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CIP 03.0209 Natural Resources and Conservation

Energy and Environmental Policy

IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education · 2025

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

Graduates by degree level (first and second majors)

AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral

From 2020 to 2025, graduates fell 20% and the international share went from 10.0% to 6.3%.

International share (%)
Graduates by group, 2025
White
87.5%
Asian
0.0%
Hispanic
0.0%
Black
0.0%
Other
6.3%
Intl.
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.

RankSchoolStateGraduatesInternational
#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

OccupationUS employmentMean hourly wageMean 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.