Masters in Global Energy Management

The Master of Science in Global Energy Management (GEM) program is a business and leadership degree, offered in an online format that turns today’s energy professionals into tomorrow’s leaders. You can complete the program with the flexibility you need. The GEM format includes online coursework and is the only program in the energy field that provides two on-campus residency weekends held in Denver. 

Gain the business acumen of an MBA with a future-proof global perspective of the energy industry that spans all sectors. This degree prepares you to advance in your current field or to shift into a new role or sector.

Benefits of the program include: 

• 100% online coursework and a low residency requirement allowing you to continue your education while working full-time from anywhere in the world 
• Taught by energy practitioners with extensive experience across a number of industries 
• Only energy program to offer an Executive in Residence program to give you access to leaders in the industry 

GEM faculty members average 15 years in the industry. You will be taught by experts who understand where the trends in energy are headed. The program model connects business, leadership, and industry expertise. The city of Denver being an energy hub for all different sectors of energy including solar, wind, oil, and natural gas, you will benefit from a global network. 

Our program is specifically designed to develop the business acumen, leadership, and management skills needed to lead in the energy industry. Throughout the course of 18 months, you will complete 36 credit hours in 12 courses.

Core courses (27 credit hours)

These courses provide a foundation for the current realities facing the energy industry today. You’ll be exposed to perspectives from economics, law, accounting, and more. Course topics include:

Required courses (9 credit hours)

Required courses vary based on current energy market trends. The courses listed below are required for all students during the academic year 2022-2023.

Full Course Descriptions

“Professors are comprised of specialists who have succeeded at the highest level both professionally and academically worldwide. They provide industry-focused management and technical tools that are immediately transferable to the workplace.”—Tyson Johnston, GEM alumnus, Vice President Land, Anschutz Exploration Corporation

The cost of tuition is $54,000 ($4,500 per course) and is guaranteed for the entire 18-month program.  Tuition includes all student fees, course-related software, morning and afternoon refreshments on class days. Textbooks, airfare, and your hotel are not included in the price of tuition.

A $500 non-refundable deposit is due upon acceptance into the program and will be applied to the first term’s tuition. Tuition is billed in installments for each term. 

Employer Reimbursement

We recommend meeting with human resource and benefits departments to discuss eligibility for tuition reimbursement. We are happy to provide information to help you gain approval. If you receive tuition assistance from your employer, you can still apply for student loans.

Financial Aid

You have the opportunity to take out student loans and apply for scholarships. More information can be found on at the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.

Federal Stafford Student Loan

The Federal Stafford Student Loan is available to US citizens and is non-credit based and does not affect your credit rating. The award consists of subsidized and unsubsidized loans. The approximate award is $20,500 for each calendar year. The program runs over two years, which equals a total of $41,000 possible for the program.

Graduate Plus Loans

The Graduate Plus Loan application is automatically included in the Stafford Loan. You can choose whether or not to accept it. Graduate Plus Loans are federal funds but based on your credit rating.

Private Graduate Loans

Many banks offer private loans. Private lender guidelines vary from lender to lender and are determined based on a student’s credit rating. Most private loans offer rates lower than traditional credit cards.

Military Educational Programs

Programs like the GI Bill may be used to fund the GEM program. For more information, please visit the CU Denver Veteran and Military Student Services.

Self-directed Scholarships

Minority, professional, and personal affiliations may have scholarship opportunities. We recommend using the web to research opportunities you may have.

Home Equity Loans or Additional Mortgages

Interests on these loans may be low depending on market conditions. The interest may be tax deductible. These loans require credit approval and are likely to have closing costs.

The Global Energy Management program has four start dates throughout the year: Spring (January or April start) and Fall (July or October start). 

Admissions are made on a rolling basis, meaning decisions are made as applications are completed. The program accepts a limited number of students each start date. Applicants should submit a completed application as early as possible during the admissions cycle.

Application Process

You will need to complete the online application and submit all additional documents by the deadline. A phone interview is required as part of the admissions process.

Once we've received all of your application materials, you will typically receive a decision within two to three weeks. Applications may take longer to process depending on the current volume of applications received.

GMAT Information

Students with significant experience in the energy industry may not have to take the GMAT for admission into the GEM program. The chart below provides information on whether or not you are required to take the GMAT. If you already have your graduate degree in another discipline, you are automatically waived from the GMAT requirement.

GMAT Waiver Process

Applicants with 0-5 years of experience in the energy industry can petition the admissions committee requesting a waiver from the GMAT requirement. Email the documents below to gem@ucdenver.edu. The admissions committee will inform you within one week of receiving all documents the decision on the GMAT waiver.

• One-page letter petitioning the admissions committee to waive the GMAT test. Within the letter, include how undergraduate and work experience in the energy industry has positioned you to be successful in the GEM program.
• Resume
• Copy of either an unofficial or official transcript from a degree-granting institution

How Decisions are Made

Ideal candidates for the GEM program have at least five years of professional experience, demonstrating positions of increasing responsibility. Most students are currently working within the energy industry; however, the program does accept non-energy professionals looking to transition their career.

We have four application deadlines depending on your start date. Please note these deadlines apply to degree-seeking programs. The Global Energy Management Graduate Certificate has different application deadlines.

January start: December 15
April start: March 15
July start: June 15
October start: September 15