The new name more accurately reflects the new curriculum.
The new degree program, known as “Energy Resource Management and Development” includes training for exploration, development and management of energy resources. Graduates will be competitive in the Wyoming energy industry, as well as overseas.
One significant change to the curriculum is the addition of concentrations. Students can choose tracks such as fossil fuel energy, renewable energy or energy land and water management. Requirements for math, chemistry, physics and thermodynamics will not change.
Experts in the energy industry revised the undergraduate degree requirements and offered comment on how to better prepare graduates of the program.
UW’s Board of Trustees approved the changes in January and the university will see those changes take effect in the 2012 fall semester. Students already enrolled will have the option to either switch programs or continue on with their current degree. Approximately 50 students are currently enrolled.
“We want to ensure the professional preparation of graduates relative to demands, skills and competencies necessary for competitive success in the rapidly evolving energy work force,” Don Roth, UW School of Energy Resource’s deputy director for academics, said.
Roth said the program will still be interdisciplinary, but the concentrations will allow greater depth in areas where it is needed.