University of Denver University College - Online Degrees in Sustainability

As part of our ongoing effort to identify, evaluate and publicize online degree programs in sustainability, today we will be looking at the The University of Denver University College of Professional and Continuing Studies. The University of Denver University College is an online college that awards a Masters in Energy and Sustainability. Our information comes from a variety of sources, but all evaluations and opinions are our own.

Online College

The University of Denver University College is the University of Denver's Professional and Continuing Studies Program targeted towards working adults. The University of Denver itself is the oldest private college in the Rocky Mountain Region of the United States, and focuses on graduate degrees. Indeed, graduate students outnumber undergraduate students, the count being 6k graduate and 5k undergraduate.

Online Degree Programs

• Masters in Energy and Sustainability (48 credits)
• Certificate in Energy and Sustainability (24 credits)

Descriptions

The Master's and Certificate Program in Energy and Sustainability at the University of Denver University College are geared, as the name suggests, to preparing students to enter the growing energy industry. Introductory courses introduce students to energy systems and energy policy, while upper-level courses guide the student towards a more diversified offering in environmental systems and sustainability planning. Sustainability systems, for example:

"must be considered and developed in the areas of growth, transportation, energy, policy, and business models in order to head off looming environmental, political, and humanitarian problems. This will be accomplished through a comprehensive study of sustainability in the areas of economic development, green building, land use, transportation, and water resources."

Students will be expected to:

• Demonstrate a solid understanding of how non−renewable and renewable energy sources are developed, used, regulated, and financed


• Articulate a strong working knowledge of sustainability concepts


• Show an understanding of trends and issues in areas of traffic management, climate science, water supplies, and green buildings


• Develop plans for the integration of sustainable practices into products, business and marketing plans, environmental policies, and organizational processes


• Build finance−schemes and marketing strategies for their plans so they can be presented to an organization leader as an executable idea
• As well as develop a strong understanding of environmental management.

Source: http://universitycollege.du.edu/epm/degree/masters/energy-and-sustainability-online/degreeid/369#overview

Pros

Environmental and Sustainability Policy Planning is a rapidly growing field, and the choice between a Master's and Certificate Program allows the student to choose the proper amount of schooling necessary for their career advancement and continuing education at a cost that is far from prohibitive.

Cons

The University of Denver, although well-known in the Rocky Mountain region, is a relative lightweight compared to East, West and Midwest giants who offer similar degrees. It is also a relative unknown in the major ranking indices.

Cost

• Master's in Energy and Sustainability ($26k)
• Certificate in Energy and Sustainability ($13k)

Rankings

Princeton Review College Ranking: ?

Princeton Review Green Honor Roll: N/A 

Princeton Review Guide to Green Colleges: Yes

US News and World Reports MBA Ranking: Unranked

Bloomberg BusinessWeek MBA Rankings: Unranked

Financial Times Global MBA Rankings: Unranked

The Economist Global Executive MBA Rankings: Unranked

Wall Street Journal Business School Rankings: Unranked

Green Report Card Ranking: A-

Resources

Guide to Sustainability MBA Programs from Wikipedia

GreenerU Guide to Sustainability Rankings

Bloomberg BusinessWeek Top MBAs in Sustainability

Testimonials

Robert Nelson is blogger-in-chief at Dude, Sustainable!. Find us on Google+ or on Facebook.