, faculty, staff, and alumni from all over the world who share the same passion I do for creating lasting change."

–Rochelle Martin, MEM'25

Transferable Skills

In this concentration, students will gain skills in:

  • Energy system design and analysis
  • Energy technology, policy and economic evaluation
  • Energy finance
  • Data analytics, optimization and simulation for energy sector decision-making
  • Power market modeling
  • Environmental impact assessment

 

Knowledge Gained

Students in this concentration will also:

  • Develop a broad perspective on the current energy system
  • Critically evaluate future energy system alternatives
  • Acquire an understanding of energy science principles
  • Learn to speak to domain experts in policy, regulation, economics and technology
  • Practice using cutting-edge analytical and modeling tools
  • Gain first-hand exposure to the energy sector and energy leaders
  • Practice communication, facilitation, project management and teamwork

 

Enrich Your Experience

Students in this concentration will find a range of opportunities to expand their academic experience and get connected to projects and people that align with their interests. We recommend exploring these programs to get started: 

  • (interdisciplinary research teams)
  • Concurrent degree programs (with the Fuqua School of Business and Sanford School of Public Policy at 51±¬ÁĎ, and with the Kenan-Flagler School of Business and Department of City and Regional Planning at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)
  •  (provides opportunities to interact with other students and industry professionals; sponsors classes, field trips and networking events)
  • (student organization)
  • (supports courses, internships, student research and events that connect 51±¬ÁĎ students, faculty and communities on the frontlines of the energy-access challenge)

 

Career Pathways

Our graduates become energy consultants, policy analysts, modelers, project managers and investors. They work in the private sector at firms ranging from green technology startups to more established utilities and consulting firms. EE grads are also well represented in government agencies and the nonprofit sector.

Career paths for our graduates are as diverse as our students. Alumni include a senior project manager at NextEra Energy; a senior energy market forecasting analyst at Tesla; an environmental engineer at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission; a senior consultant at E3; a supply chain clean energy lead at Google; and a manager at RMI.

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