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Energy & Environment (EE)
The Energy and Environment Concentration provides students with the analytical tools and substantive knowledge to address the key economic and environmental challenges of the 21st Century, and to pursue leadership careers in the fields of energy and environment in the public, private or nonprofit sectors.
While shortages in many finite resources such as water and food must be addressed to create a truly sustainable economy, no single resource issue is more problematic than the need for energy to power the developed and developing nations of the world. Because energy and the environment are intimately connected to society's productivity and sustainability, our ability to properly protect, develop and manage our natural assets requires well-trained leaders. Energy and environmental leaders need a solid background in earth sciences, politics, management, economics, quantitative techniques, business, market and regulatory structures and policy analysis. The Energy and Environment Concentration incorporates this interdisciplinary approach to the study of energy and environmental issues so its graduates are well-equipped to prove themselves as the leaders and policy-makers of their generation.
There are three tracks within the concentration: the international energy policy and management track (IEMP), the environmental policy and management track (EPM), and the sustainable energy track. The IEMP track focuses on energy finance and business development and energy policy. The environmental track focuses on the policy and management knowledge required to address the most pressing environmental sustainability issues. The sustainable energy track focuses on renewable energy, energy efficiency and the relationship of energy to sustainable economic development. Each track consists of a carefully developed sequence of courses, including one course from the other track. The environment track recommends but does not require enrollment in the applied science specialization. Students interested in creating an individually designed track that combines interests in energy and environment should meet with one of the co-directors of the concentration.
International Energy Management and Policy Track
This track 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.
Sustainable Energy Policy Track
The sustainable energy track 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.
Environment Policy Management Track
Environmental issues arise today in almost every policy field, and Columbia University in the City of New York provides an unmatched setting in which to undertake professional study in environmental policy. This track is designed for students interested in national and international environmental policy, law, economics, journalism, and business. This interdisciplinary program provides a rigorous academic background and practical experience in environmental policy. In classes and outside activities, Environmental Policy and Management students mingle with future environmental professionals pursuing degrees in Business, Conservation Biology, Earth & Environmental Engineering, Law, and Columbia's innovative program in Environmental Journalism. Given the diversity of backgrounds and career goals of program participants, students learn from each other as well as from faculty, and build life-long connections that enrich their careers.
Internships and Co-curricular Resources
The Earth Institute's Office of Academic and Research Programs works to enhance sustainability education for Columbia students by arranging and hosting a variety of events for energy and Environment Science and Policy students, such as career fairs and co-curricular activities. In addition, this office administers an internship program for Earth Institute projects and places 20 students each year in intern positions throughout the Earth Institute. These events and programs provide for an innovative collaboration between the Earth Institute and SIPA that unites policy and science.