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Energy Geoscience

Certificate

Degree Type

Graduate Certificate

Department

Energy Geoscience, School of Graduate Studies

The graduate certificate in Energy Geoscience provides an opportunity for working professionals to upgrade skills, and for recent graduates to broaden their geoscience background. This 15-credit, fully online program caters to bachelor’s degree holders seeking professional advancement without the commitment of a full master’s degree. In this program you’ll gain specialized knowledge and skills vital for success in your career in diverse fields within the energy sector.

Program Overview

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Advance your career in Energy Geoscience.

The Graduate Certificate in Energy Geoscience will provide you with essential concepts and technical skills in alternative energy, carbon and hydrogen storage, geothermal energy, energy minerals and related economic and ESG factors and management principles. The program begins with an in-person field experience. Classes are offered in an asynchronous, online format delivered during fall and spring academic semesters. Structured with working professionals in mind, the program can be completed in one year.

Supplement your degree

The Graduate Certificate in Energy Geoscience offers essential knowledge and technical skills in various traditional and alternative energy sources.

Program Requirements

At Western, course rotations are crafted to encompass a variety of subject fields for a comprehensive education and versatile degree. For required courses and degree plans, visit the official University Catalog. Below is a general overview of courses at Western Colorado University related to this area of study.

Program Requirements 

15 credits are required, including:

Course List
Code Title Credits
GEOL 600Introduction to Energy Resources1
GEOL 605Energy Systems Geoscience3
GEOL 610Geology of Carbon and Hydrogen Storage3
GEOL 615Geothermal Resources3
GEOL 620Energy Minerals3
GEOL 695Seminar in Energy Economics1
GEOL 696Seminar in ESG1
Total Credits15

Careers


Top Skills

  • Economic Evaluation​
  • Science-Based Problem Solving​
  • Scientific Communication​
  • Site Characterization​
  • Stakeholder Engagement​



Career Pathways

  • Carbon Storage Geologist
  • Economic Geologist​
  • Geologist/Geoscientist
  • Project Geologist
  • Reservoir Geologist

Take the first steps toward your academic and personal growth.

Fostering your intellectual development is the primary focus of every academic program at Western. Our professors and Office of Career Services will help you identify your strengths, hone your skills, define your goals, and prepare for a fulfilling and enriched life after graduation.

Program Benefits

Energy Geoscience

Expand your skillset and elevate your career

  • Affordability – This certificate offers specialized coursework to help you advance your career at a fraction of the cost of a master’s degree.
  • Flexibility – Online structure allows you to complete the program and while meeting your personal and professional obligations.
  • Timeliness – The energy sector is rapidly evolving. Learn how you can advance your career in alternative energy.

Practical Learning

The Energy Geoscience certificate begins with an in-person experience where you’ll gain hands-on practice conducting field work.

Additional Resources

Application Requirements

The Graduate Certificate in Energy Geoscience program is offered in an asynchronous, online format delivered during fall and spring academic semesters and is designed to be completed in one year but …

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Tuition and Fees

The Energy Geoscience program tuition and fees cover credit hours, field trip activity fees and university operational fees. Click to learn more about these fees for the current academic year.

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Department Information

Energy Geoscience

Program Director

Elizabeth Petrie, Ph.D.

Moncrief Chair in Petroleum Geology

Contact Information

970.943.2117

epetrie@western.edu

Campus Location

1 Western Way
Gunnison, CO 81231

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