University of Texas at Austin

Overview

The Master of Arts in Energy and Earth Resources at The University of Texas at Austin equips students with the analytical and leadership skills necessary for impactful careers in energy, water, and natural resource sectors. This program emphasizes the technical and policy dimensions of resource systems, fostering expertise in decision-making, finance, and legal frameworks pertinent to the field.

• Degree: Master of Arts (MA)
• University: The University of Texas at Austin
• Focus: Energy systems, earth resources, policy, finance, and law
• Format: Graduate coursework with thesis/project component
• Credits: Typically requires 30 credit hours
• Language of instruction: English
• Standard tests: GRE (required), TOEFL iBT or IELTS (for English proficiency)
• Minimum GPA: 3.0
• Application fee: Required
• Start term: Commonly begins in the fall

What you'll study

Students will delve into key areas such as energy technology, resource evaluation, and the legal and policy frameworks that govern these systems. The curriculum includes a mix of required courses and electives, culminating in a thesis or project that aligns with the student's specific interests.

Core and thematic courses (examples)

• Geology of Earth Resources
• Energy Technology and Policy
• Energy Finance
• Decision Analysis
• Restructured Electricity Markets
• Renewable Energy and Environmental Sustainability
• Groundwater Resource Evaluation
• Reservoir Geology and Advanced Recovery
• Energy Law (including oil & gas legal frameworks)
• Water Law
• Electricity Law
• International Petroleum Concessions
• Coastal Watersheds Law / Natural Resources Law

Thesis / capstone component

As part of the program, students complete a thesis or project that applies their learning to a focused research or policy issue. This is typically developed in collaboration with faculty and may integrate concepts from various coursework areas, including energy systems and resource evaluation.

Entry requirements

• Academic background: A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in the U.S. or an equivalent degree from a recognized international institution.
• Minimum GPA: 3.0
• GRE: Required (General Test).
• English proficiency: TOEFL iBT or IELTS required.
• TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 79 (check for current requirements).
• IELTS: Minimum score of 6.5 (check for current requirements).
• Documents: Official transcripts; official test scores (GRE/TOEFL/IELTS as applicable); application fee; and any additional materials specified by the program.

Note: Admission requirements can vary; please verify the latest information from the UT Austin Graduate School and specific program guidelines.

Career prospects

Graduates from the MA in Energy and Earth Resources program are well-prepared for a range of career paths in energy, environmental policy, and resource management. They may pursue roles in government agencies, non-profit organizations, private sector companies, and consulting firms, where they can apply their expertise to tackle pressing global challenges related to energy and natural resources.