Program Overview

Introduction to the Robert M. Zinke Energy Management Program

The Robert M. Zinke Energy Management Program is designed to provide business graduates with a comprehensive understanding of both domestic and global energy industries. This program focuses on developing energy leaders who are ready to excel in any segment of the industry.

Program Overview

The program prepares students with a strong foundation in scientific, legal, financial, and commercial skills needed to make a meaningful impact in the energy sector. Established in 1958 as the world’s first Petroleum Land Management program, it expanded its scope and was renamed the Energy Management Program in 1999 to reflect its broader focus.

Majors and Minors

• Energy Management, Bachelor of Business Administration
• Certificates:
  • Renewable Energy Management

Curriculum

The Energy Management curriculum integrates expertise from three of OU’s core energy colleges, complemented by business acumen from the Price College of Business. Students complete core courses in:

• Accounting
• Management
• Marketing
• Economics
• Management information systems Alongside upper-division finance courses covering:
• Derivatives and securities
• Energy risk management
• Investments and financial markets Energy management courses address practical issues such as production, markets, and commodity trading.

Colleges Involved

The program involves the following colleges:

• Michael F. Price College of Business
• Mewbourne College of Earth and Energy
• College of Atmospheric and Geographic Sciences
• College of Law

Program Accreditation

The Michael F. Price College of Business has been accredited since 1926 by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. The Energy Management Program is one of 12 programs in this area and is accredited by the American Association of Petroleum Landmen.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Energy Management?

The Robert M. Zinke Energy Management Program prepares students for diverse careers in energy at both domestic and global levels. Students choose from a wide variety of courses, including Petroleum Engineering, Geology, Finance, Management, Legal Studies, and other courses.

What degree would I receive?

An Energy Management student graduates with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. Advanced degrees include Master of Business Administration, Juris Doctor/Master of Business Administration.

How will a degree in Energy Management help me succeed?

Students in the Energy Management Program build business acumen to become future leaders in the energy industry. A great balance between business courses and energy-related courses helps prepare students to be successful in their chosen careers in the industry.

Do my interests align with this program?

Energy Management students typically have interests in:

• Energy (fossil fuels and renewables)
• Business
• Finance
• Legal Studies
• Management
• Communication
• Accounting

Are there student opportunities to get involved?

Join the Energy Management Student Association (EMSA), one of the most active associations on campus.

What courses will I take?

Students choose from a wide variety of Sciences, Finance, Legal Studies, Management, Petroleum Engineering, Geology, and other courses. The program emphasizes adjunct professors in numerous classes, so students get taught by industry experts to complement the Ph.D. and other professors in the business school.

Can I have a minor or second major?

Yes, and it is recommended. The most common and encouraged minor or second major is Finance. Advisors are focused on planning course loads to maximize benefits and efficient class schedules to achieve the student’s goals. Today, 40% of Energy Management students have a declared second major.

What has our Energy Management program achieved recently?

The first and oldest program of its kind (1958) continues to advance the major and the student’s capabilities. Faculty and staff continue to examine the program to be responsive to ever-changing energy needs.

What kind of career can I pursue?

• Oil and gas upstream and downstream companies
• Midstream/Pipeline companies
• Renewables/Alternative Energy
• Energy trading firms
• Commercial and Investment banks
• Utility companies
• Government agencies

What have our OU graduates done with their Energy Management degrees and who hires them?

Our students are hired by many top-tier domestic and international companies, including Apache, Ascent, Chesapeake Energy, Chevron, Concho, Chisolm, ConocoPhillips, BP, Bank of Oklahoma, Encana, ExxonMobil, Federal Reserve, Marathon, Noble Energy, Southwestern Energy, ONEOK, Opportune, OXY, Phillips 66, WPX, XTO, Morgan Stanley, and Duff & Phelps.

Can I find an internship?

Internships are a priority to the program, and our students have excellent opportunities to gain work experience primarily via internships with energy companies. Over the last three years, more than 135 summer internships were placed with our students. In the last 10 years, there have been 994 internships.

Are scholarships available?

Supporting our energy management students is a priority. EM students received over $4,000,000 in scholarships over the last 13 years, including $185,000 in 2021 alone, the highest annual amount among any other EM programs across the country. In 2022, the energy management program awarded $179,000 to students.