Energy and Environmental Policy
Total graduates
16
2025 · 4 schools
International share
6.3%
1 international students
Bachelor's degrees
12
0.0% international
Master's degrees
3
33.3% international
Overview
Energy and Environmental Policy is an interdisciplinary field that examines the relationship between energy systems and environmental sustainability. This program typically combines principles from economics, political science, environmental science, and engineering to develop comprehensive strategies for managing energy resources while minimizing environmental impacts.
Students in this program learn about a range of topics, including renewable energy technologies, energy efficiency, climate change, regulatory frameworks, and the social implications of energy production and consumption. They analyze policies at local, national, and international levels, exploring how governmental and non-governmental organizations address energy challenges and environmental concerns.
The curriculum often includes courses on energy economics, environmental law, resource management, and policy analysis, equipping students with the skills to assess current policies and propose innovative solutions. Practical experiences, such as internships or projects with industry stakeholders, are also emphasized, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems.
Graduates of Energy and Environmental Policy are well-prepared for careers in various sectors, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, consulting firms, and private industry. They play crucial roles in shaping sustainable energy policies, advocating for environmental justice, and promoting the transition to clean energy systems. As global concerns around climate change and energy security continue to grow, the demand for experts in this field is expected to increase, making it a timely and relevant area of study.
Graduates by year
AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral
From 2020 to 2025, graduates fell 20% and the international share went from 10.0% to 6.3%.
Colleges that award this degree
In 2025, 4 schools awarded this degree as a first major. The table lists those in the 2027 U.S. News National or Liberal Arts rankings, plus the unranked schools with the most graduates.
| Rank | School | State | Graduates | International |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #169 | Michigan Technological University | Michigan | 1 | 0 |
| — | Western Washington University | Washington | 7 | 0 |
| — | SUNY Morrisville | New York | 5 | 0 |
| — | SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry | New York | 3 | 1 |
Purple: international students are 25% or more of the school's graduates.
Related jobs and pay
| Occupation | US employment | Mean hourly wage | Mean annual wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compliance Officers | 417,070 | $42.50 | $88,400 |
| Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other | 37,100 | $51.78 | $107,690 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Graduate counts: IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education, 2020–2025. Rankings: 2027 U.S. News.