American University of Beirut

Master of Science in Energy Studies (MS)

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The field of energy studies crosses the boundaries of several disciplines at AUB in the sciences, in engineering, and in the social sciences. The primary goal of energy studies at the university is to increase AUB’s ability to address more complex and pressing issues in the region and to transform energy research to serve the needs of society in the form of policies, market choices, and services. It will advance the frontiers of knowledge in energy areas, and integrate resources for higher research visibility in meeting regional needs. Current academic training and educational programs in the region do not offer similar degrees although many universities in US and Europe are offering specialised post graduate energy related programs addressing market needs for energy experts.

The Energy Studies program aims to engage students in the development of energy initiatives, prepare energy studies’ professionals to meet market needs of the region and internationally, advance knowledge in energy science and technology through research, and support energy dialogue for the development of appropriate and informed public policies. The program will enhance our conceptual understanding of policy making model in the region. The master of Science in Energy Studies bridges the current energy related degrees and minors offered in the various disciplines.  It draws on the expertise of faculty members in the fields of science, engineering, economics, political science, architecture, business and humanities. The program will be able to address the complex needs of the region and issues of energy mix as linked to development and economies.

The program was approved by the BOT in June 2013 and is registered with the Education Department of the State of New York and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (Lebanon) in February 2014.​​​

Click here for application requirements

Educational Goals and Program Learning Outcomes

The Master of Science (MS) in Energy Studies program is planned to consolidate and build on AUB’s excellent research and professional profile addressing current and future energy research needs of the region in areas such as energy science and technology, economics, public policy, and energy management. The program’s educational goals are:

  • To promote an interdisciplinary approach to understand and evaluate various modes of energy supply and end-use efficiency of energy systems within the context of sustainability and development in the region.

  • To develop effective collaboration skills among students from different disciplines including energy science and technology, economics, and public policy.

 On successful completion of this course of study, students will:

  • Be able to evaluate different sources of energy related to energy extraction, conversion, and utilization for both traditional systems and sustainable/renewable energy alternatives.

  • Apply methods of economic analysis, risk and decision analysis, environmental impact assessment, and policy techniques for performing energy planning and reaching and decision making while addressing sustainability in supply and demand.

  • Understand advances in selected energy technologies, products and energy end-use efficiency and their impact on market economy, and development activities.​​​​

Contact Us

​​​Department Chair - Professor ​Issam Lakkis​
Tel: +(961) 1 3500000​ ext. 3438 

Program Coordinator - Professor Nesreen Ghaddar ​
Tel: +(961) 1 3500000​ ext. 3594

Executive Assistant - Lara El Khoury​
Tel: +(961) 1 3500000​ ext. 3451


​Degree Requirements 

MS-ENST Thesis Program Requirements 

The program permits full-time or part-time enrollments. To obtain a master’s degree in energy studies (thesis program), the student must complete a minimum of 24 credits of graduate course work, 6 credits of interdisciplinary thesis work on energy-related fields, and a 0-credit seminar. 

The course work is distributed as follows: 

• 9 credits of required core courses
• 3 or 6 credits of elective courses from List A on energy resources, economics and policy
• 6 or 9 credits of elective courses from List B on energy science and technology
• 3 credits of elective course as approved by thesis advisor/s if the elective is not from List A or B
• 0 credit seminar Credit Summary 

MS-ENST Non-thesis Program Requirements To obtain a master’s degree in energy studies (non-thesis program), the student must complete a minimum of 30 credits of graduate course work and a 0-credit seminar. 

The course work is distributed as follows: 

• 9 credits of required core courses
• 6 or 9 credits of elective courses from List A on energy resources, economics and policy
• 9 or 12 credits of elective courses from List B on energy science and technology
• 3 credits of elective course as approved by thesis advisor/s if the elective is not from List A or B
• 0 credit seminar ​​​​



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