Program Overview

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B.A. Energy Policy and Management

The goal of the Energy Policy and Management, BA is to give students knowledge and analytical skills in the policy and management aspects of today's diverse energy business, along with broad exposure to the science, environmental, business and policy aspects of the energy system that drive the formation and analysis of energy-related policies.

Degree Type

Bachelor of Arts

Requirements

Energy Policy and Management, BA

Total Credits

101-114 credits

Learning Outcomes

Assessment - Student Learning Outcomes

Total Count

53 (through Spring 2025)

First Awarded

2017

Why Consider an Energy Policy and Management Major?

The B.A. in Energy Policy and Management is an interdisciplinary program that gives students knowledge and skills concerning energy policy and the energy business through courses in economics, environmental studies, environmental science, and various business disciplines, while also providing a solid background in basic energy science concepts.

While building a strong blend of analytic and communication skills, students will gain energy-related expertise that industry experts have identified as essential to the workforce needs in the growing clean energy economy. Graduates will be well prepared to enter the workforce, equipped with the knowledge, skills and applied expertise demanded by entrepreneurship or employment in the energy field.

The program will also integrate core strengths of WWU, including collaboration, practical innovation, community engagement, a global perspective and a sustainability focus. The participating departments are recognized for their outstanding educational programs and demonstrated excellence. This program will foster interdisciplinary thinking, learning and problem solving.

B.A. in Energy Policy and Management Course Planning

The BA. in Energy Policy and Management requires 101-114 credits. Below is a summary of the ideal course sequence.

• As part of the degree, students need to take three "Business Track" classes along with 16 other true elective credits, for a total of 7 "Business Track or Elective" classes.
• Students also need to take the following classes, ideally before their junior year:
  • PLSC 250 The American Political System (5cr)
  • ECON 206 Introduction to Microeconomics (4cr)
  • ECON 207 Introduction to Macroeconomics (4cr)
  • DSCI 205 Business Statistics (4cr)
  • MATH 114 Precalculus I (5cr)

Course Sequence

1st and 2nd Year

• PLSC 250 The American Political System (5cr)
• ECON 206 Introduction to Microeconomics (4cr)
• ECON 207 Introduction to Macroeconomics (4cr)
• DSCI 205 Business Statistics (4cr)
• MATH 114 Precalculus I (5cr)

3rd Year

Fall

• ENRG 350 Energy Policy and Politics (4cr)
• ENRG 380 Energy and Environment (4cr)
• ENRG 384 Energy Economics (4cr)

Winter

• ENRG 322 Energy Data Analysis (4cr)
• ENRG 344 Community Solutions to Climate Change (4cr)
• ACCT 240 Financial Accounting (4cr)
• ENRG 386 The Economics of Electricity Markets (4cr)
• Business Track or Elective

Spring

• ENRG 449 Northwest Energy Systems Transitions (4cr)
• Business Track or Elective
• Business Track or Elective

4th Year

Fall

• ENRG 352 Climate Governance and Political Economy (4cr)
• Business Track or Elective
• Business Track or Elective

Winter

• ENRG 386 The Economics of Electricity Markets (4cr)
• ENRG 459 Advanced Energy Policy (4cr)
• ENRG 484 Clean Energy Economics (4cr)
• Business Track or Elective
• Business Track or Elective

Spring

• ENRG 486 Electric Utility Resource Planning (4cr) OR
• ENRG 488 Energy Management in Organizations (4cr)
• ENRG 490 Energy Capstone: Energy System Synthesis (4cr)
• Business Track or Elective