May 21, 2025  
2025-2026 Western Washington University Catalog 
    
2025-2026 Western Washington University Catalog

Energy Policy and Management, BA

Location(s): WWU - Bellingham


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Introduction

The goal of the program is to give students knowledge and analytic skills in the policy and management aspects of today’s diverse energy business, along with broad exposure to the science, environmental, business and policy aspects of the energy system that drive the formation and analysis of energy-related policies.

Why Consider an Energy Policy and Management Major?

The B.A. in Energy Policy and Management is an interdisciplinary program that gives students knowledge and skills concerning energy policy and the energy business through courses in economics, environmental studies, environmental science, and various business disciplines, while also providing a solid background in basic energy science concepts.

While building a strong blend of analytic and communication skills, students will gain energy-related expertise that industry experts have identified as essential to the workforce needs in the growing clean energy economy. Graduates will be well prepared to enter the workforce, equipped with the knowledge, skills and applied expertise demanded by entrepreneurship or employment in the energy field.

The program will also integrate core strengths of WWU, including collaboration, practical innovation, community engagement, a global perspective and a sustainability focus. The participating departments are recognized for their outstanding educational programs and demonstrated excellence. This program will foster interdisciplinary thinking, learning and problem solving.

Student Resources

Website: Institute for Energy Studies

Contact information: Darrin Magee, Arntzen Hall 308, 360-650-4014, mageed@wwu.edu.

Department advising: Admitted and/or current students visit the Advising section of the Energy Studies website.

Degree Works: Current students should also log on to Degree Works to check student-specific program progress.

Career Services Center: Connect major to a career

Sample Careers: Energy Economist, Energy Efficiency Analyst, Director of Energy Policy, Energy Program Manager, Energy Resource Planner, Renewable Energy Project Manager, Director of Greenhouse Gas Management, Founder, new energy-related enterprise

How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):

Contact the Institute for Energy Studies office at 360-650-4422.

Grade Requirements

A grade of C- or better is required for a student’s major or minor courses, and supporting courses for majors and minors. Students enrolled in this degree program are not eligible for Energy Policy Minor.

Requirements (101-114 credits)


And choose one of the following three options:


Electives


Choose (under advisement) a minimum of 16 credits from the following list of courses:

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