Energy and Environmental Policy: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
This program equips students with the analytical and policy-making skills needed to address pressing global challenges at the intersection of energy systems, environmental protection, and sustainable development. By integrating scientific, economic, and regulatory perspectives, it prepares learners to evaluate and shape strategies that balance environmental stewardship with energy security and economic growth.
- Climate Change Policy: Examines the development, implementation, and evaluation of policies designed to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate impacts.
- Clean Energy Technologies: Explores innovations in energy generation and storage, including solar, wind, geothermal, and emerging low-carbon systems.
- Environmental Policy Frameworks: Investigates national and international regulatory mechanisms that govern pollution control, conservation, and sustainable resource use.
- Environmental Law and Governance: Analyzes legal principles and institutional structures that enforce environmental standards and support compliance across jurisdictions.
- Environmental Economics: Applies economic models to assess the costs and benefits of environmental policies, market-based instruments, and natural resource allocation.
- Food and Water Security: Studies the interdependencies between agricultural systems, water availability, and policy interventions to ensure sustainable access to essential resources.
- Fossil Fuel Systems and Transition: Evaluates the role of coal, oil, and natural gas in current energy markets and the policy challenges of transitioning to low-emission alternatives.
- Renewable and Sustainable Energy Sources: Focuses on the technical, economic, and policy dimensions of integrating solar, wind, biomass, and other renewable resources into energy grids.
Energy and Environmental Policy Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Energy and Environmental Policy Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Energy and Environmental Policy degrees, including Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other and Compliance Officers. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 434,740 professionals.
National Average Salaries
Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
---|---|---|---|---|
Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other 19-3099 | $100,340 | $62,570 - $160,810 | 36,970 | $48.24 |
Compliance Officers 13-1041 | $78,420 | $46,230 - $130,030 | 397,770 | $37.70 |
Energy and Environmental Policy Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $63,760 in Tennessee to $112,665 in District of Columbia—a 77% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, Virginia, and Maryland. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 434,740 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Energy and Environmental Policy by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 10 institutions offering Energy and Environmental Policy programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Energy and Environmental Policy is found at Harvard University (39 graduates), Michigan Technological University (MTU) (8 graduates), Oregon State University (OSU) (8 graduates), Western Washington University (WWU) (8 graduates), and Central Michigan University (CMU) (6 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 83 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Harvard University |
Postbac Cert.
|
39 | Cambridge, Massachusetts | Private | harvard.edu |
Michigan Technological University (MTU) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
8 | Houghton, Michigan | Public | mtu.edu |
Oregon State University (OSU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
8 | Corvallis, Oregon | Public | oregonstate.edu |
Western Washington University (WWU) |
Bachelor's
|
8 | Bellingham, Washington | Public | wwu.edu |
Central Michigan University (CMU) |
Other Award
|
6 | Mount Pleasant, Michigan | Public | cmich.edu |
Loyola University Chicago (LUC) |
Postbac Cert.
|
5 | Chicago, Illinois | Private | luc.edu |
SUNY Morrisville (SUNY Morrisville) |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Morrisville, New York | Public | morrisville.edu |
The Evergreen State College |
Other Award
|
2 | Olympia, Washington | Public | evergreen.edu |
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) |
Master's
|
1 | Syracuse, New York | Public | esf.edu |
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP) |
Other Award
|
1 | Stevens Point, Wisconsin | Public | uwsp.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Energy and Environmental Policy programs
How much can I earn with a Energy and Environmental Policy degree?
Salaries for Energy and Environmental Policy graduates vary by role and location. Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other earn a median of $100,340 annually, while Compliance Officers earn around $78,420. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $112,665 compared to $63,760 in Tennessee. Approximately 434,740 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Energy and Environmental Policy programs?
Currently 10 accredited institutions offer Energy and Environmental Policy degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Harvard University (39 graduates), Michigan Technological University (MTU) (8 graduates), and Oregon State University (OSU) (8 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
What career paths are available with a Energy and Environmental Policy degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other, Compliance Officers, . Related occupations employ approximately 434,740 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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