Energy and Sustainability Concentration

Training the sustainability professionals of the future

EAS

The Energy and Sustainability (EAS) concentration focuses on finding ways to meet present needs for energy and material goods without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. A sustainability education lies at the intersection of environmental science, engineering, economics, business, public policy, social justice, and many other areas. Energy required to fuel all of these endeavors is a crucial component of sustainability. Environmental problems are defined in the real world and do not necessarily conform to traditional academic disciplines. As such, solutions require creative combinations of diverse interests and subjects. Effective training requires rigorous, problem-focused transdisciplinary action in a setting in which research is an essential element supporting instruction.

Career Paths

This concentration is designed for students interested in careers in energy and sustainability-related positions in the public, private, or non-profit sectors, including law, national and international policy, media, government, and business. Many mid-level energy and sustainability positions in the public and private sectors require multidisciplinary grounding in science, policy, and methods. Employment of environmental professionals is projected to grow 8% through 2030, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The sustainability field now represents around 4.5 million jobs, according to a report done by the Environmental Defense Fund.

Why Mason

The proximity of George Mason to Washington, DC, gives the unique opportunity to partner with public and private businesses, governmental agencies, environmental and conservation groups and environmental-focused companies.

Faculty and Research

George Mason University puts research and scholarship into action to support a just, prosperous, and sustainable world.  Mason aims to connect members of the Mason community, and collaborate with other communities, policy-makers, businesses, and organizations, so together we can more effectively address the world’s pressing sustainability and resilience challenges. Mason launched its Institute for a Sustainable Earth to lead this applied research, while our Patriot Green Fund provides grants to support students’ sustainability-related scholarship.

Nearly 200 faculty members in 32 academic departments, and numerous students are involved in sustainability research and scholarship.  These centers include the Center for Climate Change Communications (4C), Center for Ocean-Land-Atmosphere Studies, and Potomac Environmental Research and Education Center, among many more.