MS in Climate and Energy Policy (MSCEP)

The Master of Science in Climate and Energy Policy (MSCEP) at the Harris School of Public Policy is a one-year, full-time graduate program designed to train future leaders at the intersection of climate science, energy technology, data science, economics, and public policy. 

Developed in partnership with the University’s Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth, the MSCEP curriculum provides students with a holistic understanding of the climate and energy challenge, rigorous training in applying data and evidence to policy design, and opportunities to learn and apply skills outside the classroom. This approach equips graduates with the analytical tools, interdisciplinary perspectives, and intellectual rigor needed to craft serious solutions.

Rigorous Curriculum, Real-World Experience

The curriculum is anchored in data science, economics and policy, and blends academic rigor with applied learning, ensuring you graduate ready to lead.

• Core Coursework: Build your Foundation
  Gain the analytical, scientific, and technical skills to lead in climate and energy policy from day one.
• Experiential Learning: Go Beyond the Classroom
  Dive into a hands-on September module where you’ll explore how real communities, organizations, and governments navigate climate and energy challenges to gain an authentic understanding.
• Capstone: Collaborate. Integrate. Solve.
  Work on a real-world climate or energy challenge, combining you skills in policy, economics, and technology to deliver practical solutions.
• Electives: Customize Your Path. Deepen Your Expertise.
  Choose courses from machine learning to utility regulation to shape your focus and sharpen your skills.

Core Domains, Career-Ready Skills

The 11-month program provides a 360-degree understanding of the climate and energy challenge with a strong foundation in quantitative analysis, climate science, economics, and energy policy, progressing from fundamental data skills to advanced policy applications. The curriculum is anchored in four core domains and blends academic rigor with applied learning, ensuring students graduate ready to develop solutions that are scientifically informed, economically sound, and politically feasible.

• Data & Analytical Tools
  Statistics, programming, data visualization, machine learning
• Economics & Policy Analysis
  Climate economics, energy markets, regulatory policy, cost-benefit analysis
• Climate Science & Systems
  Earth systems science, climate modeling, carbon cycle dynamics, climate attribution
• Energy Technology & Innovation
  Grid decarbonization, electrification, carbon capture, storage, renewable integration, geoengineering, nuclear, emerging technologies