May 12, 2010
Energy-fuels master’s program begins this summer
CARBONDALE, Ill -- The first class of students in a new degree program aimed at existing and emerging energy field managers begins this summer at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
The new master’s degree program in advanced energy and fuels management would give graduates a big advantage in securing good jobs with companies engaged in those fields.
The first cohort of students starts July 12. A new website, for those interested in pursuing this degree, can be found at http://psmenergy.siuc.edu/.
The SIUC program is the first of its kind in the country to focus on energy and fuels, and will provide a trend-setting educational experience for the participants. The program will train graduates with backgrounds in science, technology, agriculture, and engineering to apply their theoretical training to real-world management issues. It also will assist existing and potential employers in filling gaps in their personnel charts, officials said.
Developed with an industrial advisory board, the program takes about one year with a capstone internship near its end. The program trains graduates or mid-career workers with science, technology, engineering or agriculture backgrounds for management positions.
University officials said industry consultants wanted the program designed as efficiently as possible, with focus on recent graduates or mid-career individuals with a background in science, technology, engineering and agriculture.
In addition to courses in the energy area, program participants also will take several business courses, such as managerial and organizational behavior, managerial accounting, and project management, to ensure their growth as business managers who work in the energy fields. The program will involve both existing and new, unique courses based in the colleges of science, agriculture, engineering, and business at SIUC.