Best schools for energy studies

Question

All,

I've been doing some research over the past couple months in preparation for application season this fall. Thought I'd share the list I've compiled of energy programs and perhaps get some feedback on where it can be improved. I've also included which schools include relevant dual-degree options (Many good schools offer generic MBAs with energy-specific dual degree programs, so those aren't included).

And for budget-conscious folks like myself, I included an average starting salary-to-average debt load ratio (for example: on average, first-year Texas grads make $105,112 and leave school with $80,589 in debt, yielding a ratio of 1.3; Rice grads make $99,506 and owe $55,291, yielding a ratio of 1.8. In theory, a higher number means a better financial outlook over the first few years after graduation, after which it becomes increasingly meaningless).

This is how I loosely rank the schools (by no means a comprehensive list):

TOP TIER

Berkeley-Haas (P&Q overall rank: 9)
Major/track: Energy & clean tech
Avg GMAT/GPA/work exp: 718/3.61/62
Salary/debt: 1.82

Texas-McCombs (P&Q overall rank: 18)
Major/track: Energy finance, clean tech
Dual degree option with Master of Energy & Earth Resources
Avg GMAT/GPA/work exp: 693/3.43/60
Salary/debt: 1.3

SECOND TIER

Rice-Jones (P&Q overall rank: 30)
Major/track: Energy
Dual degree option with Master of Environmental Analysis & Decision Making
Avg GMAT/GPA/work exp: 673/3.4/58
Salary/debt: 1.8

Duke-Fuqua (P&Q overall rank: 10)
Major/track: Energy & environment and strategy
Dual degree option with Master of Environmental Management
Avg GMAT/GPA/work exp: 697/3.45/65
Salary/debt: 1.15

UNC-Kenan-Flagler (P&Q overall rank: 19)
Major/track: "Focus" in energy
Dual degree option with Master of Environmental Management (via Duke)
Avg GMAT/GPA/work exp: 690/3.35/65
Salary/debt: 1.23

THIRD TIER

Oklahoma-Price (P&Q overall rank: 93)
Major/track: Energy
Dual degree option with Master of Natural Gas Engineering & Management OR Master of Energy Economics & Management (via Institute of French Petroleum)
Avg GMAT/GPA/work exp: 614/3.49/23
Salary/debt: N/A (debt figures not disclosed)

TCU-Neeley (P&Q overall rank: 59)
Major/track: "Industry emphasis" in energy
Avg GMAT/GPA/work exp: 640/3.2/46
Salary/debt: 2.53

Arizona-Eller (P&Q overall rank: 66)
Major/track: Optional "focus" in sustainable energy
Dual degree option with Master of Natural Resource Studies
Avg GMAT/GPA/work exp: 634/3.43/54
Salary/debt: 2.17

Colorado-Leeds (P&Q overall rank: 93)
Major/track: No energy-specific option
Dual degree option with Master of Environmental Studies
Avg GMAT/GPA/work exp: 630/3.31/58
Salary/debt: 1.34

Houston-Bauer (P&Q overall rank: 97)
Major/track: Energy
Avg GMAT/GPA/work exp: 600/3.27/47
Salary/debt: N/A (debt figures not disclosed)

Share your thoughts!

mindstatements · Answer

I think I would bump Duke Fuqua up to the top tier. Besides that I love the list.

Great job !

MrCleantek · Answer

Hey astryker, awesome list. I am also looking for cleantech mainly energy. Applying this application year.
I am concerned with less schools for energy study and career, as you have found out. I have also looked in India nothing good here either.
But those top tier schools cost a lot if scholarship is not awarded. I am ok with Tier 2 and concerned with Tier 3 below 60 rankings.
Colorado is a leader in cleantech or environmental studies but ranking scares me. 
Cant think of going to Europe in its present state. But Germany could be destination for cleantech. IE in Spain has energy focus but not sure about the market.
Confused, I need to get my list ready and start working on them ASAP.

FuquaEClub · Answer

You've done some fantastic research here. I am admittedly biased as our Energy Club co-president, but I would urge you to consider Duke's Fuqua School of Business in a bit more detail. The Duke University Energy Initiative (DUEI) and our EDGE organization have been around for much longer than similar organizations at other schools. Further, we are the only top 10 business school to have a concentration entirely focused on Energy Finance. Lastly, I would emphasize our international student presence (over 40%, which is much higher than other schools) and focus on experiential learning in energy (see our Energy GATE program) as well. If you are interested in learning more about our Energy curriculum, events, club, or programs, please respond to this post and I will be happy to have a call or exchange e-mails with you.

adithyapandanda · Answer

Hi FuquaEClub. Thanks for the writeup of Energy related activities promoted at Fuqua. I am interested in applying to Fuqua but am looking around for more information about the school's focus on Energy. Would be great to have a chat with you. My mail ID shall be PM'ed.

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