New Ph. D. Aims to Develop Clean Energy Technologies, Reduce Dependence on Foreign Energy Sources
North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University will offer starting in Fall 2005 an Energy & Environmental Studies Ph. D. program that promises to help solve complex, interrelated regional, national, and international energy and environmental problems.
(PRWEB) December 6, 2004
The rationale for the innovative program is based on AmericaÂ’s current and increasing dependence on foreign sources of energy, a reliance that subjects the nation to economic and environmental security threats. According to the US Department of Energy, by 2025, the demand for oil will increase by 50 percent and petroleum imports, which already account for 55 percent of the countryÂ’s domestic needs, will increase to more than 68 percent.
The Energy & Environmental Studies Ph. D. aims to find ways to reduce the threat to homeland security that this foreign dependence poses through the discovery of clean forms of energy that support sustainable global economic growth with minimal impact on the environment.
The interdisciplinary curriculum bridges the gap between engineering, the physical and life sciences, social sciences, and humanities through required core environmental, energy, economics, and management courses. Economic, legal, ethical, and social considerations of the technology studied will form a required section of the dissertation. Most students entering the program will have a M. S. degree in engineering, technology, or the physical and life sciences.
Graduates will be well prepared for careers in energy and environmental, business, governmental agencies, and educational institutions. They will be uniquely prepared to positively impact the energy and environmental challenges the world faces.
Along with the Energy & Environmental Studies Ph. D., A&T is also introducing an interdisciplinary Ph. D. program in Leadership Studies that will emphasize diversity, ethics, information technology, and informed practice and research.
NC A&T State University is a learner-centered community that develops and preserves intellectual capital through interdisciplinary learning, discovery, engagement, and operational excellence.
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