B.A. Energy Policy and Management

B.A. Energy Policy and Management

A group of students pose at the top of the Ross Dam

Summary

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

Total Credits

101-114 credits

Total Count

53 (through Spring 2025)

First Awarded

2017

Contact

Program Director

Darrin Magee

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. Please refer to the Academic Catalog for the full list of requirements and electives. Also note that General University Requirements are not listed below.

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:

1st and 2nd Year

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

3rd Year

Fall
CourseTitle
ENRG 350Energy Policy and Politics (4cr)
ENRG 380Energy and Environment (4cr)
ENRG 384Energy Economics (4cr)
Winter
CourseTitle
ENRG 322Energy Data Analysis (4cr)
ENRG 344Community Solutions to Climate Change (4cr)
ACCT 240Financial Accounting (4cr)
ENRG 386Economics of Electricity Markets (4cr)
Business Track or Elective
Spring
CourseTitle
ENRG 449Northwest Energy Systems Transitions (4cr)
Business Track or Elective
Business Track or Elective

4th Year (edits in progress - please check back again!)

Fall
CourseTitle
Business Track or Elective
Business Track or Elective
Winter
Spring