Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  Please briefly describe the two new energy MBA programs at the University of Wyoming?

A:  The UW College of Business, in cooperation with the University’s School of Energy Resources, is launching two new optional energy management degree programs in conjunction with its full-time general MBA program:

1. MBA with an Energy Concentration - Available to students completing the 16-month Full-Time MBA program.  These students will take nine hours of elective energy-related courses during their final academic semester.  Students will also take part in an energy-focused summer project. 
2. An MBA in Energy Management - This more comprehensive 21-month Full-Time MBA program includes two semesters of energy management courses and an energy-focused summer experiential project.  

Q:  Are the energy MBA programs replacing UW’s general management Full-Time MBA program?

A:  No, the energy MBA emphasis will enhance, rather than supplant, the general management MBA program.  The Energy Management Concentration option will be available to full-time MBA students as part of the curriculum during their final academic semester.  The more comprehensive Energy Management MBA  in Energy Management degree will include not only the energy-related electives in the second Fall semester of the full-time MBA program, but also an energy-focused summer experiential project and  a second Spring semester of MBA-level, energy-oriented business courses.  Both groups of students will also benefit from a program-long series of on-campus “‘energy seminars” to be presented by invited leaders and experts in their fields.

Q:  What type of energy industries will be covered in the curriculum?

A:  “Energy” in the context of the UW MBA energy programs refers to both traditional hydrocarbon energy businesses (e.g., coal, oil and natural gas), the power generation industry, as well as to alternative energy (e.g., renewables, nuclear and cogeneration).  The programs will address the total industry-specific value chains including extraction and production, processing and conversion, and marketing and delivery in each industry segment.

Q:  Generally speaking, what type of expertise will students have upon graduation from the two energy programs?  

A:  Our graduates will be well grounded in energy management business disciplines with the following abilities:

•  Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making Skills
•  Business Management Skills with Ethical Applications that will Compliment their Technical Expertise
•  Ability to take on More Responsibility within the Firm Sooner
• Global Business Exposure 
• Enhanced Communication Skills – Written and Oral
• Heightened Strategic Planning Abilities

Q:  What core and elective classes will be included in the Energy Concentration and Energy Management MBA curriculums?

A:  The core curriculum for all UW MBA programs is as follows:

Fall First Year

Financial Accounting

Business Research Methods

Operations Management

Organizational Behavior/Human Resources

Decision Making

Business Communications (Written and Oral)

Spring First Year

Managerial Finance

Managerial Economics

Marketing Management

Entrepreneurial Management

Decision Sciences & Systems Analysis

In the summer of the first year, Energy Concentration and Energy Management students will take part in an energy-focused summer project, while general MBA students will work on other summer projects. 

Summer First Year

Energy-Focused Summer Project (strategic orientation)

In the fall of the second year, MBA in Energy Management students will take the following energy management courses:

Fall Second Year

Energy Economics*

Energy Supply Chain Management*

Energy Accounting

Energy Finance I – Project Evaluation*

*Energy Management Concentration courses

Energy Management MBA students will also take one additional semester of specialized coursework as outlined below:

Spring Second Year

Energy Law & Regulation

Energy Finance II – Securities, Hedging, Trading

Energy Marketing & Sustainable Consumption

Energy Leadership (Capstone)

Q:  Will the MBA with an Energy Concentration and MBA in Energy Management programs produce graduates that are in demand?

A:  We believe developing and executing energy-focused MBA courses, concentrations, and degrees is both strategic and timely as it is widely accepted that the long-term growth outlook for global energy production and consumption will be robust well into the 21st century.  Additionally, most sectors of the energy industry are facing well-documented shortages of young managerial talent and are forecasting a significant shortfall in the management ranks over coming years.  Industry leaders have expressed a strong preference for candidates with MBAs.

Q:  Is the UW College of Business well positioned to be a leader in energy industry education?

A:  We believe David Emery, Chairman, President, and CEO of Black Hills Corporation, says it best: “It makes sense that Wyoming--a leading producer of both traditional and alternative energy--and its university have created a program that combines energy industry expertise with excellence in business management.  No place in the country is better positioned to be a leader in this sector.” 

To illustrate Mr. Emery’s point, the university was able to leverage its well-recognized strengths in energy research, environmental economics, environmental management, energy-related science, engineering, and law to help lay the groundwork for these programs.

Furthermore, to insure relevance, this energy management initiative was built in consultation with energy industry executives, public policy leaders, renowned global energy scholars, board members of energy companies, and representatives of all phases of the energy industry from exploration to retail.

Q:  What is the timeline for introducing the two new energy programs?

A:  These initiatives launched in the fall semester 2012, and it is anticipated that the first UW full-time MBA with an Energy Concentration will be granted in December 2012, and the first Energy Management MBA degree will be awarded in May 2014.

Q:  How do I get more information about the two new Energy Management MBA programs at the University of Wyoming?

A:  Please contact: