Energy demand is growing globally, and markets for all energy sources are changing rapidly. Energy developers, consumers, and regulators face enormous risks, from volatile energy markets and geopolitics to threats from extreme weather. Every sector of society needs experts in technology, economics, and risk management to help them make smarter energy decisions. Energy Business and Finance students are uniquely positioned and in high demand to help organizations address their energy challenges and support the development of building energy systems of the future.
What is Energy Business and Finance?
Energy Business and Finance is a unique interdisciplinary program that positions students for careers across the growing energy sector. Our graduates use their knowledge of energy commodity markets, statistics and risk analysis, and project finance related to energy systems and environmental issues to shape the future of energy production. Students build critical analytical skills and market knowledge in preparation for careers with energy companies, public agencies, and the financial institutions that are investing globally in the next generation of energy technologies. The Energy Business and Finance program might be a good fit for you if …
- You want to work in the energy sector or for organizations that are deeply involved in energy (including industrial energy users, consultancies, and banks).
- You enjoy analytical thinking and complex problem-solving.
- You are passionate about paving the way for a sustainable energy future.
Curriculum
The Energy Business and Finance program in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences offers a transformative approach by integrating the study of energy economics and decision-making within an engineering department. The John and Willie Leone Family Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering is one of the few departments in the world to place both engineering and energy economics education under the same academic roof. Our commitment to interdisciplinary study was recently advanced by John and Willie Leone's gift of $5 million to support joint education in energy economics and engineering.
Energy Business and Finance emphasizes risk analysis and decision-making related to energy systems and environmental issues. Students are challenged to examine problems using rigorous quantitative analysis. Energy Business and Finance alumni can be found in every corner of the energy sector. They work for large complex organizations such as integrated energy companies and financial institutions, as well as emerging technology startups and government agencies. Energy Business and Finance graduates are also well-positioned for graduate school in law, business, economics, or public policy. Building upon the long and respected tradition in EMS for Mineral Economics, Energy Business and Finance has become one of the largest majors in the College. We believe, however, that our interdisciplinary educational approach has only begun to scratch the surface of EBF's potential.
Check Sheets
- EBF Major Checklist (GENERAL) for students entering Penn State before Summer 2018
- EBF Major Checklist (GENERAL) for students entering Penn State in Summer 2018 or later
Business Fundamentals Certificate offered by the Smeal College of Business
The Smeal College of Business has recently decided to allow students majoring in Energy Business and Finance to enter their Certificate in Business Fundamentals program. More information about the certification is available below.
EBF and Smeal Business Certificate
A list of all the required courses for the program are available on the Recommended Academic Plan/Scheduling Guide for Energy Business and Finance.