Application deadline
Credits and costs
Nationally Recognized
Bachelor of Science in Energy and Sustainability Policy
Modern society is faced with the challenge — and opportunity — of balancing global energy demand with availability. Accomplishing that goal while staying within the planet's ecological boundaries is a critical task.
As a student in the program, you can:
- acquire multi-faceted knowledge (societal, economic, and technical) of both conventional and renewable energy use and its environmental implications
- gain valuable analytical and communication skills
- foster strong collaboration skills needed to facilitate stakeholder interactions on matters associated with energy, sustainability, and related policies
- develop ethics and leadership skills needed to navigate the complexities of energy and sustainability management
As a graduate of the program, you may work with a variety of organizations, advocacy groups, commercial firms, or regulatory bodies on projects related to energy project development; energy policy planning, analysis, and implementation; energy efficiency and waste reduction initiatives; environmental assessments; regulatory compliance; stakeholder communications; and more.
The Penn State Difference
The ESP program at Penn State is one of the few online programs in the country that focuses specifically on policy within the realm of energy and sustainability. Our program is all-inclusive, covering all forms of energy with policy serving as the program's nexus.
In addition to instilling a strong sustainability ethic, we integrate an international perspective into the program, so you can gain knowledge of international, social, cultural, and political dimensions of energy and sustainability considerations on a global scale.
Your Online Bachelor of Science Curriculum
This interdisciplinary program, developed by industry experts and academic leaders in the field, integrates course work in energy sources, uses, and implications; sustainability principles and practices; and policy development and analysis. As a student, you will also gain knowledge in other relevant areas, including the fields of science, analysis, management, and leadership. Those students who aspire to conduct critical analyses of energy management and its environmental impact will find this degree particularly useful.
A Degree to Meet Your Needs: B.S. or B.A.
The Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts in Energy and Sustainability Policy are both 120-credit programs, with the same General Education requirements and the same prescribed course work. In the B.S. program, students select additional course work in areas closely related to the major. In the B.A. program, the focus is expanded to allow students to select a foreign language and take supporting course work in global culture and humanities. In choosing which program best meets individual needs, students are encouraged to consider personal interests and strengths, professional aspirations, and plans for graduate school. For those with prior learning experience, the applicability of earlier course work to degree requirements may also be a consideration.
Military Grant-in-Aid Benefits for ESP Students
The Military Grant-in-Aid is an undergraduate program that brings our tuition rate closer to the Department of Defense cap, making a Penn State World Campus–quality education more affordable to our military students and spouses. More details, including Grant-In-Aid forms, can be found on the Military Grants and Scholarships page.
Courses
The B.S. in Energy and Sustainability Policy (ESP) is a 120-credit degree program that emphasizes sustainability principles, policy development, and energy production. Students in the B.S. program also choose supporting course work in focused areas closely related to the major.
Prescribed course work includes such topics as energy sources, uses, and technologies; sustainability principles and practices; climate change; and policy development and analysis. You will also select additional courses in energy and science; analysis and technology; business and management; and ethics, leadership, and communications.
Students must complete 120 credits to earn the B.S. in ESP. The course list includes only courses offered by World Campus. An official degree audit or the recommended academic plan for this program may include additional course options and detailed requirements. All students are expected to complete at least 36 credits at Penn State to earn this degree. Please consult an academic adviser for details.
Prescribed Courses (62 credits)
Additional Courses (select 6 credits)
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Engaged Scholarship: Internships and Foreign Studies
Penn State was selected by the Carnegie Foundation for its 2015 Community Engagement Classification, an honor resulting from our commitment to providing students with at least one outside-the-classroom engagement opportunity that impacts our community. For ESP students, foreign studies (EGEE 299) or domestic internship (EGEE 495) provide opportunity for learning outside of the classroom. You will work with faculty to design a meaningful and appropriate experience, considering your prior work and travel, interests, and professional aspirations.
Supporting Courses (select 21 credits)
Supporting courses should be selected in consultation with an adviser.
- Select 6 credits in Energy and Science
- Select 6 credits in Analysis and Technology
- Select 6 credits in Business and Management
- Select 3 credits in Ethics, Leadership and Communication
Electives (select 11 credits)
- 11 credits chosen in consultation with an adviser
General Education Requirements
Some General Education requirements may be satisfied by courses required for the major. Students should work with an adviser to select courses.
- Foundations: 15 credits
All courses require a grade of C or better. Inter-Domain courses may not be used for foundations requirements.- Writing/Speaking: 9 credits
- Quantification: 6 credits
3-6 credits are selected from mathematics, applied mathematics, and statistics; 3 credits may be selected from computer science or symbolic logic.
- Knowledge Domains: 15 credits
Inter-Domain courses may not be used for knowledge domain requirements.- Health and Wellness (GHW): 3 credits
- Natural Sciences (GN): 3 credits
- Arts (GA): 3 credits
- Humanities (GH): 3 credits
- Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS): 3 credits
- Integrative Studies: 6 credits
- Inter-Domain course work: 6 credits
- Exploration: 9 credits
- Natural Sciences (GN) (may be Inter-Domain): 3 credits
- GA, GH, GN, GS, and Inter-Domain courses: 6 credits
May include 3 credits of World Language course work beyond the requirements of the student’s degree program or at the 12th credit level, whichever is higher.
These General Education Requirements are for students who started in summer 2023 or later. Students who started earlier can review the prior version of the general education requirements.
Course Availability
If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search (opens in new window) to start planning ahead.
Costs and Financial Aid
Undergraduate Tuition
Undergraduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register and the number of total credits you have accrued at or transferred to Penn State.
Tuition is due shortly after each semester begins and rates are assessed every semester of enrollment.
| How many credits do you plan to take per semester? | If you have 59 or fewer credits | If you have 60 or more credits |
|---|---|---|
| 11 or fewer | $626 per credit | $671 per credit |
| 12–19 | $7,602 per semester | $8,206 per semester |
Undergraduate students taking more than 19 credits will be charged the flat tuition rate plus the regular per credit hour rate for each credit above 19.
| How many credits do you plan to take per semester? | If you have 59 or fewer credits | If you have 60 or more credits |
|---|---|---|
| 11 or fewer | $632 per credit | $678 per credit |
| 12–19 | $7,678 per semester | $8,288 per semester |
Undergraduate students taking more than 19 credits will be charged the flat tuition rate plus the regular per credit hour rate for each credit above 19.
Financial Aid and Military Benefits
Some students may qualify for financial aid. Take the time to research financial aid, scholarships, and payment options as you prepare to apply. Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities, as well.
How to Apply
Deadlines and Important Dates
Your degree application, including receipt of all transcripts, must be received by the following deadlines to be considered complete.
New students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA by March 1. Please visit the Office of Student Aid website for more information about applying for financial aid and recommended deadlines.
Admissions Help
Thank you for your interest in applying to this program. Contact an admissions counselor to discuss your educational goals, financial aid options, and application deadlines.
Admission Requirements
To apply for this program, you must be a high school graduate or have completed your GED.
What You Need
Applications are submitted electronically and include a nonrefundable application fee. You will need the following items to complete your application:
High school transcripts or GED transcript — First-year applicants are required to submit Self-Reported Academic Records (SRAR). Official high school transcripts will only be required at the time a student accepts an offer of admission to Penn State.
Official college or university transcripts, if you attended another institution, and/or official military transcripts (if applicable). — All college or university transcripts are required regardless of the length of time that has passed, the grades earned, or the accreditation of the institutions attended. Acceptance of transfer credit toward your degree is subject to final approval by the academic department. For detailed information, see the Transfer Students page.
Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. Please send your transcripts by mail or electronically through Parchment, eScrip-Safe, or the National Student Clearinghouse directly to Penn State from the college/university where course work was attempted.
Submit official documents by mail to:
Undergraduate Admissions Office
The Pennsylvania State University
201 Shields Building
University Park, PA 16802
English Proficiency — The language of instruction at Penn State is English. With some exceptions, international applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum test scores and exceptions are found in the English Language Proficiency section on the Undergraduate Admissions International Requirements page. Visit the TOEFL website for testing information. Penn State's institutional code is 2660.
Start Your Application
Former Penn State students may not need to complete the admissions application. Please visit our Returning Students page for instructions.
If this is your first time applying to Penn State, you'll need to complete the following steps:
- Review the application instructions before beginning.
- Complete the online application and submit all official documents.
- Pay the application fee.
Checking Your Status
You can check the status of your application by using the same login information established for the online application form and choosing "MyPennState — Check Application Status." Your decision letter (confirming your acceptance or denial) will be mailed four to six weeks after receipt of all application materials. An admissions counselor will contact you if additional information is required.
Technical Requirements
Review the technical requirements for this degree program.
Get the resources you need to make informed decisions about your education. Request information on this program and other programs of interest by completing this form.
Start or Advance Your Career
Start or Advance Your Career
The Bachelor of Science degree in Energy and Sustainability Policy (ESP) can prepare you for careers in the rapidly evolving energy and sustainability policy sector, especially where strong science, business, and analytical skills are required.
Contact Us
To learn more about the online Bachelor of Science in Energy and Sustainability Policy, offered in partnership with the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, please contact:
Academic Program Office
2217 Earth & Engineering Sciences Building
University Park PA 16802
Phone (toll-free): 855-886-1951
Phone: 814-863-1009
Email: [email protected]
You may also visit the Energy and Sustainability Policy (ESP) program website within Penn State's College of Earth and Mineral Sciences.
Faculty
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Seth Blumsack
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DegreePh.D., Engineering and Public Policy, Carnegie Mellon University
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DegreeM.S., Economics, Carnegie Mellon University
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DegreeB.A., Math and Economics, Reed College
Dr. Seth Blumsack's research focuses on policy-driven issues and technological change faced by the electricity and natural gas industries. He studies regulation, network reliability and resilience, and technological change in the power grid and natural gas supply systems.
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Mark Fedkin
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DegreePh.D., Geo-Environmental Engineering, Penn State
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DegreeM.S., Geo-Environmental Engineering, Penn State
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DegreeB.S., Geology, Moscow State University (Russia)
Dr. Mark Fedkin is an assistant teaching professor and lead faculty of the energy and sustainability policy program at Penn State. He is also a lead faculty in the renewable energy and sustainability systems graduate online program. He has worked for more than ten years for the Earth and Mineral Sciences Energy Institute, where he led experimental research on electrochemical energy systems and processes, including fuel cells, hydrogen technologies, electrophoresis, and corrosion in extreme environments. During his career as an experimentalist, Dr. Fedkin developed a number of methods and technologies for monitoring and sensing the environmental parameters in both simulated and natural settings.
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Matt Howard
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DegreeM.A., International Affairs, The George Washington University
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DegreeB.A., International Economics and Cultural Affairs, Valparaiso University
Matt Howard is an adjunct instructor in the energy and sustainability policy program area with nearly 20 years of work experience in the field. He has developed and run sustainable manufacturing programs at the federal and local levels. Matt has also served as the sustainability officer for a major U.S. city and managed its energy portfolio. He previously served on the National Advisory Council for Environmental Policy and Technology and currently works in the nonprofit sector addressing water security and sustainability issues.
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Daniel Kasper
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DegreeM.A., Geography, University of Denver
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DegreeB.S., Earth Science, Penn State
Daniel Kasper is an adjunct instructor in the energy and sustainability policy program. His teaching focus is on global energy issues, residential and commercial energy efficiency and conservation, political ecology, and general sustainability. The focus of his research and praxis is environmental and social justice, political ecology, energy efficiency and conservation, energy and sustainability policy, sustainable food production, and community gardening, with a particular focus on issues disproportionately impacting low income and otherwise marginalized communities.
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Brandi Robinson
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DegreeM.S., Geography, Penn State
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DegreeB.A., Environmental Studies and Geography, University of Pittsburgh
Brandi Robinson is an instructor for the energy and sustainability policy program as well as the renewable energy and sustainability systems master's program. She brings expertise in policy formation and analysis relative to carbon markets to her teaching, as well as local-scale greenhouse gas inventorying and mitigation strategy development.
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Haley Sankey
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DegreeMPS, Project Management, Penn State
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DegreeB.S., Environmental Practice and Policy, Juniata College
Haley Sankey is an instructor and adviser for the energy and sustainability policy program, instructing EGEE 495: Internship Experience, EGEE 299: Foreign Studies, and EM SC 302: Orientation to Energy and Sustainability Policy. She also serves on the Commission for Adult Learners and the Student Engagement Network advisory board.
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