Energy Studies Minor
The Energy Studies Minor (ESM) is open to undergraduate students in all majors at the University of Notre Dame. This minor prepares students to become successful leaders who understand the complexities of the world's energy and climate change challenges. Students draw from technical and non-technical coursework to better understand pathways to move our country and the world toward a more sustainable energy future. In addition to technical careers, alumni work in a wide variety of fields, including policy, economics, finance, accounting, consulting, and many others.
Guidelines for Fall 2026
All ESM graduates complete 16 credits of coursework that include a foundation in the technical aspects of energy in addition to business, economic, and policy considerations. There are several pathways based on students' majors, interests, and professional goals.
Technical Course Options
- Earth Focus, ENER 20333, is the preferred 3-credit option for non-engineering students for Fall 2026.
- Engineers and some science majors take additional electives rather than this introductory-level course.
- Other technical courses, including those studied abroad, may be used with pre-approval.
Business, Economic, and/or Policy Options
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All minors must complete at least one 3-credit class that examines energy or climate change through the lens of business, economics, and/or policy (BEP). This list changes each semester and may include courses from a study abroad program.
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Energy Systems for Decarbonization: Fossil Phase Out, Zero Carbon Buildout, and the Future of Energy, ENER 30131, is highly recommended for the BEP option.
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BEP courses offered this semester are designated by asterisks (*) after the title.
Electives
Nine additional credits of energy or climate change-related elective courses are required to complete the minor. The list is extensive and varies from semester to semester. An updated list will be posted before registration. Students are encouraged to choose classes outside of their majors.
Shared Courses or Double-counts
When a single course counts toward both a major and a minor, it is referred to as a double-count or shared class. Consult your college advisor for details. Engineers may use up to three courses from their major to fulfill their minor requirements due to the high energy content of their curriculum. Core curriculum courses not counted toward the major are free to be used in the minor and are not considered double-counts. A class may not be shared between two minors or between a concentration and a minor.
Capstone
The 1-credit capstone is earned through two half-credit seminar-style courses, ENER 37003 and ENER 37004. The first course is taken immediately after joining the minor, and the second is taken either semester senior year. The seminar emphasizes networking, current events, and experiential learning.
Contact Us
For more information about the ESM, please email Anne Berges Pillai (apillai@nd.edu), or use this link to book an appointment.