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Energy & Environment (EE)
The future of sustainable energy consumption, the financial success of the energy industry, the economic potential of developing green businesses, and the health of the world’s environment are more closely intertwined than ever before. Policymakers and professionals faced with energy and environmental challenges must leverage the combined resources and talents of academic, public, private, and nonprofit organizations. SIPA's EE students and faculty in these fields have esteemed resources on which they can draw, including the Center on Global Energy Policy at SIPA and Columbia's Earth Institute, one of the world's leading research centers for integrated earth and environmental sciences and major research initiatives on energy.
Students in the Energy and Environment Concentration choose to fulfill the requirements of one of the following three tracks:
- International Energy Management and Policy (IEMP)
- Environmental Policy and Management (EPM)
- Sustainable Energy Policy (SEP)
International Energy Management and Policy (IEMP) 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.
The International Energy Management and Policy Track (IEMP) requires 15 points , consisting of 5 three-point courses: 3 core required courses; 1 additional energy course; 1 environment course.
Note: Students in the IEMP track must satisfy their SIPA economics requirement with (U6400/6401) Economic Analysis for International Affairs. Students in the IEMP track must also take (U6200) Accounting in the Fall of their first semester and (U6301) Corporate Finance in the Spring of their second semester to ensure proper sequencing.
Environmental Policy and Management (EPM) 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.
The Environmental Policy and Management Track requires 15 points, consisting of 5 three-point courses: 1 required course; 2 Environmental Policy courses; 1 Environmental Economics and Finance courses; and 1 energy course.
Note: Students in the Environmental Policy and Management track must satisfy their SIPA economics requirement with (U6400/U6401) Economic Analysis for International Affairs.
Sustainable Energy Policy (SEP) 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. 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.
The Sustainable Energy Policy Track requires 15 points, consisting of 5 three-point courses: 3 required courses; 1 additional energy course; 1 environment course.
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.