Energy, Environment, and Society (EES) is an option in the Environmental Systems Graduate Program at Humboldt State University. Students in EES earn a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Environmental Systems with an emphasis in Energy, Environment, and Society.
Energy is a central element in two of the most important and most divisive processes of our times. It is the fuel that powers economic globalization and - not coincidentally - this same energy use is the central cause of global climate change. The emergence of modern society has proved to be a double edged sword; it has brought unprecedented wealth to many, but it is also linked to increasing inequality, crushing poverty, and critical environmental problems. In this context, fighting world poverty and socio-economic inequality while simultaneously working to mitigate global climate change and other environmental issues are among the greatest challenges of the coming century.
In the Energy, Environment, and Society (EES) Graduate Program at Humboldt State University, we seek students who are interested not only to understand these multifaceted problems, but also to engage in work aimed at helping to solve them.
Who Should Apply to the EES program?
There is a growing need for professionals in the energy field who can combine technical and natural science expertise with public policy skills and the capacity to analyze and interpret the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of these problems. The EES program is designed to prepare students to work as professionals, researchers, and academics in this growing field.
EES is an excellent program for students with backgrounds in science and engineering. For these students, the program offers an opportunity to build technical skills in fields related to renewable energy and energy efficiency while simultaneously broadening knowledge in areas such as climate science, energy policy, and international development.
EES is also a great program for students with backgrounds in economics, business, and the social sciences. The program allows these students to deepen their skills in these fields while also gaining a better understanding of energy technologies and the science of climate change.
Our interdisciplinary curriculum combines hands-on learning opportunities with rigorous courses in areas including energy technology and policy, engineering, climate science, and international development. We welcome applications from students who are interested to make a difference in these important fields of study.