A Comprehensive Energy Curriculum
Master of Science in Energy (MSE), Certificate in Energy, and Certificate in Energy Technology, Law and Policy
Available Fully Online or In-Person
The Master of Science in Energy, the Certificate in Energy, and the Certificate in Energy Technology, Law and Policy introduce students and professionals to the multiple interdisciplinary facets of energy ranging from an overview of energy technologies (fossil-based, renewable, and non-fossil based) to multi-scale energy systems engineering methods, to energy economics, law, security, policy, and societal impact.
How The Energy Programs Work
Master of Science in Energy
The structure of the Master of Science in Energy degree is based on (a) short sequential modules, (b) distinguished seminar series, and (c) research thesis (Track 1 only). The Texas A&M Energy Institute suggests three Elective Course Themes in the following topical areas: Energy Digitization, Energy Policy and Management, and Sustainable Energy.
Each module is 1.5 weeks long and has 5 teaching days, including a total of 22 hours of lecture/lab material (22 contact hours) with 4.4 hours of lectures per teaching day. Therefore, two modules are equivalent to a semester-long course, and correspond to 3.0 credits. Bi-weekly seminars are delivered by distinguished energy experts from academia, industry, and government. Research thesis topics are provided and supervised by faculty members affiliated with the Texas A&M Energy Institute and representing numerous departments across the campus.
The Master of Science in Energy degree is offered in two tracks. Track 1 is with a research thesis, and Track 2 is with only course work (i.e., without research thesis). There are two enrollment periods per year (Fall semester and Spring semester).
Track 1
Face-to-Face
Track 1 requires 16 modules, thesis, and seminars, and results in 32 student credit hours. This track includes a research thesis and requires students to be Face-to-Face in College Station, Texas. Students will work in conjunction with faculty members affiliated with the Texas A&M Energy Institute.
The Fall semester structure of Track 1 has 8 modules, the distinguished seminar series, and research thesis work. The Spring semester structure of Track 1 consists of 8 modules and research thesis work. The additional 2 summer months will be devoted towards the completion and defense of the research thesis work for cohorts beginning in the Fall semester. The total number of credits will be 32 (i.e., 24 for the 16 modules, 2 for the seminars, and 6 for the research thesis work).
Track 2
Face-to-Face/Online
Track 2 requires 23 modules and seminars, and results in 36.5 student credit hours.
This track is offered to students or professionals Face-to-Face in College Station, Texas or Online via distance learning.
The Fall semester structure of Track 2 has 10 modules and the distinguished seminars. The Spring semester structure of Track 2 consists of 10 modules. Three additional modules will be offered in the Summer semester. The total number of credits will be 36.5 (i.e., 34.5 for the 23 modules, and 2 for the seminars).
Certificate in Energy
Face-to-Face or Fully Online
The Certificate in Energy is offered by taking 10 modules of the Master of Science in Energy degree program either Face-to-Face in College Station, Texas or Fully Online via distance learning.
The Certificate in Energy takes approximately 10 months to complete and there are two enrollment periods per year (Fall semester and Spring semester).
Certificate in Energy Technology, Law and Policy
The Certificate in Energy Technology, Law and Policy is jointly offered by the Energy Institute and the School of Law.
STEM OPT Extension: Not Eligible
The Master of Science in Energy offered by the Texas A&M Energy Institute, and approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, has CIP code: 30.9999.04 Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. According to the United States Department of Homeland Security and the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, this code is not among the codes on the 2016 STEM designated list. The majority of the courses within the Master of Science in Energy at Texas A&M University are individually designated as STEM courses, but that factor alone is not sufficient to merit a full designation as a STEM program. Therefore, students who graduate with a Master of Science in Energy are not eligible for the Optional Practical Training Extension for STEM Students (STEM OPT).