Master of Science in Energy Management

Overview

The STEM-designated Master of Science in Energy Management* (MSEM) at SMU Cox prepares students to lead at the intersection of energy markets, finance and business strategy. Offered in full-time and part-time formats, the program develops the analytical, financial and strategic decision-making skills needed to navigate today's rapidly evolving energy economy. With an updated curriculum that emphasizes energy finance, energy markets, economics and policy, infrastructure, technology and sustainable finance, students gain the business perspective employers seek to evaluate opportunities, manage risk and create long-term value.

Located in the nation’s #1 energy generating state**, SMU Cox connects students to industry through the Maguire Energy Institute, one of the country's premier energy institutes, and a network of business leaders, employers and alumni. Students customize their degree with six Cox electives or a dedicated Finance Track while gaining hands-on experience through internships that address real-world energy challenges. Graduates leave prepared to lead across the energy value chain and help shape the future of one of the world's most dynamic and consequential industries.

^{**U.S. Energy Information Administration, 2025}

A Culture that sets us apart

At SMU Cox, you’ll join a community of driven peers, alumni who open doors, expert faculty and dedicated staff who support your goals as their own. Here, when you win, we all win.

Student success

Position yourself for new opportunities by building the business expertise and industry perspective to grow your career across the evolving energy ecosystem.

This program prepares you to excel in the following areas and professions:

Energy finance and investment banking
Renewable energy project development
Data center energy management and strategy
Energy consulting and advisory services
Measurement, verification and energy efficiency analysis
Land, mineral rights and royalty management
Energy compliance and municipal energy policy

Top 20%

Best National Universities

U.S. News & World Report (2026)

$2+ trillion

The global investment in the energy transition

BloombergNEF (2026)

96%

of the world’s largest companies report on ESG and sustainability targets, KPMG (2024)

Admissions

Deadlines and details

Key dates and admissions information to help plan your application with confidence.

International students

All the essential admission requirements international students need to know.

Application questions

Connect with a Graduate Admission team member for answers to application questions.

Additional links

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree/Education: Applicants from all undergraduate majors are welcome. Candidates ideally demonstrate success in quantitative coursework, such as calculus, algebra or statistics, to support readiness for graduate study in energy management.
Professional Experience: The program offers pathways for those entering directly from undergraduate study and those with professional work experience; no minimum work experience is required. Resumes should highlight relevant employment, internships and projects.
Leadership Skills: Candidates should be interested in developing the analytical, financial and strategic judgment needed to evaluate energy opportunities, manage risk and lead teams and projects across the energy sector.
Time Commitment: Candidates should plan for nine to 21 months of in-person graduate study, depending on their full-time or part-time format, with time dedicated to coursework and practical learning.
Participation: Candidates should be ready to engage in class discussions, case studies and applied learning while building connections with faculty, classmates and energy professionals through the Maguire Energy Institute and broader Cox community.

View all requirements

Ready to apply?

Get started here. No application fee required.

Tuition and financial aid

Tuition and costs

Explore the cost breakdown of tuition for graduate programs.

Financial aid

Find information on scholarships and financial support available at SMU.

Curriculum and learning

Featured courses

BUSE 6228

Energy Economics and Policy

Explores the economic principles that drive energy production and consumption across various energy sources

FINA 6228

Topics in Energy Finance

Through a combination of case studies, spreadsheet models, and class discussions, students learn about energy project valuation; techniques to recognize and measure the value of real optionality in project design; link between project structure and financial performance; hedging techniques to assess and manage commodity price risk, and the major industry players and the economics driving the energy value chain.

BUSE 6226

Energy Production, Infrastructure and Technology

Provides a broad introduction to the energy sector, covering its structure, operations, technologies, and business models. Explores traditional energy sources, focusing on fossil fuels and the value chain from extraction to end use. Also examines power generation, analyzing both high- and low-carbon technologies and their impact on the power grid.

View course catalog

Outside the classroom

Internships

Get practical experience to develop industry skills and build a professional network.
Centers and institutes

SMU Cox has 15-plus centers and institutes that supplement classroom learning with opportunities for networking, skill-building, industry treks and more.
Clubs and organizations 

Explore interests, develop leadership skills and connect with like-minded peers.
Community engagement

Apply your classroom knowledge to real-world issues while making a positive impact.

Research

Our faculty dig deep into sustainability and energy issues within their research publications. Explore some recent pieces from faculty within the energy management sphere.

Faculty

In addition to their excellence in the classroom and in the field, Cox faculty participate in national and international conferences, collaborate with scholars across the globe and inform policy debates on topics such as market design and corporate governance.

Xavier Tison

Director of Energy Innovation, Maguire Energy Institute

Bruce Bullock

Jane and Pat Bolin Endowed Director, Maguire Energy Institute

Lale Guler

Clinical Professor

Kathleen Smits

Professor and Fellow

Kumar Venkataraman

Professor
Maguire Chair of Oil and Gas Management
Academic Director, Maguire Energy…

Ruidi Huang

Associate Professor
Corrigan Research Professorship

J. Douglas Hanna

Associate Professor

Greg Sommers

Clinical Professor
Director, Master of Science in Accounting Program

Mukunthan Santhanakrishnan

Clinical Professor
Director, Master of Science in Finance Program

Facilities

Students in the MS in energy and sustainability management program at Cox can collaborate with the Career Management Center.

Cox Career Management Center

From personal branding and coaching to internship or job searches, the CMC’s mission is to help students achieve their professional goals.

Maguire Energy Institute

A deep network of contacts provides industry leaders for student events, classroom presentations, curriculum advice and career guidance.

Frequently asked questions

A Master of Science in Energy Management prepares professionals to succeed in the business of energy. Students develop a deep understanding of the financial, economic and strategic forces influencing energy markets while building the analytical and leadership skills needed to address complex business challenges. Graduates are prepared for careers across traditional and emerging energy sectors, finance, consulting and related industries.

As the global energy industry evolves, the value of an Energy Management degree continues to grow. Organizations need professionals who can navigate both business strategy and the complexities of the energy sector. An Energy Management degree prepares you to evaluate market opportunities, understand financial and regulatory dynamics, and make informed decisions in an industry experiencing unprecedented investment and innovation. For professionals looking to advance or pivot into energy, it offers specialized expertise that is increasingly valuable across traditional and emerging energy businesses.

M.S. in Energy Management graduates are prepared for careers in finance and banking, project development, consulting, analytics, and compliance and policy development.

The MSEM prepares students for leadership by developing the business perspective needed to make informed decisions in a complex energy industry. Through coursework in energy finance, markets, economics and strategy, combined with experiential learning and engagement with industry leaders through the Maguire Energy Institute, students learn to evaluate opportunities, manage risk and solve real-world business challenges. Graduates leave prepared to lead teams, projects and organizations with confidence in a rapidly evolving energy landscape.

Both. Designed to address the world’s pressing energy challenges, the program addresses public policy, physical technology and infrastructure, and business.