Energy Studies (Minor)
Open to all majors, the Energy Studies Minor (MENS/ENER) allows for an interdisciplinary examination of energy and climate change from a variety of perspectives. Students draw from technical and non-technical coursework to better understand pathways to move our country and the world toward a more sustainable and equitable energy future. In addition to learning basic technical knowledge of energy systems, minors examine issues such as ethics, economics, policy, geopolitics, and financing as they relate to the energy transformation already underway. The minor is housed in the College of Engineering.
Contact Us
For more information about the minor, please email the minor advisor, Anne Berges Pillai.
All ESM graduates will complete 16 credits of coursework that include a basic foundation in the technical aspects of energy and climate change in addition to financial, economic, and/or policy considerations. There are several pathways based on students' majors, interests, and professional goals.
Technical Course Options
- ENER 20333 Earth Focus, is the preferred 3-credit option for the fall semester.
- ENER 20052 Concepts of Energy & Environmt, is the preferred 3-credit option for the spring semester.
- Engineers and some science majors take an additional elective rather than these introductory-level courses.
- Other technical courses, including those studied abroad, may be used with pre-approval.
Electives
Nine additional credits of energy or climate change-related elective courses complete the minor. The list is extensive and varies from semester to semester. An updated list is posted before registration. Students are encouraged to choose courses outside of their major.
Business, Economic, and/or Policy Options
One of the 3-credit classes must examine energy or climate change through the lens of business, economics, and/or policy (BEP). The courses change each semester and are identified with an asterisk (*).
Double-counts
When a single course counts toward both a major and a minor requirement, it is referred to as a double-count or shared class. The rules of the major determine what may be double-counted toward the minor. However, there is no limit on the number of courses that may be shared between the core curriculum requirements and the minor.
Capstone
The 1-credit capstone credit is earned through two half-credit seminar-style courses, ENER 37003 and ENER 37004. The first course is taken after joining the minor, and the second is taken either semester senior year. The seminar emphasizes experiential learning and is graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.
Contact Us
For more information about the ESM, please email Anne Berges Pillai apillai@nd.edu.