Why A Masters of Energy Regulation and Law (MERL) Degree?
The rapid growth of the alternative energy sector, coupled with the environment and pollutions problems associated with traditional energy production, has created a growing need for professionals in all fields, including law, business, nonprofit administration, and law, to be trained and educated regarding the future of energy policy, regulation, and law.
A Masters of Energy Regulation and Law (MERL) program prepares graduates to effectively navigate regulations, policy, and law surrounding the production, transmission, and utilization of traditional and alternative energy sectors.
What Skills Will I Learn While Studying for MERL Degree?
While studying for a Masters of Energy Regulation and Law degree, students will be exposed to, and prepared for, important field-related competencies, including:
- Evaluating policy related to energy and environmental law.
- Engaging and Influencing individuals and organizations that determine energy regulation, policy, and law.
- Demonstrating a historical context knowledge of energy and environmental law in order to influence current and future policy related to energy regulation and law.
- Analyzing and articulating the impacts energy regulation and environmental law have on various social, environmental, and economic outcomes.
- Problem solving and critical thinking to develop and implement effective solutions to complex issues related to energy regulation and environmental policy.
- Collaborating in a professional environment to work with a wide variety of perspectives and backgrounds related to various energy-related sectors.
How are MERL Courses Taught?
Courses leading to the MERL degree cover a wide variety of subjects, including sustainable energy law and regulation, natural resource law, and public policy and are taught in a variety of ways, including the traditional classroom setting and through courses that are offered online.
Several courses in the MERL program offer hands-on opportunities, practicums, and field work designed to expose students to the skills required to accel in the fields of energy regulation, law, and policy.
Most institutions offering the MERL degree also offer their students the opportunity to conduct authentic research as part of an energy clinic, climate center, or environmental institute.
How Long Does It Take To Complete the MERL Program?
Students can complete the the a Masters of Energy Regulation and Law program in as little as 12 months, but can also take up to five years to obtain their degree. Students opting to participate in full-time study through the traditional classroom setting can complete the program in one to two years; students opting for part-time study are typically given up to 5 years to complete the program.
The length of time it takes to complete the MERL online program depends on how many courses a student decides to challenge each semester. Most students opting for the online program participate in study on a part-time basis and also have up to 5 years to complete the program.
In addition, online programs often include a component that requires students to participate in specialized on-campus courses for one, two, or three weeks; most of these courses are offered during the summer.
What Kind of Jobs Can I Do With A MERL?
Upon completion of the MERL program, students are prepared to pursue employment in a number of high paying careers in a variety of fields, these include:
- Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) Manager
- Sustainability Manager
- Environmental/Energy Researcher
- Policy, Regulatory, and Project Manager
- Environmental Attorney/Lawyer
What Are The Benefits of Having A MERL?
A Master of Energy Regulation and Law degree offers a number of benefits, including:
- A deeper understanding of environmental law, policy, and regulation;
- Networking and exposure to government officials, policy makers, and industry leaders in the field of alternative energy;
- Recognition of effective policy and regulation language with the distinct understanding of how to evaluate and remediate poorly managed energy or environmental situations.
- Working knowledge of the technical and economic foundations of energy markets, including oil, gas, and alternative sources.
Several graduates of various MERL programs have found meaningful employment in various public and private sector posts at the White House, Department of Justice, Environmental Protection Agency, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and at private firms and environmental non-government organizations (NGOs).
How Can I Get More Information on the MERL Program?
More information on Master of Energy Regulation and Law programs is available at the following sites:
- https://www.law.georgetown.edu/academics/academic-programs/graduate-programs/degree-programs/environmental/index.cfm
- https://www.vermontlaw.edu/academics/degrees/masters/master-of-energy-regulation-and-law-%28merl%29
- "Environmental and Energy Law LL.M. - Georgetown Law." https://www.law.georgetown.edu/academics/academic-programs/graduate-programs/degree-programs/environmental/index.cfm.