Energy Business, M.E.B.

Return to The Collins College of Business .

Director of Graduate Business Programs
Ralph W. Jackson

Program Director
Timothy C. Coburn

The Master of Energy Business (MEB) is a professional master’s program in the School of Energy Economics, Policy and Commerce primarily designed for individuals seeking to advance their careers in the energy industry through graduate training in management, business skills, and energy company operations. The program blends sound business principles with current issues and perspectives from across the global energy complex to create a distinctive educational experience.

Primarily designed for working professionals, the MEB is delivered in an online instructional environment enriched by contemporary media and communication technologies. Students interact among themselves and instructors much like a traditional class, but without the physical classroom setting. Full lectures and course materials are available on demand, with completion of many of the same kinds of assignments being required as in conventional graduate courses. Students also participate in two face-to-face weekend seminars presented in an executive style format in Tulsa or at other geographic locations that are centers of energy activity.

Courses are taught by full-time faculty on the campus of The University of Tulsa, many of whom have direct energy company experience, along with industry practitioners and other experts. Academic units across the University are represented, including the Collins College of Business, the College of Engineering and Natural Sciences.

Learning Objectives

The objectives of the Master of Energy Business are:

Students will actively engage with the energy business community during their MEB program.
Students understand the critical issues facing today’s energy industry, including the relationships among energy policy, governmental regulation, economic development, competition, technological innovation, evolving markets, health/safety, and corporate and environmental sustainability.
Students are prepared to assume management positions of increasing responsibility in energy companies, and have the multidisciplinary skills necessary to address typical managerial situations.

Admission Criteria

Applicants to the Master of Energy Business are expected to have completed a baccalaureate degree at an approved university in a discipline that is complementary to energy business (e.g., engineering, geosciences, business, pre-law), and must have a minimum of two years of work experience in a professional setting, preferably within a segment of the energy industry. Applicants who lack academic training and/or experience in the energy industry may be considered; and if accepted, will be required to complete foundational training prior to entering the program. In particular, candidates who are underprepared in quantitative methods or who have limited knowledge of the technical disciplines within the energy industry will be expected to satisfy a leveling requirement.

With prior approval of the Program Director, the leveling requirement may be satisfied in a number of ways, such as:

Completion of traditional classroom courses on the campus of The University of Tulsa or at another university.
Completion of online courses offered through The University of Tulsa or another university.
Completion of approved commercially-available or industry-sponsored short-courses.
Passing a proficiency exam following self-study preparation.

A completed application, along with an application fee, must be submitted to the Graduate School along with:

official transcripts from all educational institutions the applicant has previously attended;
a resume of professional work experience;
three writing samples pertaining to topics of interest to energy business; and
a letter of support from the applicant’s current employer (if the applicant is employed), or from an individual who has been the applicant’s immediate supervisor within the last two years.

An acceptable GMAT score obtained within five years prior to the application date, or equivalent evidence of ability to complete the program, is also required.

Applications are reviewed by an admissions committee which will evaluate the documentation and evidence submitted by each candidate. Acceptance is based on a holistic review of prior academic achievement, personal motivation, work experience, and related qualifications that point to the likelihood of success. Other supporting materials may be submitted by the applicant or requested by the admissions committee. The admissions committee may also request an interview.

Curriculum

The Master of Energy Business is a 34-credit-hour program, encompassing 10 required courses (28 credit hours) and two electives (6 credit hours). Students pursuing an MEB degree must complete all required courses and two electives. Electives can be judiciously selected to create a focus area in energy law, energy finance and economics, or corporate strategy and commercial development. A thesis is not required.

Students enter the program in the fall, spring, or summer and enroll in two courses each semester year-round (fall, spring, summer). The degree can be completed within 24 months. However, students who take fewer than two courses per academic term can expect degree completion to take longer.

Required Courses

Elective Courses (choose two)

Satisfactory Progress

A candidate for the Master of Energy Business degree is expected to complete the program in a timely manner. All requirements for the degree must be completed within six years from the first date of enrollment in the program. Students who do not make satisfactory progress may be dismissed from the program.

Common Questions