Energy Analysis and Policy

Energy plays a crucial role in modern civilization, yet energy production and consumption pose serious risks to the environment and international security. Decision-makers in industry, government and, environmental organizations are increasingly challenged with balancing tradeoffs among these multifaceted energy issues.

For the most part, professionals working in energy – from engineers to lawyers, researchers to business leaders – have been trained in a single specialization, whether technical, scientific, or social science. Our program offers a powerful option to add value to, but not replace, disciplinary graduate degrees.

Energy Analysis and Policy (EAP) is graduate-level certificate that can be completed by students in any graduate program at UW-Madison, usually without adding time or cost to their graduate degree program. Ph.D. students can also add EAP as a minor, a great option for research students in energy fields.

EAP's interdisciplinary curriculum gives students the knowledge and skills needed to become leaders in industry, government, consulting, non-profits, and other roles in the energy field. EAP's interdisciplinary curriculum considers scientific, technical, economic, political, and social factors that shape energy policy formulation and decision-making. It examines topics in energy resources, market structures, public utilities, technology, linkages to the environment, demand for energy services, and public policy. Every EAP student also gains experience in designing, conducting, and communicating analysis for real-world clients in the energy sector.

Since the program began in 1980, our nearly 200 alumni have gone on to great things, advancing energy and related fields across the U.S. and the world. Employers of our graduates include energy producers, environmental organizations, consulting companies, universities, research labs, state public service commissions, and many more. For more on EAPs four decades of training energy analysts see our program history page.

Many of our students apply to UW-Madison specifically to be part of the EAP program, and choose a degree that best fits their career and learning goals. For M.S. or Ph.D. students who want a fully interdisciplinary energy degree, the Nelson Institute's Environment and Resources program provides complete curriculum overlap with the EAP certificate. Our students also complete degrees in the La Follette School of Public Affairs, Agriculture and Applied Economics, Urban and Regional Planning, Electrical Engineering, Biological Systems Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering (Solar Lab) among others. Although these degrees are the most common partners to an EAP curriculum, we welcome students from any graduate program on campus.

Whether you are just beginning to consider UW-Madison for your graduate education, are already enrolled and are interested in adding EAP, or are an alum or employer looking to get involved, we welcome you to explore this website, check out our most recent newsletters (Spring 2015 and Winter 2014, both in pdf format), and contact us!

For students interested in EAP: Dr. Richard Shaten (Program Coordinator)

For info about Nelson Institute programs: Jim Miller (Graduate Advisor), (608) 263-4373

For alumni or employers: Prof. Tracey Holloway, (608) 262-5356

EAP Program Chair: Prof. Greg Nemet, (608) 265-3469

To make a gift/provide support for EAP: Ann Swenson (Donor Relations), (608) 262-9864