Undergraduate Students

At the Irving Institute for Energy and Society, Dartmouth undergraduates have unique opportunities to explore the complex and dynamic relationship between energy systems and the societies they serve. The Institute's programming equips students with the knowledge, tools, and experiences they need to engage with today's most urgent energy challenges and become future leaders, innovators, and informed citizens.

By offering a wide range of curricular and co-curricular opportunities, the Irving Institute helps students understand the technical, political, economic, and social dimensions of the global energy landscape. Courses such as ENVS 12: Energy and the Environment and ENGS 19: The Future of Energy introduce students to the science and policy of energy, while experiential learning opportunities bring these concepts to life in real-world contexts.

Key Components of Undergraduate Energy and Society Education

Interdisciplinary Coursework: Through partnerships with Dartmouth's academic units—Arts & Sciences, Thayer School of Engineering, and the Tuck School of Business—students engage with energy from multiple perspectives, preparing them to address multifaceted energy challenges.

Experiential Learning: The Institute facilitates hands-on learning, including Energy Immersion Trips, where students travel to energy-producing regions and explore the intersection of energy, culture, and the environment. These trips provide students with a firsthand look at the complexities of energy production and its impacts on communities.

Student Grants and Research Opportunities: The Irving Institute supports undergraduate research, unpaid internships, and professional development through its student grant program. These opportunities enable students to apply their learning in meaningful ways and contribute to advancing knowledge in the field.

Co-curricular Programs: The Institute offers non-credit programs like TuckLAB: Energy and energy bootcamps, designed to build energy literacy and critical thinking among students. These programs complement formal coursework and prepare students for leadership roles in energy-related careers. We also help support student-driven energy activities, like the Dartmouth Energy Alliance, Thayer Energy Club, and more. 

A Holistic Approach to Energy Education

At the heart of the Irving Institute's undergraduate education programming is a commitment to multidisciplinary learning and civic engagement. Our approach aligns with Dartmouth's liberal arts tradition, fostering a generation of energy-conscious citizens and leaders capable of making informed, ethical, and innovative contributions to our global energy future.

Whether you're interested in the science of energy, the policy implications of the clean energy transition, or the societal impacts of energy decisions, the Irving Institute provides the resources and support to help you succeed and make a lasting impact.