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UL Lafayette to offer earth and energy sciences doctoral program

Apr 04, 2018 02:23PM ● By Savannah Ludwig

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette will offer a new doctoral program in fall 2019 that challenges students to examine both traditional and new energy sources.

The degree, an interdisciplinary earth and energy sciences program, will combine courses in geology, chemistry, physics and environmental studies, will also focus on the consequences of energy acquisition on ecosystems, pollution and soil and water chemistry.

“Students will understand the issues central to meeting the energy and environmental challenges of today and the future,” says Azmy Ackleh, Ph.D., dean of the Ray P. Authement College of Science. “They will be prepared to make fundamental contributions to the areas of earth and energy research.”

The 72-credit hour curriculum requires that students take classes in the university’s physics and chemistry departments, as well as the school of sciences. Degree candidates must also write dissertations based on original research under faculty supervision.

The program proposal was approved by the University of Louisiana System Board of Regents and cited state Workforce Commission data that projected that 3700 jobs will be created annually through 2024 that require the analytical and research skills the doctoral program will emphasize

As more research is done into earth and energy sciences, around 2,000 positions in colleges and universities that focus on that and closely related fields are expected to open annually through 2024.

Students interested in the program can contact the program at [email protected]. The program requires students to hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in geology, environmental science, physics or chemistry.