Those who are concerned about the use and supply of energy in our world, may be interested in getting a master's degree in energy economics. With some energy analysts predicting annual spending levels in the global clean energy economy to top one trillion US dollars (USD) by 2020, a master's in energy economics could provide a lot of opportunity. Before starting on this path, get the proper undergraduate degree and then determine which area of energy economics is most interesting to you. Identify the schools that offer this degree and the types of courses needed before making a final decision. Consider additional training in the area of energy economics within which you want to specialize.
There are a number of schools that offer a master's in energy economics. All of these postgraduate programs require a bachelor's degree. The challenge is to make a decision about where to work in this field and which courses will work best for your particular undergraduate and postgraduate studies. You could work in the financial end of the business and study economic theory, or you could get into the political side of the business and help to develop future energy policy. Most career counselors will advise finding out more about the areas in which you are most interested and then pursuing the one that suits you best.
In addition to economics, many areas of study are also associated with this type of degree, so take some time to consider all your options for study. Since energy economics is also closely related to geology, energy engineering, ecology, and political science, study in these areas may also be beneficial in pursuing a master's in energy economics. Coursework in various subject areas such as climate change policy, security of supply, sustainability, demand response, and environmental policy may be offered to those working toward a master's in energy economics. Different areas require different courses and training, so be sure to choose the right courses for the area in which you would like to work.
Once you have selected an area of specialization and have acquired the appropriate training and education to earn a master's in energy economics, concentrate on acquiring additional training in your specific area. Acquiring a doctoral degree in a related field may provide some additional opportunities in this field. Additional training may also be found at seminars or symposiums and may include topics such as mineral resources policy making, regulation of renewable energy, restructuring of energy industries, and many other topics.