Graduate Certificate in Energy Economics and Global Sustainability Economics

About the Certificate

This online industry-focused certificate navigates global challenges at the intersection of energy technology systems, economic policies, and environmental sustainability. It equips you with the knowledge to drive innovative solutions, shape energy policies, and lead sustainability efforts to address today’s pressing energy challenges through collaboration among engineers, economists, and energy industry experts.

Required Courses

ECON 6638 – Energy Policy & Economic Analysis
ECON 5543 – Innovation Economics and Finance
ECON 5658 – Building Sustainability & ESG
ECON 6030 – Contemporary Issues in Energy Economics

These courses are co-listed with Chemical, Nuclear, and Mining Engineering programs at S&T.

Pathway to a Master's Degree

Are you a working professional who wants to earn your master's degree, but you don’t have time to take the GRE/GMAT? Then start in a graduate certificate program. Graduate certificates were designed as a pathway to a master's degree.* The admission requirements are more relaxed and credit earned will count toward your degree. Once you successfully earn your graduate certificate, you can continue with the corresponding master's degree without having to take the GRE/GMAT.

*Completion of a graduate certificate program does not automatically guarantee admission into a corresponding graduate degree program. To continue in a master’s degree program, you must apply.

Course Descriptions

ECON 6638 Energy Policy and Economic Analysis (LEC 3.0)

This course focuses on the economic and policy aspects of energy. Topics include energy prices, electricity market mechanisms, renewables, nuclear, alternative fuels, climate change, and the environmental consequences of energy consumption and production. The efficiency of various energy options is compared and discussed for future energy policies.

Prerequisite: Graduate Standing.

ECON 5543 Innovation Economics and Finance (LEC 3.0)

This course teaches rapid project development and financing, from an idea to a revenuegenerating asset. It covers process ideation, technology/vendor selection, financial modeling, contract structuring, non-recourse financing, and project execution, such as engineering, procurement, construction, and start-up, resulting in a cash-flowing, tradeable annuity.

ECON 5658 Building Sustainability & ESG (LEC 3.0)

Across the globe, businesses are increasingly recognizing the importance of sustainability and ESG principles. This course equips students with the knowledge, tool set, and skills needed to understand, implement, and integrate sustainability and ESG practices in various organizational contexts.

ECON 6030 Contemporary Issues in Energy Economics (LEC 3.0)

This course explores the key challenges, trends, and opportunities shaping the future of energy, featuring insights from industry experts. It delves into the complexities of energy transition, decarbonization, policy regulation, and technological innovations, highlighting the forces driving change in the global energy economy.