Skip Navigation

Energy Management

Energy Management

What is Energy Management?

The Robert M. Zinke Energy Management Program (formerly the Petroleum Land Management program) was established in 1958 as the first of its kind and remains the largest program in the nation. As energy companies diversify their resource management in the 21st century, the Energy Management Program continues to adjust the curriculum to meet the needs of today’s students. Energy Management’s unique focus draws from the faculty and courses of four of OU’s best academic divisions - Geosciences, Engineering, Business and Law - to create curriculum that prepares students for diverse careers in Energy at both the domestic and global levels. Students choose from a wide variety of Petroleum Engineering, Geology, Finance, Management, Legal Studies, and other courses. Graduates leave OU with the skills to succeed in many areas of the energy business, including exploration and production, land negotiations, energy finance, gas marketing and trading.

energy management students posing at conference

So, what's my degree?

An Energy Management student graduates with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. Advanced degrees include Master of Business Administration, Juris Doctor/Master of Business Administration.

Do my interests fit?

Energy management students typically have interests in:

  • Energy (fossil fuels and renewables)
  • Business
  • Finance
  • Management
  • Communication
  • Law

What courses will I take?

Students choose from a wide variety of courses in Sciences, Finance, Legal Studies, Management, Petroleum Engineering, Geology and other courses. The program also emphasizes adjunct professors in core classes, so the students get taught by industry experts to complement the Ph.D. and other professors in the business school.

How can I get involved?

Join the Energy Management Student Association (EMSA) – nearly 100% of EMSA members secure a full-time career before graduating from Price College. This is one of the most active associations on campus.

Wait, I can have a minor?

Yes, and it is recommended. The most common and encouraged minor or second major is Finance. Our advisors are focused on planning course load to maximize the benefits and efficient class schedules to achieve the student’s goals.

How can I study abroad?

Visit the Steve Dolman Family Study Abroad Office webpage to learn more about the many courses and locations available to business students. Each year, a London study abroad program offers direct exposure to energy courses and international energy companies.

Scholarships

Supporting our Energy Management students is a priority. Since 2009, students in the Energy Management program have been awarded $4.9 million in scholarships. In 2021 alone, the program awarded $179,000 to students.

What has our Energy Management Program achieved recently?

The first and oldest program of its kind (1958) continues to advance the major and the student’s capabilities. Faculty and staff continue to examine the program to be responsive to ever-changing energy needs. Just as the program was recognized at the national level for its change from petroleum land management to Energy Management, the program recently made national headlines again when Mike McConnell was announced as its seventh director. McConnell, who brings over 35 years of industry experience including leadership positions of CEO/president of public companies, also brings his passion, knowledge and experience to the students on a daily basis.

What kind of career could I pursue?

  • Oil and gas upstream and downstream companies
  • Midstream/pipeline companies
  • Energy trading firms
  • Commercial and investment banks
  • Utility companies
  • Government agencies
  • Alternative energy

How much will I make?

Visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ website to explore the median pay for jobs you can pursue with this degree. 

What have our OU graduates done with their Energy Management degrees, and who hires them?

  • Our students are hired by many top tier domestic and international companies, including: Apache, Ascent, Chesapeake Energy, Chevron, Concho, Chisolm, ConocoPhillips, BP, Bank of Oklahoma, Encana, ExxonMobil, The Federal Reserve, Marathon, Noble Energy, Southwestern Energy, ONEOK, Opportune, OXY, Phillips 66, WPX, XTO and many others.
  • In the last two years, our graduates have taken full-time positions in the following areas: land, corporate land, business development, lease brokerage, land analyst/administration, land technology, gas marketing, financial analysis, supply chain management and consultancy.
  • There are many energy executives and business leaders who are graduates of the program. Also, there are many who have started and manage their own companies.

Internships

Our students have excellent opportunities to gain work experience via internships with energy companies, including 59 students in 12 different cities in 2019 alone, and nearly 140 internships accepted in just the past two years.

Program Accreditation

The Michael F. Price College of Business has been accredited since 1926 by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Price College is ranked in the top 12 percent of AACSB International’s accredited undergraduate programs by U.S. News and World Report. The Energy Management Program is one of 12 programs in this area and is accredited by the American Association of Petroleum Landmen.

The University of Oklahoma Price College of Business

Department of Energy Management in the Price College of Business

Director: Mike McConnell 
Phone: (405) 325-0758
Email: mmcconnell@ou.edu
Website: price.ou.edu