The American Association of Professional Landmen (AAPL) accredited the Energy Management Program at McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas, the association said Sept. 2.

The program at the Austin, Texas-based university is one of 11 nationally accredited land management programs in North America. Department leaders plan to double the program’s current size in the future, the association said.

The Energy Management Program’s curriculum prepares students to meet the regulatory and technological challenges in energy production. The curriculum includes business, geoscience, petroleum operations and law. Students study environmental issues, sustainable development, energy trading, and alternative energy solutions.

“With many of today’s oil and gas industry leaders approaching retirement, there is an immediate need to provide the next generation of America’s land professionals with greater access to high quality land management degree programs,” said Marc R. Strahn, president of AAPL and a certified professional landman.

“The McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin is one of the most elite business schools in the world, and AAPL is proud to add the Energy Management Program at The University of Texas at Austin to its roster of accredited programs,” he added.