ERG is small, fiercely interdisciplinary and has been producing energy-transition thinkers since the 1970s — Dan Kammen's and John Holdren's academic home. The two-year master's (MA or MS depending on your coursework's centre of gravity) spans 40 units across four pillars — energy engineering, climate economics, environmental science and environmental justice — and closes with an independent master's project rather than a taught capstone.
Key facts
Duration
24 months (2 years)
Language
English
Format
Full-time
Intake
August (fall)
Curriculum modules
Interdisciplinary ERG core — Energy and resources across engineering, economics and society.
Graduate electives — Minimum 18 graduate units, drawn from across the Berkeley catalogue.
Master's project — Independent research project defining the MA vs MS designation.
Admission requirements
Bachelor's degree with strong quantitative preparation
TOEFL/IELTS for non-native English speakers
Statement of purpose, research fit with ERG faculty, recommendation letters
The 2026 Sustainability Degree Shortlist Guide: pick, compare and afford the right programme — plus occasional emails with new programmes, scholarships and application tips.