Contribute critical solutions to mitigate complex environmental concerns, such as the need for developing sustainable energy resources, addressing global climate change, and effectively managing our water resources. The PhD in Environmental and Energy Policy expands upon the master's-level curriculum, providing further in-depth study and analysis, and emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach to the global goal of sustainable development.
The doctoral degree program trains students to integrate multidisciplinary tools and approaches in conducting research that supports societal decisions in environmental- and energy-policy goals, strategies, and programs. Our degree focuses on the environmental facets of sociology, geography, anthropology, political science, history, ecological economics, sustainability science, ecology, and hydrology—within the context of policy analysis and development.
Prerequisites
To be considered for the PhD program in Environmental and Energy Policy, a prospective student must
- hold a bachelor of science or, preferably, a master of science in a field related to social sciences, public policy, or the environment, and
- have completed at least one microeconomics course and one statistics course
Degree Requirements and Policies
Once admitted to the PhD program, a student must meet the following requirements:
Course Work
Complete at least 60 credits of course work past the bachelor’s degree. (Half, or 30, of these credits may come from the student’s master’s degree work.)
If the student has an MS degree in environmental or energy policy or a related field, the course work requirement can be completed in approximately two years. Without an MS degree in one of these areas, the student is expected to take three years of course work in research methods, research design, policy theory, and advanced environmental policy analysis, as well as at least three courses in a specialty area to prepare for the dissertation focus.
Advisory Committee
Identify a research advisory committee chair (an advisor) by the end of the second semester in residence.
Together with the committee chair, the student will construct an advisory committee composed of at least three faculty members from the Department of Social Sciences, and at least one external faculty member from outside the department.
Qualifying Examination
Pass a written and oral qualifying examination, following completion of all course work in three selected subfields within environmental and energy policy, and the subject area of the dissertation.
This usually takes place early in the third year of study in the PhD program; however, the examination can be held sooner for an especially advanced student. This examination will be administered by a committee of at least four faculty members, with at least one being an external faculty member from outside the department.
Research Proposal Examination
Pass an oral and written research proposal examination, which will include a public presentation of the research proposal.
Research
Conduct significant research supporting some aspect of a societal or organizational choice related to an environmental or energy policy/program.
Dissertation and Oral Examination (Dissertation Defense)
Write and defend a dissertation as a final product.
For comprehensive degree requirements and policies, see the PhD Program Guidance and the Graduate School PhD degree requirements.
Course Work Components
All students must fulfill the following course work requirements.
Core Courses (12 Credits)
SS 5300 - Environmental & Energy Policy
An overview of environmental and energy policymaking and politics in the U.S. and internationally. Emphasizes policies regarding air and water pollution, energy and global climate change, pesticides, toxics and hazardous waste. Discussion of administration of laws by EPA and DOE.
Credits:
3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
SS 5400 - Sociology of the Environment
Provides students with an introduction to basic sociological concepts as they apply human relationships to the environment. Topics include social values, organizations, norms, ideologies, and political systems. Themes will include the relationship of expertise to lay knowledge, public participation, and urban-rural relationships.
Credits:
3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
SS 5550 - Global Environmental History and
The course examines how the current relationship between humans and the natural world has come to be so as to better understand the challenges associated with constructing a global system of trade that is efficient, environmentally sustainable, and socially just.
Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
SS 5310 - Ecological Economics or EC 5650 - Environmental Economics
SS 5310 - Ecological Economics
AECN/NRES883—Ecological (Sustainability) Economics
AECN/NRES 883 Ecological (Sustainability) Economics is offered by the University
of Nebraska-Lincoln as a hybrid course, which means it can be taken either online or
on the university's campus. For full details, visit the course syllabus.
EC5650 Environmental Economics
Considers the efficient and equitable use of environmental resources, including air, water, land, wilderness and parks, wildlife and other ecological systems. Measures the benefits and costs of decreasing pollution, cleaner environment, and protecting scarce ecological resources. Addresses market failures and the economic valuation of environmental amenities. Not open to students who have credit for EC4650.
Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
Pre-Requisite(s): EC 2001 or EC 3002
Research Design and Methods Courses (9 credits)
SS 6002 - Research Design
This objective of this course is to explore the fundamentals of research design and analysis, particularly as these are applied to identifying, initiating, carrying out, and completing a thesis or dissertation research in environmental and energy policy.
Credits:
3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: On Demand
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
SS 5001 - Advanced Social Science Methods and
Introduction to quantitative and mixed methods research in the social sciences. Topics include: survey design, sampling frames, data collection and analysis, error estimation, and the application of statistical methods. Literature will highlight the use and misuse of advanced methods.
Credits: 4.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-1-1)
Semesters Offered: On Demand
EC 4200 - Econometrics or MA 5701 - Statistical Methods
EC 4200 - Econometrics
Introduces techniques and procedures to estimate and test economic and financial relationships developed in business, economics, social and physical sciences.
Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Pre-Requisite(s): (EC 2001 or EC 3002 or EC 3003) and (BA 2100 or BUS 2100 or MA 2710 or MA 2720 or MA 3710) and (MA 1135 or MA 1160 or MA 1161)
MA 5701 - Statistical Methods
Introduction to design, conduct, and analysis of statistical studies, with an introduction to statistical computing and preparation of statistical reports. Topics include design, descriptive, and graphical methods, probability models, parameter estimation and hypothesis testing.
Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
Note: additional methods courses can be taken to suit individual research needs.
Concentration Courses (9 credits)
Students must take at least 9 credits from one policy area: energy policy, environmental and natural resources policy, or sustainable development. In most cases this requires at least three courses (choose a course below to see the course description and the number of credits for that course).
Energy Policy
SS 6100 - Advanced Seminar in Energy and Climate Policy
This course will review the complex process of energy policy making in the U.S. focusing on political, economic, social, organizational, and technological dimensions. Students will examine the prospects for policy change in the light of global climate change.
Credits:
3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall - Offered alternate years beginning with the 2012-2013 academic year
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
SS 5318 - Public Sector Management
The main theories, philosophies, current themes, and critical issues in public sector management are examined.
Credits:
3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: On Demand
Restrictions:
Permission of instructor required
EC 5620 - Energy Economics
Examines social and private problems in the supply, distribution, and use of energy resources and the energy industries. Studies production, allocation, and environmental and social problems of petroleum, natural gas, coal, nuclear, electricity, and various alternative energy sources.
Credits:
3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
MEEM 4200 - Principles of Energy Conversion
Introduces basic background, terminology, and fundamentals of energy conversion. Discusses current and emerging technologies for production of thermal, mechanical, and electrical energy. Topics include fossil and nuclear fuels, solar energy, wind turbines, fuel and solar cells. No credit for both MEEM4200 and MEEM5290.
Credits:
3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall - Offered alternate years beginning with the 2005-2006 academic year
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 3230(C) or CM 3230 or ENG 3200 or MY 3100
MEEM 5220 - Fuel Cell Technology
Fuel cell technology basics, operating principles and performance will be discussed from energy and thermodynamic viewpoints. Major types will be described and emphasis will be on construction features, performance behavior and analysis. The balance of fuel cell power plant and thermal system design and analysis that affect power generation; as well as hydrogen infrastructure and issues related to delivering electrical power generated from the fuel cell will be covered.
Credits:
3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate;
Must be enrolled in one of the following College(s): College of Engineering
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 3230 or CM 3110
MET 4900 - Alternative Energy Systems
Presents an overview of world energy resources and energy consumption trends. Conventional and emerging energy sources and conversion methods are discussed in terms of their long term viability, based on technical and political factors.
Credits:
3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Junior, Senior
Pre-Requisite(s): MET 3361(C)
EE 5200 - Advanced Methods in Power Systems
Advanced analysis and simulation methods for load flow, symmetrical components, short circuit studies, optimal system operation, stability, and transient analysis. Application of commonly used software reinforces concepts and provides practical insights.
Credits:
3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate;
Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering;
May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore, Junior
Pre-Requisite(s): EE 4222
EE 5260 - Wind Power
Wind turbines are the fastest growing segment of the generator mix being added to power systems today. There is a growing need to understand the many issues caused by these additions. This course covers the theoretical background, regulations, integration experience, and modeling.
Credits:
3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: On Demand
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore, Junior
EE 5490 - Solar Photovoltaic Science and Engineering
Solar photovoltaic materials, the device physics of photovoltaic cells and practical applications of solar electric systems engineering.
Credits:
3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: On Demand
Restrictions:
Permission of instructor required;
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
Environmental and Natural Resources Policy
SS 5111 - Advanced Natural Resource Policy
This course surveys basic important federal policies related to water, land, forest, mineral, and wildlife and fisheries management. It uses policy analysis tools to understand the theory and study of policy development and implementation.
Credits:
3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring - Offered alternate years beginning with the 2011-2012 academic year
SS 5318 - Public Sector Management
The main theories, philosophies, current themes, and critical issues in public sector management are examined.
Credits:
3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: On Demand
Restrictions:
Permission of instructor required
SS 5635 - Environmental Diplomacy and Law
This course delves into the international law associated with environmental issues. Students begin with the treaty language and associated jurisprudence (if any) and then study how the treaty was negotiated, adapted by national governments, and used in political discourse. Unless the student has had a course in principles of public international law, there will be additional readings and writings to provide the fundamentals of international law.
Credits:
3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring - Offered alternate years beginning with the 2011-2012 academic year
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
SS 4200 - Environmental Anthropology
A seminar on the study of culture and politics in marginal environments and disadvantaged communities. Draws upon research in anthropology and geography to examine the interaction in the Americas, Asia, Africa, Europe, the Pacific, and the Arctic.
Credits:
3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: On Demand
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
Pre-Requisite(s): SS 2100
SS 5315 - Population and Environment
This course investigates relationships between the world's population, population change, population distribution, resource consumption, and environmental and social consequences. Addresses local and global relationships and the population processes (mortality, fertility, and migration) involved.
Credits:
3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring - Offered alternate years beginning with the 2012-2013 academic year
Pre-Requisite(s): SS 5400(C) or SS 3760 or FW 3760
SS 5530 - Deindustrialization and Urban Environments
This course examines economic, environmental, and social problems associated with deindustrialization in postwar American cities and the strategies adopted to ameliorate them. Major topics include labor relations, segregation and housing, environmental regulation, environmental justice, and economic and community development policy.
Credits:
3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: On Demand
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore, Junior
FW 4380 - Landscape Ecology
Basic principles of landscape ecology, including pattern, process, and scale. Students will learn how to use quantitative tools to study landscape-scale patterns and processes, and how to apply these principles and tools to conservation, resource management, and planning issues.
Credits:
3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring - Offered alternate years beginning with the 2013-2014 academic year
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
EC 5640 - Natural Resource Economics
Studies the economics of nonrenewable resources (energy and minerals) and renewable resources (water, fisheries, forests and species). Discusses the economics of land use change, macroeconomic topics such as economic growth, sustainability and green accounting. Not open to students who have credit for EC4640.
Credits:
3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
Pre-Requisite(s): EC 2001 or EC 3002
EC 5650 - Environmental Economics
Considers the efficient and equitable use of environmental resources, including air, water, land, wilderness and parks, wildlife and other ecological systems. Measures the benefits and costs of decreasing pollution, cleaner environment, and protecting scarce ecological resources. Addresses market failures and the economic valuation of environmental amenities. Not open to students who have credit for EC4650.
Credits:
3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
Pre-Requisite(s): EC 2001 or EC 3002
BL 5120 - Environmental Remediation and Toxicology
Toxicology of major environmental pollutants, their dose-response relationships and fundamentals of environmental remediation. Topics include physical, chemical, and biological remediation methods and effect of environmental toxins on biological systems. Laboratory will involve the application of chemical and biological remediation techniques.
Credits:
3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-2)
Semesters Offered: Fall - Offered alternate years beginning with the 2011-2012 academic year
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
Pre-Requisite(s): BL 1020 or BL 1040
FW 5770 - Rural Community Development Planning and Analysis
Context, analysis, and monitoring of development processes of rural communities in tropical countries.
Credits:
2.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore, Junior
CE 4750 - Risk Analysis and Management
Fundamentals methods in analyzing and mitigating risks involved in services that function at the interface of human, natural and engineered systems. Relevant systems include transporation, service, utility, emergency and hazard management, and project management.
Credits:
3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Senior
Pre-Requisite(s): OSM 3730 or CE 3730 or SSE 3730 or SSE 2300
UN 5100 - Center for Water and Society Colloquium
Seminar based class covers current topics in water resources. Objectives: build towards a common literacy on water resources issues; identify areas of common interest among students and faculty in water resources topics.
Credits:
1.0;
Repeatable to a Max of 2
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-1-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Sustainable Development
SS 5313 - Sustainability Science, Policy, and Assessment
Foundational scientific concepts (dynamic systems and catastrophe theory) as applied to socioecological systems. Use of indicators and indices to track progress towards sustainability goals. Review of local, national, and global sustainability policies to avoid catastrophes and guide sustainable development.
Credits:
4.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-1)
Semesters Offered: On Demand
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
SS 4390 - Seminar in Sustainability Issues
An intensive seminar focused on a sustainability issue or field, such as sustainable development, environmental justice, globalization, or other current and relevant topics. May be repeated if topic differs.
Credits:
variable to 3.0;
Repeatable to a Max of 9
Semesters Offered: On Demand
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
Pre-Requisite(s): UN 2002
SS 5530 - Deindustrialization and Urban Environments
This course examines economic, environmental, and social problems associated with deindustrialization in postwar American cities and the strategies adopted to ameliorate them. Major topics include labor relations, segregation and housing, environmental regulation, environmental justice, and economic and community development policy.
Credits:
3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: On Demand
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore, Junior
SS 5318 - Public Sector Management
The main theories, philosophies, current themes, and critical issues in public sector management are examined.
Credits:
3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: On Demand
Restrictions:
Permission of instructor required
SS 5315 - Population and Environment
This course investigates relationships between the world's population, population change, population distribution, resource consumption, and environmental and social consequences. Addresses local and global relationships and the population processes (mortality, fertility, and migration) involved.
Credits:
3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring - Offered alternate years beginning with the 2012-2013 academic year
Pre-Requisite(s): SS 5400(C) or SS 3760 or FW 3760
EC 5640 - Natural Resource Economics
Studies the economics of nonrenewable resources (energy and minerals) and renewable resources (water, fisheries, forests and species). Discusses the economics of land use change, macroeconomic topics such as economic growth, sustainability and green accounting. Not open to students who have credit for EC4640.
Credits:
3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
Pre-Requisite(s): EC 2001 or EC 3002
ENG 5510 - Sustainable Futures I
Covers introductory and intermediate concepts of Sustainable Development. Explores methods/tools for assessing sustainability (economic, environmental, societal impacts) of current and emerging industrial technologies. Explores relationships between government policies and markets for introducing sustainable technologies into national economies and corporations.
Credits:
3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
Pre-Requisite(s): UN 2002
ENG 5520 - Sustainable Futures II
Covers sustainability in developed and developing countries. Topics include policy analysis, regulatory impact & cost benefit analyses, trade & markets, laws & regulations, international disasters, GIS applications, green manufacturing, and evolution of environmental policy in U.S. and other countries.
Credits:
3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring
ENG 5530 - Graduate Colloquium in Sustainability
Introduces students to general and specific issues related to sustainability. Topics include review and discussion of historical readings that define the movement towards sustainability, international issues related to sustainable development, corporate leadership, consumption, and societal issues.
Credits:
1.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-1-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
FW 5180 - Conservation Ethics
Discusses relationship between ecological science and environmental ethics as it relates to natural resource management.
Credits:
2.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-2-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall - Offered alternate years beginning with the 2013-2014 academic year
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
FW 5770 - Rural Community Development Planning and Analysis
Context, analysis, and monitoring of development processes of rural communities in tropical countries.
Credits:
2.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore, Junior
BA 5760 - Corporate Social Responsibility & Business Ethics
Explores corporate social responsibility (CSR), business ethics, and corporate governance. Topics include organizational and environmental forces which drive CSR (e.g., sustainability, fair trade, globalization); stakeholder theory; the strategic context of CSR; and implementation of CSR into strategy and culture.
Credits:
3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: On Demand
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate;
Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Applied Natural Resource Econ., Business Administration
UN 5100 - Center for Water and Society Colloquium
Seminar based class covers current topics in water resources. Objectives: build towards a common literacy on water resources issues; identify areas of common interest among students and faculty in water resources topics.
Credits:
1.0;
Repeatable to a Max of 2
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-1-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring
MGT 4800 - Ecological Sustainability and Organizations
Examines the problems and solutions associated with creating and maintaining ecologically sustainable organizations (primarily businesses). Builds an ethical framework using concepts of ecological identity and place and examines the principles of ecological economics and sustainable development.
Credits:
3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
Unspecified credits (28–29 credits)
These credits include reading courses, research credits (between 12–18 credits), and any courses related to the student's research interests.
Career Pathways
Industrial firms, governments, and nonprofit organizations recognize the need for professionals with combined technical and sociopolitical expertise. Those with skills in environmental and energy policy analysis and citizen participation fill an important niche.
Academics and Researchers
The doctoral degree program prepares students to conduct research in support of societal decisions regarding environmental and energy-policy goals, strategies, and programs, as well as to transition to faculty appointments in academia. Research positions are available at universities, in industry, and in government.
Environmental- and Energy-Policy Specialists
Abundant employment opportunities exist in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors for specialists and managers in environmental and energy policy.
Industry and Private Firms
Private-sector employment opportunities are typically in policy-related positions of manufacturing corporations and large engineering firms. Industrial firms require technical professionals who are also trained to participate in regulatory hearings, policy-related conferences, and public meetings; and national business leaders have reported a need for managers possessing technical proficiency blended with an understanding of policy development, decision-making, and the interests of community groups and members.
Federal Government
Nonprofit Organizations
Nonprofit organizations and consulting firms need technically trained policy and environmental specialists. This sector is an important source of employment for graduates of environmental and energy policy programs. As lobbyists and public education organizations, nonprofits often mediate between large questions of public policy and the environmental concerns of everyday citizens.