The Energy and Earth Resources Graduate Program provides the opportunity for students to prepare themselves in management, finance, economics, law and policy leading to analytical and leadership positions in resource–related fields. Private sector and government organizations face a growing need for professionals that can plan, evaluate, and manage complex resource projects, commonly international in scope, which often include partners with a variety of professional backgrounds. This program is well suited for those looking towards 21st century careers in energy, mineral, water, and environmental resources.

Program History

Formerly Energy and Mineral Resources (EMR), the Energy and Earth Resources (EER) program retains its emphasis on energy and substitutes for mineral a term that encompasses minerals, water, and other materials derived from the Earth. This name change, made effective in 2006, reflects the breadth of the program as it exists today.

The program was established in 1981 under the leadership of Dr. Willem C.J. vanRensburg. He successfully led the program from 1981 to 2005. Under his guidance, supported by the Department of Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering, the program graduated more than 160 students who readily found employment in mineral, energy, financial, government, and consulting organizations. Under his leadership, the program won 37 of 48 prizes over a fifteen year span in a national competition for best student papers in Mineral Economics, sponsored by the Mining and Metallurgical Society of America.

Dr. Willem C.J. vanRensburg,
program director, 1981-2005,
retired.

Upon notification of Dr. vanRensburg’s retirement in 2005, the program’s support base moved to the Jackson School of Geosciences and leadership of the program shifted to Dr. Charles G. Groat. The program continues to be jointly supported by the Department of Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering, which provides the Associate Director, Dr. Christopher Jablonowski, and the Jackson School.

The key contact for prospective and current students is Jessica Smith, the Graduate Coordinator.