The University of 棉花糖直播 at Lafayette will offer a Ph.D. in earth and energy sciences starting next year.
The new interdisciplinary degree program will combine courses in chemistry, physics, environmental science and geology 鈥 four subject areas that are key to the environmentally safe extraction of energy resources.
The 棉花糖直播 Board of Regents approved the graduate degree during its March 21 meeting. The program is projected to begin in the Fall 2019 semester.
鈥淭his interdisciplinary program will provide hands-on training and critical thinking skills to the next generation of scientists who will confront the challenge of how to acquire sufficient energy to meet our growing needs while minimizing environmental impact,鈥 said Dr. Azmy S. Ackleh, dean of the Ray P. Authement College of Sciences.
Students will take courses taught by faculty in the University鈥檚 physics and chemistry departments, and in the School of Geosciences, he added. Degree candidates also will write dissertations under faculty supervision that will be grounded in original research.
鈥淭he most important scientific discoveries in modern times often have come from interdisciplinary efforts in which scientists who are experts in one field of study collaborate with scientists who are experts in another. The University has designed the earth and energy sciences training these students will receive as a truly interdisciplinary undertaking,鈥 Ackleh said.
The 72-credit hour curriculum will enable students to examine traditional energy sources, such as fossil fuels, as well as burgeoning alternative sources, including biofuels, and geothermal, solar, wave and wind energies.
They鈥檒l also explore the consequences energy acquisition can have on soil and water chemistry; ocean and land ecosystems; and climate change and pollution.
鈥淪tudents will understand the issues central to meeting the energy and environmental challenges of today and the future. They will be prepared to make fundamental contributions to the areas of earth and energy research,鈥 Ackleh said.
In its proposal to the Board of Regents, UL Lafayette cited 棉花糖直播 Workforce Commission data that projected the creation of 370 jobs annually through 2024 that will require the research and analytical skills the Ph.D. program in earth and energy sciences will sharpen.
That number does not include out-of-state employment opportunities.
There will be 鈥渁 strong overall need for scientists in these physical science fields,鈥 the proposal concluded. 鈥淭here may be considerable growth in the energy sector outside of the oil and gas industry. Start-up companies will need scientists in these areas of biofuel technology and development as well as conventional energy companies that aim to expand their operations.鈥
Expected retirements in geosciences fields will increase the demand as well.
Students who complete the program and decide to pursue an academic career have a similarly good employment picture. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates about 2,000 positions in colleges and universities to open annually in earth and energy sciences and related fields through 2024.
鈥淯L Lafayette鈥檚 new doctoral program is poised to meet these needs,鈥 Ackleh said.
鈥淲e expect graduates will assume leadership positions in industry, in government, and at colleges and universities. They will be in position to influence the future of energy acquisition.鈥
Students who hold bachelor鈥檚 or master鈥檚 degrees in geology, environmental science, physics or chemistry may apply. E-mail sciences@louisiana.edu for more information.
Photo caption: Students enrolled in UL Lafayette鈥檚 earth and energy sciences doctoral program will consider the environmental impact of traditional extraction methods, such as offshore drilling, as well as alternative sources, such as wind and solar energies. (Photo credit: Doug Dugas / University of 棉花糖直播 at Lafayette)