The solutions to society's existing and emerging energy challenges require interdisciplinary approaches integrating economics and business with the technical knowledge of energy systems and implications for our environment. That's where Energy Business and Finance experts come in.
What is Energy Business and Finance?
Our graduates use their knowledge of energy commodity markets, statistics and risk analysis, and project finance related to energy systems and environmental issues to shape the future of energy production. The major was designed to help students build critical analytical skills in preparation for careers with energy companies, public agencies, and the financial institutions that are investing globally in emerging energy technologies.
- You want to work in the energy sector.
- You enjoy analytical thinking and complex problem solving.
- You are passionate about paving the way for a sustainable energy future.
Curriculum
The Energy Business and Finance (EBF) program in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences offers such a transformative approach by integrating the study of energy economics and decision-making within an engineering department.The John and Willie Leone Family Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering is one of the few in the world to place both engineering and energy economics education under the same academic roof. Our commitment to interdisciplinary study was recently advanced by John and Willie Leone's gift of $5 million to support joint education in energy economics and engineering.
The EBF program emphasizes risk analysis and decision-making related to energy systems and environmental issues. Students are challenged to examine problems using rigorous quantitative analysis. Students entering the EBF major can choose either the general option or the energy land management option. EBF graduates who do well in the program have strong employment opportunities in the energy sector, and are well trained to enter both law and business school. The EBF program has already had substantial success. Building upon the long and respected tradition in EMS for Mineral Economics, in a few short years EBF has become one of the largest majors in the College. We believe, however, that our interdisciplinary educational approach has only begun to scratch the surface of EBF's potential. Our alumni now work in a variety of energy and consulting companies, as well as financial trading houses and federal agencies.
Insider's Guide to EBF
The Insider’s Guide to the EBF major contains detailed information about program requirements, strategies for success in the EBF program and a complete listing of courses that will count towards EBF degree requirements. All students are urged to review this document.
In addition, check out the List of Summertime Courses that EBF students can take during the summer sessions.
Check Sheets
- EBF Major Checklist (GENERAL) for students entering Penn State before Summer 2018
- EBF Major Checklist (GENERAL) for students entering Penn State in Summer 2018 or later
Business Fundamentals Certificate offered by the Smeal College of Business
The Smeal College of Business has recently decided to allow students majoring in Energy Business and Finance to enter their Certificate in Business Fundamentals program. More information about the certification is available below.
EBF and Smeal Business Certificate
Scheduling Tips for EBF Majors
A list of all the required courses for the program are available on the Recommended Academic Plan/Scheduling Guide for Energy Business and Finance.