The Robert M. Zinke Energy Management Program prepares business graduates with a comprehensive understanding of both domestic and global energy industries.
Students gain a strong foundation in the scientific, legal, financial, and commercial skills needed to make a meaningful impact in the energy sector. The program focuses on developing energy leaders who are ready to excel in any segment of the industry. As the energy major within the Price College of Business at the University of Oklahoma, the program benefits from OU’s reputation as a leader in energy education.
Affordable and reliable energy is essential to the success of the global economy. Established in 1958 as the world’s first Petroleum Land Management program, it expanded its scope and was renamed the Energy Management Program in 1999 to reflect its broader focus.
The Energy Management curriculum integrates expertise from three of OU’s core energy colleges, complemented by business acumen from the Price College of Business:
Students complete core courses in accounting, management, marketing, economics, and management information systems, alongside upper-division finance courses covering derivatives and securities, energy risk management, investments and financial markets. Energy management courses address practical issues such as production, markets, and commodity trading.
Energy Management students take foundational technical courses in petroleum engineering and geology, gaining critical insights into the science behind the industry.
Students develop an understanding of how weather influences the global natural gas market and explore the industry’s environmental impact. Courses in ArcGIS and alternative energy sources are also offered.
Renowned for its expertise in oil and gas law, the College of Law collaborates with Price College of Business to offer coursework in commercial transactions, real property, oil and gas law, and environmental law
The Michael F. Price College of Business has been accredited since 1926 by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
The college’s undergraduate business program was recently ranked ranked as #31 by Research.com's list of Best Business and Management Universities in United States.
The Energy Management Program is one of 12 programs in this area and is accredited by the American Association of Petroleum Landmen (PDF).
The Robert M. Zinke Energy Management Program (formerly the Petroleum Land Management program) was established in 1958 as the first of its kind and remains the largest program in the nation. As energy companies diversify their resource management in the 21st century, the Energy Management Program continues to adjust the curriculum to meet the needs of today’s students. Energy Management’s unique focus draws from the faculty and courses of four of OU’s best academic divisions - Geosciences, Engineering, Business and Law - to create curriculum that prepares students for diverse careers in Energy at both the domestic and global levels. Students choose from a wide variety of Petroleum Engineering, Geology, Finance, Management, Legal Studies, and other courses. Graduates leave OU with the skills to succeed in many areas of the energy business, including exploration and production, land negotiations, renewables and electric utilities, energy finance, gas marketing and trading.
Visit the Energy Managment Program Page to learn more or request additional information.
An Energy Management student graduates with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. Advanced degrees include Master of Business Administration, Juris Doctor/Master of Business Administration.
Visit the Energy Managment Program Page to learn more or request additional information.
Students in the Energy Management Program build business acumen to become future leaders in the the energy industry. A great balance between business courses and energy-related courses help prepare students to be successful in their chosen careers in the industry.
Energy Management students typically have interests in:
Join the Energy Management Student Association (EMSA). This is one of the most active associations on campus.
Students choose from a wide variety of Sciences, Finance, Legal Studies, Management, Petroleum Engineering, Geology and other courses. The program also emphasizes adjunct professors in numerous classes, so the students get taught by industry experts to complement the Ph.D. and other professors in the business school.
Yes, and it is recommended. The most common and encouraged minor or second major is Finance. Our advisors are focused on planning course load to maximize the benefits and efficient class schedule to achieve the student’s goals. Today 40% of Energy Management have a declared second major.
The first and oldest program of its kind (1958) continues to advance the major and the student’s capabilities. Faculty and staff continue to examine the program to be responsive to ever-changing energy needs. Just as the program was recognized at the national level for its change from petroleum land management to Energy Management, the program made national headlines again when Mike McConnell was announced as its seventh director. McConnell, who brings over 35 years of industry experience including leadership positions of CEO/president of public companies, also brings his passion, knowledge and experience to the students on a daily basis. McConnell, along with his son, are graduates of the Price College Energy Management program.
Our students are hired by many top tier domestic and international companies, including: Apache, Ascent, Chesapeake Energy, Chevron, Concho, Chisolm, ConocoPhillips, BP, Bank of Oklahoma, Encana, ExxonMobil, Federal Reserve, Marathon, Noble Energy, Southwestern Energy, ONEOK, Opportune, OXY, Phillips 66, WPX, XTO, Morgan Stanley, and Duff & Phelps.
In the last two years, our graduates have taken full-time positions in the following areas: land, corporate land, business development, lease brokerage, land analyst/administration, land technology, gas marketing, project developer, financial analysis, supply chain management, auditor, and consultancy.
Internships are a priority to the program and our students have excellent opportunities to gain work experience primarily via internships with energy companies.Over the last three years, more than 135 summer internships placed with our students. In the last 10 years there have been 994 internships.
Supporting our energy eanagement students is a priority. EM students received over $4,000,000 in scholarships over the last 13 years, including $185,000 in 2021 alone, the highest annual amount among any other EM programs across the country. In 2022 the energy managment program awarded $179,000 to students.
Mike McConnell discusses Price College's brand new Renewable Energy Certificate, launched spring 2024, on The Land Department podcast, hosted by Dudley Land Company. He also shares keys to success in the expanding energy sector, adaptability, and what Price energy management students are learning about the future of energy.
In a notable address at AAPL's 69th Annual Meeting, Mike McConnell, director of the Energy Management program, emphasized the paramount role of ethics in the energy industry. Drawing from his rich experience as the president and chief executive officer for Enron Global Markets, McConnell provided a unique perspective on key aspects shaping ethical practices within the energy domain.
Director, Zinke Energy Management Program
Management and International Business
Email: mmcconnell@ou.edu
Office: Adams Hall 105K
Phone: (405) 325-0758
Assistant, Zinke Energy Management Program
Management and International Business
Email: tgillis@ou.edu
Office: Adams Hall Room 105
Phone: (405) 325-6193
