Best PhD Programs in Energy and Policy with a Security focus.

[Charlemagne]

Hi, I've been looking at programs for awhile now, but decided to get everyone's thoughts on this subject...

 

I'm looking for a PhD program that offers both energy and security studies, but which will work for what I plan to do my dissertation on. The effects of commercializing nuclear fusion as a viable alternative energy source; examining the nuclear policy and proliferation effects, as well as the regional/global security and economic effects for a new source of potable water. (For those who don't know, fresh water is a byproduct of the fusion process) Obviously, my interests extend beyond this, but so far the best I've identified seems to be...

 

George Washington University

 

Best choice because of their Security Studies Center focus on Energy, it's an interdisciplinary/professional program. 

 

I should also add that I'm looking to work in government, and not academia. Certainly add Masters programs to the discussion, for others which may be interested, thanks in advance!

Edited January 23, 2014 by Charlemagne

[kal5]

I'd recommend looking at Columbia's SIPA. They recently launched a new center on the study of energy and have some interesting faculty there, not to mention the Earth Institute. Definitely check out Berkeley (for masters or phd in environmental stuff and form what I remember they have specific programs around energy policy, their polisci isn't doing much related to energy yet). I'd also look into MIT's PoliSci PhD, the school as a whole has a number of energy initiatives and their polisci staff takes your areas very seriously

[ajaxp91]

If you are certain that you intend to work in government in lieu of academia, perhaps consider the Pardee RAND Graduate School. They have a significant body of researchers that specialize in Energy Policy and Energy Security topics.

 

Additionally, perhaps Carnegie Mellon University's Ph.D. in Engineering and Public Policy may be a fine fit, depending on your educational background.

 

Lastly, I would recommend the Chicago Harris School of Public Policy Ph.D. program, as they house the Energy Policy Institute at Chicago.

[IRToni]

If you already have an M.A./ don't mind first doing an M.A., SAIS has an amazing energy concentration, and I seem to remember reading about Columbia SIPA and Fletcher in that regard as well. SAIS and Fletcher also have good, policy-oriented PhD programs.