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Planning Specialist Job Description

Planning specialist duties & responsibilities.

To write an effective planning specialist job description, begin by listing detailed duties, responsibilities and expectations. We have included planning specialist job description templates that you can modify and use.

Sample responsibilities for this position include:

Planning Specialist Qualifications

Qualifications for a job description may include education, certification, and experience.

Licensing or Certifications for Planning Specialist

List any licenses or certifications required by the position: APICS, CPIM, PMP, PSP, SWP, ACE, EVP, CCP, ITIL, GIS

Education for Planning Specialist

Typically a job would require a certain level of education.

Employers hiring for the planning specialist job most commonly would prefer for their future employee to have a relevant degree such as Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Business, Education, Engineering, Finance, Economics, Management, Supply Chain Management, Technical, Business/Administration, Industrial Engineering

Skills for Planning Specialist

Desired skills for planning specialist include:

Desired experience for planning specialist includes:

Planning Specialist Examples

• Microsoft Word (.docx) .DOCX
• PDF Document (.pdf) .PDF
• Image File (.png) .PNG
• Makes staffing decisions and communicates operational data and real-time impact to the operations staff, reservations leadership, and to agent groups
• Deploy measurement system to track and report progress on talent management to university management
• Provide consultation to academic and/or business unit management on adoption, customization, implementation, and measurement of effectiveness
• Present program and project updates at university staff and management meetings and other forums with the intent of building skills in Stanford’s managers and HR professionals in talent management and workforce planning
• Will need to collaborate internally with University Human Resources colleagues and other client organizations across the university to gather data
• On occasion, may provide learning event support and other logistical back-up to other coordinators as necessary
• Coordinate the debt covenants and guarantees reporting processes
• Assist in evaluating compensation plan design changes for finance professionals and field management
• Support financial modeling and analytics of business cases and initiatives to drive profitability growth
• Prepare and analyze quarterly product margin forecasts
• 1-2 years of Supply Chain Planning experience or similar skill set preferred
• Understanding of GAAP accounting and financial reporting
• Manage cost optimization process
• Customers - Mill & Staff Logistics, Marketing, Research, Mill & Staff Financial Analysts, Mill Operating Teams, Supply Vendors, Customer Service Representatives
• Ensure material and supply availability
• Data analysis of inventory, service, market trend, sales
• Manage and support on NPI and PIPO by setting desired business system planning, demand parameters and initial stocking quantities within required lead-times
• Coordinate with AP Regional Supply Chain to ensure efficient product availability
• Manage Safety Stock and other parameters in planning system
• Liaising point for different functional units
• Participates in S&OP process and follows the action items as agreed in the S&OP process
• Keep up to date on relevant Supply Chain technology and process trends within FMCG industry
• Actively support Credo based behaviour, corporate policy and ethics
• Perform tasks and assignments as directed by the head of PMO to ensure timely implementation of projects, compliance with PAHW guidelines to reach overall and specific objectives of all activities
• Ensures that call volumes and required staff are forecasted accurately and managed daily through workforce adjustments and system application management
• Uses real-time data to analyze the operation and re-forecast or adjust staffing to meet daily volume
• Foreign Service, Civil Service, or military experience at the GS-14-15 or O-5 to O-6 levels, respectively
• Implementing knowledge management processes after action reviews to consolidate learning's and ensure continuous improvement in campaign design and planning
• Effectively translate Group Marketing Customer strategies and plans into campaigns and activities
• Build & implement collateral (merchandising material, advertising ) for campaigns and activities (ensure approval and alignment with key group functions marketing, product, customer, segment, enablement )
• Keep updated on all regulatory requirements and changes and drive behavior through campaign and activity plan implementation accordingly
• Right people, right roles, right time, right skills
• Loss control (qualities products, origin demurrage costs, performance blends, implementation qualities norms)
• Optimize the operating mode of the process units in function of the desired intermediate and finished products and eventual (un)planned shutdowns and slowdowns
• Calculate blends in order to achieve a market conform and legally certified product with minimum costs and waiting times
• Coordinate and organize the required imports and exports in function of product stocks
• Apply the ISO philosophy within the department
• Special studies in order to prepare turnarounds/shutdowns and/or specification changes
• Optimize the capacity and efficiency of the installations (taking into account the limitations)
• Support on a daily / monthly bases with the scheduling team and lifting
• Discuss and negotiate contracts with the Partners
• Support Scheduling daily activities in optimizing the refinery
• Cloud Planning experience (services, consumption, support) and Governance (align, plan, build, operate)
• Finance or cost tracking experience
• Minimum of ten (10) years Project Controls supervisory positions working for International
• Oil Company in the Owner’s project organization
• Possess leading subject matter expertise on talent management problems and practices
• Minimum 3 years work experience in a Distribution Centre environment
• Interpreting the customer needs, assesses requirements and identifies solutions to non-standard requests
• Explaining difficult issues and works to build alignment around a complex situations
• Applying knowledge of internal/external business challenges to provide input into recommendations for improvements to products, processes or services
• Provide expertise in Planning Support within the Supply Chain group and site IPTs
• Accountable for the effective and efficient running of all Supply Chain Planning operations within the IPTs
• Act as coach for all members of the Planning department
• Accountable for development and deployment of visual metrics within the Planning group
• Accountable for site capacity planning and alignment with Manufacturing Division Capacity Planning models
• Lead, promote and support the implementation and maintenance of EHS programs
• Works with North America team to drive better utilization and achieve revenue goals
• Drive consolidation and reporting of actual financial results, budgets and planning rounds
• Assist in collecting and analyzing business unit input used for financial planning
• Understand information needs and develop reporting to keep management and stakeholders informed of the company financial condition
• Assist in monitoring monthly financial performance and provides input for forecasts
• Responsible for updating Group Financial systems
• Assist with the preparation of meeting and presentation materials, and coordinate VW Group reporting requests
• Coordinating with the co-pilots and other business partners using appropriate management tools for the planning process
• Managing the documentation of processes, evaluation and development and secure best practice across plants
• Securing best practices in inventory management
• Supporting team to establish close cooperation with Inbound Logistics, System and Operation Process (S&OP), Fulfillment, work with continuous improvements
• Ad hoc management support
• Leads strategic research projects, running advanced (e.g., modeling, multivariate) analytics and providing predictive decision metrics to business leaders
• Uses human capital/workforce planning methodologies to determine business unit strengths and strategic opportunities in collaboration with internal clients
• Assists in the identification of solutions and approaches to close or mitigate significant talent gaps and leads the design of measurement methods to monitor progress
• Manages all phases of projects, including contracting and consulting with clients, developing research/project plans, providing insights and recommendations to facilitate decision-making, and developing and presenting results summaries
• Assists in managing our workforce data (including survey data and HR employee data) to ensure the data is accurate and interpretable
• Experience with and knowledge of scheduling software
• Process driven and results oriented
• Computer proficiency with intermediate MS Excel Skills
• Staff scheduling experience
• Good personal discipline and an ability to work within set deadlines
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate people and tasks, follow up and work with a sense of urgency

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What Does a Business Planning Manager Do?

Find out what a Business Planning Manager does, how to get this job, salary information, and what it takes to succeed as a Business Planning Manager.

The Business Planning Manager plays a strategic role in steering the company’s direction through comprehensive market analysis, forecasting, and resource allocation. This position involves synthesizing complex data into actionable strategies that align with the company’s long-term goals and financial objectives. By closely monitoring industry trends and evaluating business performance, the Business Planning Manager ensures that the organization remains agile and responsive to changing market demands. Collaboration with various departments to develop and implement plans that enhance operational efficiency and profitability is also a significant aspect of the role. Through a balanced approach to risk management and opportunity identification, the Business Planning Manager supports the company in maintaining a competitive edge and achieving sustainable growth.

Business Planning Manager Job Duties

• Develop and implement comprehensive business plans to facilitate achievement by planning cost-effective operations and market development activities.
• Analyze and forecast financial, economic, and other data to provide accurate and timely information for strategic and operational decisions.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to develop business strategies and objectives, ensuring alignment with corporate goals.
• Evaluate competitive market strategies through analysis of related product, market, or share trends.
• Identify and drive initiatives to improve operational efficiency, including process improvements, cost reduction, and systems enhancements.
• Facilitate communication and collaboration among departments to ensure that business planning and strategies are aligned with company-wide goals.
• Oversee the preparation of operational and risk reports for management analysis.
• Spearhead the development of new business opportunities, including expansion, mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships.

Business Planning Manager Salary & Outlook

Factors affecting a Business Planning Manager’s salary include industry sector, company size, years of experience, and specific skills in strategic planning, financial modeling, and market analysis. Performance outcomes and the ability to influence business growth also significantly impact compensation.

• Median Annual Salary: $110,250 ($53/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $152,000 ($73.08/hour)

The employment of business planning managers is expected to grow faster than average over the next decade.

This growth is driven by the increasing complexity of global markets, the need for strategic planning in competitive environments, and the demand for innovation in product and service development. Business Planning Managers are pivotal in navigating these challenges, making their role more critical than ever.

Business Planning Manager Job Requirements

Education: A Business Planning Manager typically holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Finance, or a related field. Coursework often includes strategic management, financial analysis, market research, and organizational behavior. Advanced degrees like an MBA can enhance prospects, focusing on leadership, advanced strategic planning, and international business. Specialized courses in data analysis, project management, and economics are also beneficial, equipping candidates with the necessary skills to excel in developing and implementing business strategies.

Experience: Business Planning Managers typically come from diverse experience backgrounds, with a significant portion having substantial experience in strategic planning, financial analysis, and project management. Many have progressed through roles that required increasing responsibility in business strategy and operations. On-the-job training is common, often through mentorship or rotational programs within a company, allowing for hands-on experience in different business units. Training programs focusing on leadership, data analysis, and market research are also valuable, equipping candidates with the skills to lead cross-functional teams and drive business growth. Successful candidates often demonstrate a blend of practical experience in business planning and strategic initiatives, coupled with formal training programs that enhance their analytical and leadership capabilities.

Certifications & Licenses: Certifications and licenses are not typically required for the role of Business Planning Manager.

Business Planning Manager Skills

Strategic Forecasting: Leveraging data-driven insights, a Business Planning Manager predicts market trends to develop strategies that align with organizational goals. This involves synthesizing diverse information sources to anticipate challenges and opportunities, keeping the company agile and competitive.

Market Analysis: Through the meticulous examination of trends, customer behaviors, and competitor activities, Business Planning Managers can forecast market demands and pinpoint opportunities or threats. This skill hinges on thorough data collection and interpretation to inform strategic decisions.

Financial Modeling: Business Planning Managers create detailed, predictive models of a company’s financial future to forecast revenue, assess risk, and efficiently allocate resources. This requires a solid grasp of accounting principles, spreadsheet software proficiency, and the ability to interpret market trends for data-driven strategic planning.

Risk Management: By identifying potential threats and developing strategies to mitigate them, Business Planning Managers protect the organization’s interests and ensure its long-term sustainability. Analyzing market trends, financial forecasts, and operational vulnerabilities is crucial for preemptively addressing challenges.

Stakeholder Engagement: Building and maintaining strong relationships with investors, partners, and internal teams is critical for aligning business strategies and meeting project milestones. This skill ensures smoother project execution and fosters an environment of trust and mutual respect.

Performance Optimization: Data-driven insights and lean methodologies are used to streamline operations, reduce waste, and boost business efficiency. Analyzing performance metrics, identifying bottlenecks, and implementing strategic interventions are key for sustained organizational improvement.

Business Planning Manager Work Environment

A Business Planning Manager typically operates within a structured office environment, where the workspace is designed to foster both concentration and collaboration. The setup usually includes personal computers, advanced planning software, and access to data analytics tools, essential for strategic decision-making and forecasting.

Work hours might extend beyond the traditional 9-to-5, especially during critical planning phases, though many organizations offer flexibility to accommodate work-life balance. The dress code tends to align with corporate standards, leaning towards business casual or formal, depending on the company’s culture and external meeting requirements.

The role demands frequent interaction with team members, stakeholders, and departments, necessitating strong communication channels and a cooperative atmosphere. Travel may be required for industry events or company-wide meetings, adding variety to the routine.

Professional development opportunities are often available, encouraging continuous learning and advancement in strategic planning methodologies and leadership skills. This role thrives in a setting that values analytical thinking, adaptability, and collaborative problem-solving.

Advancement Prospects

A Business Planning Manager can ascend to higher strategic roles within an organization, such as Director of Strategy or Chief Operations Officer (COO), by demonstrating exceptional analytical, leadership, and decision-making skills. Success in this career path hinges on the ability to drive business growth and efficiency through innovative planning and execution.

To achieve these advancements, a Business Planning Manager should focus on spearheading high-impact projects and initiatives that align with the company’s long-term goals. Gaining experience in cross-functional team leadership and developing a deep understanding of the industry’s competitive landscape are crucial.

Building a track record of successful business plans and strategies that have significantly contributed to the company’s profitability and market position will set a solid foundation for moving into top executive roles. Engaging in high-level decision-making processes and demonstrating a keen insight into market trends and business opportunities are essential steps toward career progression in this field.

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What is a business specialist and how to become one

A business specialist is a professional who analyzes a company's strengths and weaknesses to improve and develop areas for optimal performance. They coordinate with different departments to gather relevant data, identify new opportunities, and develop strategies for profit growth. They also provide advice on how to correct certain issues within the company and implement the company's policies and regulations. Their tasks involve providing financial services to clients, conducting market research, and creating strategies to help the organization achieve its goals. They also provide technical assistance to other department staff and work with business development teams to develop strategy to increase customer productivity with Apple products.

What experience really stands out on Business Specialist resumes?

Assistant Professor of Management, Montclair State University

How long does it takes to become a business specialist?

It typically takes 4-6 years to become a business specialist:

• Years 1-4: Obtaining a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as business, finance, or economics.
• Years 5-6: Accumulating the necessary work experience in business analysis, market research, or financial management.
• Salary $73,521
• Growth Rate 4%
• Jobs Number 95,909
• Most Common Skill Patients
• Most Common Degree Bachelor's degree
• Best State Pennsylvania

Business Specialist career paths

A business specialist can take various career paths, from sales and account management to marketing, consulting, and business development. They can progress to become a director, vice president, or even a president of a company. They can also pursue careers in finance, operations, and customer service. Additionally, they can work as analysts, executives, or managers in different industries, including banking and healthcare.

Key steps to become a business specialist

Explore business specialist education requirements.

The educational requirements for a business specialist are typically a degree in Business, Communication, Marketing, Finance, or Management. According to Faiza Abbas , Lecturer of Management at Penn State University - Harrisburg, "Although the job description of a business associate will vary from one company to another, certain skills will make your resume stand out. These include good communication skills to connect effectively with clients, teamwork, a positive outlook, problem-solving capabilities, use of appropriate social media, conflict management, and emotional intelligence." Some technical skills that are important for a business specialist to possess are knowledge of business and its products and services, computer skills and Microsoft Office, analytical skills like data mining and data presentation, diagnostics, creativity, presentation skills like graphic design and data visualization, marketing skills, certifications relevant to your field, fluency in digital communications, and critical thinking skills.

Most common business specialist degrees

Bachelor's

Master's

Start to develop specific business specialist skills

A business specialist needs a variety of skills to succeed. They should be able to provide financial services, support customers, and analyze financial reports. They must also be able to identify expense drivers and develop proposals. They should have the ability to build relationships within the business community and maintain product knowledge. They should also be able to work with business partners and cultivate long-term business and customer relationships. Finally, they should be able to provide technical assistance and collaborate with other departments. As Lecturer of Management at Penn State University - Harrisburg, Faiza Abbas says, "Critical thinking, collaboration, communication, perseverance, adaptability, emotional intelligence, and soft skills are important for success."

Research business specialist duties and responsibilities

Business specialists perform a variety of responsibilities, including providing financial services to the community, resolving customer issues, identifying expense drivers, and assisting human resources with research and documentation. They also support businesses by developing and designing financial analysis, proposals, and product demonstrations. Additionally, they cultivate long-term business and customer relationships by identifying customer needs and leveraging key industry trends. They also collaborate with business development teams and provide technical assistance to other department staff.

• Manage existing accounts while identifying new sources of opportunities for sales in the SME segment through cold calling and prospecting.
• Schedule appointments for estimates for replacement windows, doors, bathroom remodels, gutter replacements, etc.
• Contribute to product development and roll out of multiple insulation, foam, windows & siding products.
• Analyze weekly POS data to identify product trends, additional sales opportunities, and drive sales to exceed budgets.

Prepare your business specialist resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your business specialist resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a business specialist resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose From 10+ Customizable Business Specialist Resume templates

Apply for business specialist jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a business specialist job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

• Browse job boards for relevant postings
• Consult your professional network
• Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
• Watch out for job scams

Are you a Business Specialist?

Share your story for a free salary report.

Average business specialist salary

The average Business Specialist salary in the United States is $73,521 per year or $35 per hour. Business specialist salaries range between $44,000 and $120,000 per year.

What Am I Worth?

How do business specialists rate their job?

Updated April 25, 2024

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Business Specialist Related Careers

• Business Advisor
• Business Associate
• Business Banker
• Business Consultant
• Business Coordinator
• Business Developer
• Business Development Associate
• Business Development Specialist
• Client Specialist
• Contracts Specialist
• Control Specialist
• Funding Specialist
• Operations Specialist
• Pricing Specialist
• Product Specialist

Business Specialist Related Jobs

• Business Advisor Jobs
• Business Associate Jobs
• Business Banker Jobs
• Business Consultant Jobs
• Business Coordinator Jobs
• Business Developer Jobs
• Business Development Associate Jobs
• Business Development Specialist Jobs
• Client Specialist Jobs
• Contracts Specialist Jobs
• Control Specialist Jobs
• Funding Specialist Jobs
• Operations Specialist Jobs
• Pricing Specialist Jobs
• Product Specialist Jobs

Business Specialist Jobs By Company

• Business Specialist Jobs In Apple
• Business Specialist Jobs In The Coca-Cola Company
• Business Specialist Jobs In Sysco
• Business Specialist Jobs In Rutgers University
• Business Specialist Jobs In TD Bank
• Business Specialist Jobs In SAP
• Business Specialist Jobs In MassMutual
• Business Specialist Jobs In University of Idaho
• Business Specialist Jobs In Lutheran Services in Iowa
• Business Specialist Jobs In BHI Energy
• Business Specialist Jobs In Broward Health
• Business Specialist Jobs In Xeris Pharmaceuticals
• Business Specialist Jobs In U.s.government
• Zippia Careers
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• Business Specialist

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Business Planning Specialist

Business studies and/or management science, communication and information sciences, engineering and/or technology.

• Internship details

General information

Business Planning Specialist is responsbile for creating and implementing business planning processes. The duties include assessing companies' business strategy, analysing the business strategy,  designing strategic plans based on forecasts, elaborating the narrative business plan, managing business operations, and providing improvement recommendations. The ideal candidate should demonstrate analytical thinking, thorough technical knowledge in a few key market verticals (health, tourism, manufacturing, digital market, agri-tech, fintech, etc.), organizational skills, communication abilities, and leadership. Those seeking for a Business Planning Specialist position should be able to highlight in their resumes a degree in business administration.

Performing extensive macro-level industry analysis while scaling findings at a micro-level to simplify communications to the business. Developing reporting tools based on market behavior by tracking industry trends and using available market intelligence. Performing competitive analysis to identify market share estimates and track market movements. Producing monthly achievement reports, presentations and reviews as well as other financial reporting requirements for the senior management. Supporting business needs for performance statistics and other capacity planning and production data requirements.

Developed reporting tools based on market behavior by tracking industry trends and using available market intelligence. Performed competitive analysis to identify market share estimates and track market movements. Produced monthly achievement reports, presentations and reviews as well as other financial reporting requirements for the Residential Finance department and senior management. Supported business needs for performance statistics and other capacity planning and production data requirements.

Strategy Job Descriptions

Corporate planning specialist job description, corporate planning specialist.

The Corporate Planning Specialist plays a critical role in shaping the future of [Company Name]. As part of the [Team], the Corporate Planning Specialist will work closely with various teams including [Teams Collaboration] to drive strategic initiatives and ensure the successful execution of the company's long-term goals. Reporting to the [Reporting To], the Corporate Planning Specialist will be responsible for analyzing market trends, conducting research, and developing comprehensive plans and strategies to guide the company's growth and success. This role requires a deep understanding of the industry, exceptional analytical skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Conduct market research and analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and risks
• Develop and implement strategic plans to drive growth and achieve business objectives
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather insights and align planning efforts
• Monitor and evaluate key performance indicators to track progress and adjust strategies as needed
• Prepare reports, presentations, and recommendations for senior leadership
• Stay updated on industry best practices, competitive landscape, and emerging trends
• Support the development of business cases and financial models for new initiatives
• Identify and propose process improvements to enhance efficiency and effectiveness

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field
• [X years of experience] years of experience in corporate planning, strategy, or related roles
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities
• Proficiency in strategic planning and project management
• Advanced knowledge of market research and financial analysis
• Ability to work collaboratively and influence stakeholders at various levels
• Detail-oriented with a focus on quality and accuracy
• Continuous learning mindset and a drive for professional development

Success Metrics

• Achievement of strategic objectives aligned with the company's long-term goals
• Effective implementation of strategic plans and initiatives
• Timely and accurate delivery of reports, presentations, and recommendations
• Positive feedback from cross-functional teams and stakeholders
• Continuous improvement in processes and planning methodologies

Your role as a Corporate Planning Specialist at [Company Name] will be instrumental in driving the company's growth, development, and achievement of strategic objectives. Through your expertise in analyzing market trends, developing strategic plans, and collaborating with cross-functional teams, you will contribute to shaping the future success of the company. Join our team and make a significant impact on our journey towards excellence.

To apply, please contact Contact Name at Email.

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Find your next corporate planning specialist.

Use our free tailored job description to find the perfect candidate for the role of Corporate Planning Specialist. Our job description provides detailed responsibilities, requirements, success metrics, and more. It can be customized to meet the specific needs of your organization. Start attracting top talent today with Cascade's tailored job description.

About the Corporate Planning Specialist

A Corporate Planning Specialist plays a crucial role in the organization's strategic planning and execution. They are responsible for analyzing market trends, identifying growth opportunities, and developing strategic plans to drive business success. This role requires strong analytical skills, strategic thinking abilities, and the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve organizational goals.

FAQs about the Corporate Planning Specialist

What is the role of the corporate planning specialist about.

The role of the Corporate Planning Specialist is about developing and implementing strategic plans to drive business growth and success. They analyze market data, assess industry trends, and identify opportunities for business development. Our tailored job description provides a detailed overview of the responsibilities and requirements of the Corporate Planning Specialist role, including examples and insights to guide your hiring process.

Why do you need a Corporate Planning Specialist?

A Corporate Planning Specialist is essential for effective strategy execution. They help organizations align their goals with market opportunities, identify potential risks, and develop actionable plans to achieve success. By having a dedicated Corporate Planning Specialist, organizations can ensure their strategies are well-defined, implemented effectively, and monitored for continuous improvement. It is a core strategy execution role that drives long-term growth and competitive advantage.

What would be an average salary for the Corporate Planning Specialist?

The average salary for a Corporate Planning Specialist in the US ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 per year, depending on factors such as experience, location, and industry. This estimate is based on salary data from reputable sources like Glassdoor and can vary depending on the specific organization and its requirements.

Ready to find your next Corporate Planning Specialist? Create your tailored job description.

Articles to get your started with corporate planning specialist, your toolkit for strategy success.

Education Specialist Degree (EdS) Enhancing Educational Expertise and Leadership Skills for Advanced Practitioners

Degree Options

View Degree Options

100% online, 8-week courses

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

Get an Edge in Education with Liberty’s Online Education Specialist (EdS) Degree Program

Do you have a passion for making learning fun and effective? Liberty University’s online Education Specialist degree can help give you the foundation you need to do just that.

In our 100% online EdS degree program, you can dive into advanced education study and research topics. Learning theory, assessment, and curriculum development – all based on the best practices of the field – are taught in this program.

With our specialist degree in education, you can also go beyond teaching and course development by pursuing an administrative role. This program can help you analyze education challenges and become an expert in K-12 or higher education instruction. Between advanced teaching and learning management skills, Liberty’s EdS degree can help you become a powerhouse in the education field.

What is an education specialist (EdS) degree?

An EdS degree is a postgraduate degree. The goal is to help you build on your education training from the master’s level. The EdS is a half-step between a master’s and a doctorate.

As such, the EdS is designed to equip you with advanced skills that go beyond the graduate level. Through this program, you can grow without crafting a doctoral dissertation.

The degree plan is streamlined and can be completed in a much faster timeframe than a doctorate. However, should you later decide to pursue your doctorate, most Doctor of Education (EdD) programs can accept transfer credit. In our case, up to 27 out of 30 credit hours from the EdS can transfer into our Doctor of Education.

What Will You Study in Our Online EdS Degree Program ?

Our Education Specialist degree online track is designed to give you a background in advanced research, theory, and assessment skills. These skills can add to your previous graduate studies in education while helping you specialize in more advanced roles. 

You can choose educational leadership courses that can prepare you for administrative challenges in the field. Our EdS program can help you develop leadership principles, biblical values, public relations skills, and conflict-resolution techniques. As such, you can use our EdS to prepare for nearly any education leadership role.

Professional Skills

Liberty’s EdS can help you build professional skills that are marketable in nearly any industry, including:

• Communication skills
• Leadership and management skills
• Marketing and sales skills
• Policy analysis skills
• Project management skills
• Research and writing skills

Featured Courses

• EDUC 747 – Advanced Educational Law
• EDUC 758 – Teaching the College Student
• EDUC 771 – Curriculum Theory

Our Education Specialist Online Degree Information

• Visit the  School of Education  for more information about programs and resources.
• View the  Postgraduate Advising Guide  for more information about individual degree track requirements.

Why Choose Liberty’s Education Specialist Degree Online?

At Liberty University, we believe in our students. That’s why we work hard to develop top-notch, cutting-edge education programs. We want to produce educators and school leaders who model high academic, moral, and spiritual standards before their peers.

In our School of Education, you’ll be taught by professors who teach from a biblical worldview. Our professors want to build you up as an engaged mentor for your students.

Liberty’s EdS degree can be done entirely online, but you can also choose to do some important courses in person. These optional intensives are especially beneficial if you intend to pursue a Doctor of Education (EdD) degree.

This can give you important hands-on experience that can be useful in your future dissertation or capstone project research. You can develop skills for leadership roles in K-12 or higher education, which can provide opportunities for advancement in your career.

As a student in our EdS programs online, you can develop the skills you need to become a more effective teacher. You can also pursue a new role as a superintendent, principal, or college instructor. With strong leadership and advanced education expertise, you can prepare for many advanced academic positions at Liberty.

Ranked in the Top 10% of Niche.com’s Best Online Schools in America

• What Sets Us Apart?
• Private Nonprofit University
• 600+ Online Degrees
• No Standardized Testing for Admission
• Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
• Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree

Potential Career Options for Educational Specialist Degree Graduates

• College administrator
• Curriculum specialist
• Instructional supervisor
• School administrator
• Special education specialist

Education Specialist (EdS) Degree Online Degree Options

Liberty University’s Education Specialist degree online program offers many areas of study for different roles and career needs.

Administration and Supervision – Educational Leadership

Do you want to be a leader in your school and community? Liberty’s online  Education Specialist in Administration and Supervision – Educational Leadership  can help you develop the tools you need. Additionally, you can earn the credentials you need to advance your career.

With this degree, you can pursue licensure in school administration and supervision and demonstrate your expertise to the education community. Advance your career and make a positive impact in your school district with Liberty’s Education Specialist degree.

Upon successful completion of Liberty University’s Virginia state-approved Administration and Supervision – Educational Leadership EdS program, you may apply for licensure in another state through reciprocity, which may or may not result in additional requirements based on your state’s Department of Education  regulations .

View the  Degree Completion Plan .

Curriculum and Instruction

The online  Education Specialist – Curriculum and Instruction  degree has a core of essential, advanced education courses with customizable electives. Our online EdS degree can teach you how to meet the unique needs of schools in your community.

With the online specialist in education degree, you can select a large number of electives and tailor your degree.

Curriculum and Instruction Specializations:

• Educational Psychology
• Elementary Education
• Middle Grades Education
• Online Teaching and Learning
• Secondary Education

Special Education

Educational leadership.

Our online  Education Specialist in Educational Leadership  degree is designed to equip you for success in the higher tiers of education. This program provides tools and skills needed to address educational technology and administration challenges with leadership skills.

In our program, you can select courses that align with your passions while building your leadership and management skills.

Higher Education Administration

The  Education Specialist (EdS) in Higher Education Administration  degree can equip you with student affairs and general administration knowledge. This EdS degree program also seeks to prepare you for a future transition into the PhD in Higher Education Administration program.

This online Education Specialist degree seeks to promote an understanding of the academic and professional foundations underlying higher education fields. The EdS can help provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to advance in a variety of education careers.

Higher Education Administration Specializations:

• Assessment and Evaluation
• Student Affairs

Instructional Design and Technology

Liberty’s  Education Specialist in Instructional Design and Technology  can help broaden your comprehension, expertise, and proficiency in instructional design. You can gain insights into cognitive development, methods of evaluation and assessment, and the strategic development and application of distance learning programs and job aids.

The  Education Specialist in Special Education  can help you gain the knowledge and skills necessary to make a significant difference in the area of special needs in education. This program is designed to equip you with the ability to communicate via various mediums, critically problem-solve, and increase information literacy through applied research. 

Not sure what to choose?

Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.

Tuition & Aid

Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.

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Admission Information for Our Online EdS Degree Program

Admission requirements.

• A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required) .
• Send official college transcripts (mailed as sealed, unopened copies or sent via a direct electronic transcript system). A regionally or nationally accredited master’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA is required for admission in good standing.
• Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy .

Preliminary Acceptance

If you are sending in a preliminary transcript for acceptance, you must:

• Be in your final term and planning to start your doctoral degree after the last day of class for your master’s degree.
• Complete a Master’s Self-Certification Form confirming your completion date. You may download the form from the Forms and Downloads page or contact an admissions counselor to submit the form on your behalf.
• Submit an official transcript to confirm that you are in your final term. The preliminary transcript must show that you are within 6 credit hours of completion for a 30-48 credit hour master’s degree or within 9 credit hours of completion for a 49+ credit hour master’s degree.
• Send in an additional, final official transcript with a conferral date on it by the end of your first semester of enrollment in the new doctoral degree.

Transcript Policies

Official college transcript policy.

An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to [email protected] .

Admissions Office Contact Information

(800) 424-9596

(888) 301-3577

Email for Questions

[email protected]

Email for Documents

[email protected]

Liberty University Online Admissions Verification

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Lynchburg, VA 24515

Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.

Who May Qualify?

• Active Duty
• Reserve/National Guard
• Veterans/Retirees
• Spouses of Service Members and Veterans/Retirees
• Current Department of Defense Employees

Available Benefits:

• Tuition discounts – $275 per credit hour for EdS and EdD courses
• Additional discount for veterans who service in a civilian capacity as a First Responder (less than $625 per course)
• 8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences)

Frequently Asked Questions

How many years does it take for a specialist degree.

Education Specialist degrees are intended to focus on giving you specialized, advanced education training and research beyond the graduate level. However, the EdS is not intended to be a full-length doctoral program. You can complete Liberty’s Education Specialist degree in as little as 30 credit hours.

You don’t need to get another master’s or earn a full-length doctorate to improve your career opportunities. Liberty’s EdS can help you get there faster while leaving the door open to completing a doctorate.

How do you become a curriculum specialist?

While master’s in education programs include curriculum development, you may need more education for many curriculum specialist roles. The process of developing learning aids, techniques, and effective courses often requires additional expertise. Most schools and education resource companies are looking for specialists who are experts in the creation of excellent teaching tools. Many may require a curriculum specialist degree as a minimum qualification.

Liberty’s  Education Specialist – Curriculum and Instruction  program can equip you with the skills you need to meet this need. Whether you want to focus on creating classroom materials or building effective e-learning tools, Liberty’s EdS can help. The Education Specialist degree can be customized to learn exactly what you need. Our EdS program can help you both become an online learning specialist and develop tools and curricula for the classroom.

Is a specialist degree the same as a master’s?

While not a full doctorate degree, an Education Specialist degree is not a master’s degree either. The EdS degree rests in a halfway place between the two. It provides doctoral-level training that bridges the gap from practical graduate courses to advanced doctoral research. 

You need a master’s degree to be eligible for the Education Specialist degree. However, earning an EdS can open up opportunities that you could not pursue with a master’s degree alone.

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Connecticut Sea Grant

Comprehensive business guide for kelp farming now available.

Created in response to a critical missing tool identified by the National Seaweed Hub Needs Assessment of 2020, it was written by T ammy Warner, professor of management at Keene State University, and Robert Pomeroy, extension specialist emeritus at CT Sea Grant, under the direction of Anoushka Concepcion, CTSG associate extension educator who focuses on seaweed aquaculture.

The guidebook is linked to a flexible financial model (worksheet) which will allow users to see dollars-and-cents impacts of their plans as they evolve.

The project was funded by CT Sea Grant and the UConn College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources. 

Download Business Planning for Kelp Farming here. 

We asked a parasite expert about RFK Jr.'s claim that a worm ate his brain. Here's what they said.

• Did a worm eat Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s brain?
• The third-party presidential candidate said in a 2012 deposition that a doctor suggested a parasite hurt him.
• We spoke to an expert, who said a brain-eating tapeworm larvae would be impossible.

Brain-eating worms? Not likely.

A shocking report in The New York Times on Wednesday revealed that independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suggested in a 2012 deposition that doctors had found a dead worm in his brain.

In the court proceeding — part of his divorce from his second wife — Kennedy said that he had short-term and long-term memory loss, according to The Times.

Kennedy said he had visited doctors in 2010 who thought he had a brain tumor, but another doctor suggested that a dark spot on Kennedy's brain scan was "caused by a worm that got into my brain and ate a portion of it and then died," The Times reported.

Kennedy argued in the deposition that he couldn't make as much money due to his health, and also revealed that he had mercury poisoning around the same time.

Kennedy has portrayed himself as the younger, more healthy alternative to the other two men running for president, Joe Biden and Donald Trump.

His campaign's press secretary confirmed that Kennedy was infected with a parasite 10 years ago and said it was resolved. His campaign told Business Insider that Kennedy is in "robust physical and mental health" and said questioning his fitness is a "hilarious suggestion, given his competition."

Related stories

But could a parasitic worm even cause that kind of damage? One medical expert told Business Insider that Kennedy's version of events doesn't quite add up.

Dr. Janina Caira, a University of Connecticut professor and tapeworm specialist, told BI that Kennedy's parasite sounds more like the larvae of a pork tapeworm.

That would be rare, Caira said in an email. Humans can be infected with the adult worm by eating undercooked pork, but can only be infected with the larvae after eating food or drinking water contaminated by the feces of someone with an adult tapeworm infection.

"This typically happens in areas with poor sanitation," Caira said. "So, it is possible that he could have contracted the infection in South Asia if he came into contact with food or water contaminated with eggs of the tapeworm."

But there's no way the larvae could have consumed Kennedy's brain tissue.

"Absolutely not," Caira wrote. 

She said the larvae don't have mouths or digestive systems. Instead, they absorb nutrients through the surface of their bodies. While Caira said it is possible that a worm could do some "mechanical damage" to nearby brain tissue, the larvae are very small, and a single one "would not cause much damage."

That lines up with what experts, who were skeptical of the details, told The New York Times.

However, Dr. Peter Hotez, a pediatrician and global health advocate who is a professor of pediatrics and molecular virology & microbiology at Baylor College of Medicine, wrote on X that "neuroparasitic diseases" and "parasitic worms have a huge impact on the human brain."

Hotez said the diseases are seen in poor populations, with a "surprising amount of illness" in southern states and Texas. He said his team at the National School of Tropical Medicine is working on low-cost vaccines to prevent the conditions.

Watch: McConnell freezes again, raising concern for the 81-year-old Senator's health

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California's 'secret' 50-cent gas tax hike coming in the next two years

The tax increase is 'a tax on the tax,' republican tax hawk says.

California may charge electricity customers based on income

Fox News senior national correspondent William La Jeunesse reports on proposed changes to California's electric bills on 'Special Report.'

A longstanding emissions reduction program may lead to a 50-cent increase in gasoline prices within two years in California, according to a little-known state air quality regulator report.

In September, the California Air Resources Board (CARB), the state's primary environmental regulator, reported gas prices will rise next year by about 50 cents a gallon and every year thereafter to aid in clean air efforts. The price increase does not include the existing gas tax in the state.

Republican state Sen. Janet Nguyen, one of the legislature's most critical tax hawks, told Fox News Digital the "secret" tax increase "would penalize the majority of Californians."

CAR DEALERS THROW COLD WATER ON ELECTRIC VEHICLES VERSUS GAS OPTIONS: ‘I WOULDN’T FEEL SAFE'

A gas station in Falls Church, Va., in October 2022. (Reuters/Kevin Lamarque / Reuters Photos)

"The middle class, the low income, they can't afford gas to go to school, work or grocery or the doctor's office," Nguyen said. "No one knows about this. I think people just think it's a tax, so they don't know the difference between the carbon tax versus the state tax. It's almost like a tax on the tax."

The report foresees gasoline price increases due to the Low Carbon Fuel Standard reforms that were created in 2007, likely rising by 47 cents next year and 52 cents by 2026. Diesel prices could climb by 59 cents this year and 66 cents in two years. Long-term projections suggest gasoline could surge by $1.15 and diesel by $1.50 per gallon from 2031 to 2046, with jet fuel increasing by $1.21.

The air board staff later called the gas price hike projections "incomplete" in a December report, focusing instead on the cost savings to drivers as more people transition to EVs.

HYBRID VEHICLE SALES REVVING UP AS EV DEMAND SPUTTERS

A Tesla plugged in and charging at a Supercharger rapid battery charging station in the Silicon Valley town of Mountain View, Calif., Aug. 24, 2016. (Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images / Getty Images)

The report comes as CARB finalized new rules last month mandating a rapid transition from traditional petroleum-powered modes of transportation to zero-emissions alternatives as it pursues a sweeping climate agenda. CARB has identified passenger cars, heavy-duty trucking, freight trains and harbor vessels for the changeover. 

California is also phasing out new gas-powered cars and mandating 100% electric vehicle sales by 2035. Nearly 20 other states have since adopted those rules, meaning more than 40% of the country will be affected by the mandate to some extent.

BUYERS OF TESLA'S CHINESE RIVAL EV MAY FACE MONTHSLONG WAIT FOR SU7

In an aerial view, shipping cranes stand at the Port of Oakland in front of the San Francisco skyline Oct. 24, 2022, in Oakland, Calif. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images / Getty Images)

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ON FOX BUSINESS

The state's broad effort to electrify its transportation sector is part of the California Climate Commitment unveiled by Newsom two years ago. Under the plan, the state is phasing out reliance on fossil fuels, deploying green energy, cutting greenhouse gas emissions 85% by 2045 and decreasing oil demand by a staggering 94%.

"We can solve this climate crisis if we focus on the big, bold steps necessary to cut pollution," Gov. Gavin Newsom said in August 2022.

Fox News' Thomas Catenacci contributed to this report. 

Gov. Newsom seeks faster review of insurance rate hikes. What to know

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With insurers continuing to pull back from the California’s homeowners’ market, Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to speed up the process by which the companies have their requests for rate hikes reviewed.

The governor said Friday that he is backing a bill that would require the Department of Insurance to complete reviews of proposed premium increases within 60 days to halt any more exits from the market. Here’s what to know:

What exactly did the governor say?

Newsom said that immediate steps need to be taken to stabilize the market, which has seen insurers not renew existing policyholders , stop writing new policies or pull out of the market entirely — sending many homeowners to the insurer of last resort, the state’s FAIR Plan, which is now on the hook for more than $300 billion in payouts. Newsom said he was “deeply mindful” of the burdens placed on the plan.

California’s home insurance crisis: What went wrong, how it can be fixed and what owners can do

Major insurers have pulled back from California’s homeowners market, citing wildfires, inflation and other challenges. But there are steps at-risk homeowners can take now to secure coverage and at lower prices.

March 29, 2024

The governor said he had considered issuing an executive order, but instead is proposing a bill that would require the Insurance Department to speed up its review process of premium rate-hike requests.

“We need to stabilize this market. We need to send the right signals. We need to move,” he said.

Isn’t there already an insurance reform package being hashed out in Sacramento?

Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara is holding hearings on his Sustainable Insurance Strategy , a set of comprehensive regulations intended to stabilize rates and make it more attractive for insurers to write homeowners policies, especially in wildfire areas such as hillsides and canyons.

However, these regulations won’t become law until the end of the year — a deadline sought by the governor, assuming it can be met.

“It should not take this long for emergency regulations,” Newsom said. “We can’t wait until December.”

How would this bill fit into the larger set of reforms?

Lara has reached a grand bargain with the insurance industry to make the market more attractive, though details are still being worked out.

The plan would allow insurers to include the cost of reinsurance they buy to protect themselves from large fires and other catastrophes into premium costs. It also would allow them to set rates using sophisticated algorithms to predict the risk and cost of future fires, rather than just base them on past events. It’s unclear how an insurer’s application for an expedited rate approval this year would fit into the proposed reforms.

Has Lara reacted to the governor’s proposal?

The commissioner tweeted Friday that his department has taken “significant steps forward” to implement his planned reforms but more needs to be done — and that his department is working with the governor and the Legislature “on critical budget language that keeps us on track to get the job done.”

What do consumer groups have to say?

Jamie Court, president of Consumer Watchdog, said he didn’t understand the proposal, worrying that it would be a “rubber stamp” on proposed rate increases.

He noted that Proposition 103, the landmark 1988 initiative that gives the insurance commissioner authority to review rate hikes, already mandates that they are conducted within 60 days except in certain circumstances. Those circumstances include requests for rate increases exceeding 7% for homeowners insurance, which allow consumers to seek a hearing, or the commissioner’s own decision to conduct a hearing.

What is the insurance industry’s reaction

Rex Frazier, president of the Personal Insurance Federation of California, a trade group of property and casualty insurers, said despite the promise of 60-day rate reviews under Proposition 103, they are taking longer. He said the Insurance Department will often request that insurers waive their rights to a speedy decision or face an administrative hearing, which can lead to extensive delays. However, Frazier withheld comment on the governor’s proposal until the draft language is released.

What are the next steps?

Newsom’s office will release the draft bill, which will be carried by a member of the Legislature and be included in the process for adopting the state budget, which the Legislature must approve by June 15. Newsom made his remarks Friday in outlining plans for a revised $288-billion budget, which calls for a series of cutback s to close a nearly $45-billion shortfall.

More to Read

Travelers is the latest California insurer to raise rates. How to find coverage in your area

May 10, 2024

Amid homeowner insurance crisis, consumer advocates and industry clash at hearing

April 24, 2024

California exodus of home insurance companies continues

April 19, 2024

Laurence Darmiento covers wealth and dealmakers in Southern California for the Los Angeles Times. He joined the paper in 2015 as an assistant business editor and has overseen finance, real estate and Washington business coverage. Darmiento previously had been the managing editor of the Los Angeles Business Journal and was a reporter for the Los Angeles Daily News and other outlets. A New York native, he is an alumnus of Cornell University.

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Biden and oil companies like this climate tech. Many Americans do not.

Carbon dioxide pipelines and underground injection can cut greenhouse gas, but community opposition is fierce.

The remote stretch of public grazing land in southeastern Montana has hardly changed since homesteading days, but underneath this wind-swept expanse lies a hidden asset in high demand: thousands of acres of porous rock where oil company executives say greenhouse gas could be piped in from afar and stored forever.

ExxonMobil and the Biden administration see in the grassy 100,000 acres a launchpad for one of the world’s most audacious climate experiments, a plan to take emissions spewing from power plants and factories and trap them underground where they cannot contribute to global warming. The scheme is inching forward despite criticism it will permit polluters to keep polluting while slowing the transition to solar and wind energy. And now sponsors face the additional hurdle of intense local opposition.

In the ranching community of Carter County, Mont., the prospect of shipping in all that carbon pollution and injecting it underneath an area called Snowy River is about as popular as an outbreak of hoof-and-mouth disease.

“The question I keep hearing is, ‘Why are they making us the dumping ground for the rest of the country?’” said Rod Tauck, chairman of the Carter County Board of Commissioners and a descendant of homesteaders who more than a century ago settled his family ranch. “Not a single constituent I know wants this.”

Such tensions are emerging nationwide, throwing an industrial-size wrench into the quest by the White House and major energy companies to advance a vast network of “carbon capture” infrastructure across the country. It would involve tens of thousands of miles of new pipelines , and scores of remote storage sites on the scale of Snowy River, targeted because the porous rock underneath them can act like a carbon sponge.

This vision for using technology to reverse climate change was once viewed widely as far-fetched.

Now, proposals to divert carbon dioxide from smokestacks to vast subterranean wells are regarded by the White House , the United Nations and the International Energy Agency as crucial to preserving any hope of meeting the world’s climate goals. The Biden administration’s plan to zero out emissions from the power grid by 2035 increasingly hinges on the success of colossal carbon capture deployment. The government has made billions of dollars of incentives available to motivate companies like ExxonMobil and Chevron to rapidly develop it.

The urgency is only increasing as a surge in forecasted energy use — driven by the insatiable electricity appetite of artificial-intelligence developers and a national boom in manufacturing — is delaying retirement of old fossil-fuel power plants and pushing utilities to build new ones.

New clean energy like wind and solar is not coming online quickly enough to meet all the projected demand, prompting government to lean on plans to stow away carbon pollution.

“We have to stop fossil fuels from causing global warming before the world stops using fossil fuels,” Myles Allen, a climate scientist at the University of Oxford in England who has served on the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, said recently at CERAWeek, an energy conference sponsored by S&P Global. “This is the way to stop fossil fuels from causing global warming.”

But early carbon capture projects are floundering.

Hostile community reception is undermining plans from the Gulf Coast of Louisiana to the prairies of South Dakota. Energy companies racing ahead are facing tough questions around safety, environmental impact and technological viability.

In Montana, the federal Bureau of Land Management in 2022 identified the Snowy River site as one of the first stretches of public land that may be suitable for carbon sequestration. ExxonMobil wants to inject 450 million cubic feet of carbon dioxide per day into the ground. The company is not identifying where that gas would come from, but one likely source is a carbon dioxide pipeline currently used to support oil and gas extraction projects (the pressurized gas is used to force fossil fuels to the surface).

That pipeline is connected to a large ExxonMobil natural gas plant 500 miles away in Wyoming. ExxonMobil says Snowy River’s storage capacity is equal to a year’s worth of polluting greenhouse gas from 1.6 million cars.

Legacy energy companies like ExxonMobil are eager to deploy technologies that could extend the life of fossil fuels by mitigating their role in global warming. Plus, federal incentives are potentially lucrative. The single Montana project could generate as much as $12.7 billion in federal tax subsidies. ExxonMobil took it over when it acquired carbon capture and pipeline developer Denbury for $4.9 billion in November.

Company officials say they have not yet made a final decision to build in Montana. But assessing the project’s viability, they say, requires they get the BLM permit to store the carbon now, so they can do testing on-site. Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte (R) supports the company’s plan.

“We are fully committed to working with the community,” said Kathleen Ash, CEO of Denbury, now a fully owned ExxonMobil subsidiary. “This is a safe and proven technology.”

Many in the local community see something else: big corporations looking for a payday partnering with an administration turning a blind eye to a flawed technology. They point to problems that carbon capture projects are encountering around the world, such as Chevron’s sprawling Gorgon operation at a massive natural gas field in Australia. It is not trapping even half the carbon dioxide planned, amid persistent technological troubles.

BLM officials counter that carbon dioxide has been safely injected underground as part of the oil production process for decades. They call the projects an “important tool” for fighting climate change and advancing the administration’s agenda to erase emissions.

“They are presenting this as a climate solution and I don’t know that it is,” said Liz Barbour, who manages Cinch Buckle Ranch, an operation bordering Snowy River that uses low-impact, conservation-focused agricultural practices. “The only thing I do know is that it is part of their plan to continue producing oil and gas.” Barbour is among several ranchers working with a grass-roots group called the Northern Plains Resource Council to fight the project.

Local landowners with sharply contrasting politics and views on climate change are finding common cause in the battle. The council’s argument that carbon capture is “an unproven, government hand-out to large out of state corporations” was echoed repeatedly in interviews in this county of 1,415 people defined by wide-open spaces and dirt roads, where visiting a neighbor can involve an hour-long journey. Carter County cast 89 percent of its ballots for Donald Trump in 2020.

“Many of us are willing to accept the premise that this is a dangerous compound that needs to be gotten rid of,” said Jack Owen, a 72-year-old who ranches on land his ancestors homesteaded. “The question is, ‘Why here?’”

ExxonMobil’s assurances that the project would be almost entirely underground, with little noticeable impact on the landscape are met skeptically. Local landowners counter that upgrading the roads, drilling wells, and installing new pipelines would take a heavy toll on the landscape.

The scale of carbon that must be effectively stored nationwide to make a dent in global warming is enormous. Claude Letourneau, the CEO of Svante, one of North America’s leading carbon capture technology firms, said containing the emissions created by manufacturing processes like cement- and steel-making could require 10,000 plants to trap the gas, compress it and then pipe or truck it to places like Snowy River.

An ambitious proposal in the Midwest recently collapsed. The proposed 1,200-mile Heartland Greenway pipeline was supposed to span five states, bringing 15 million tons of carbon dioxide captured at ethanol plants each year to storage sites where it would be buried.

The project, proposed by Navigator CO2, appeared to have early advantages. Ethanol plants emit uncontaminated carbon dioxide that is less complicated to capture and compress than the gas from other industries. And many landowners along the proposed route already hosted oil and gas pipelines.

But community opposition was intense. Landowners and local regulators worried about safety and environmental fallout. The CEO of Williams, one of the biggest natural gas pipeline companies in the world, said in an interview that even his board chairman, who owns farmland in Iowa, wants nothing to do with the carbon dioxide pipelines.

“He said, ‘I don’t want it damaging this very valuable cropland,’” Williams CEO Alan Armstrong said.

Navigator CO2 canceled the Heartland Greenway project in October. It blamed “the unpredictable nature of the regulatory and government processes involved.”

Armstrong is one of many energy executives who said the project faltered because the developers spent too little time educating communities about the technology and talking through concerns. Companies more practiced in securing permits for pipelines, it was argued, would win local buy-in.

But it is not turning out that way for ExxonMobil in Montana.

Assurances from ExxonMobil that disruption would be minimal are met with worries that the project will disrupt the ecosystem, leave water tables vulnerable to the leaching of carbon dioxide, and create a safety hazard.

A rupture in the existing pipeline several years ago left one Carter County ranch looking as if a meteor had hit it. Pictures from 2018 show a deep, truck-size crater in the ground covered with what looks like dry ice residue, caused by the compressed carbon dioxide’s combustion.

Since that time, another major pipeline accident had dire consequences for the town of Satartia, Miss. The pipeline was also owned by Denbury, the ExxonMobil subsidiary.

The 2020 rupture filled the air above a section of the pipeline with dangerous amounts of carbon dioxide, resulting in a medical emergency that sent 45 people to the hospital with respiratory and other problems, according to a U.S. Department of Transportation investigation.

The gas caused three men driving through the area to pass out in their car and the engine to stop running. Fire department officials had to break the windows to pull them out, according to local 911 call tapes and public records obtained by the nonprofit Climate Investigations Center. Residents desperately called 911 for help — in one case, a mother reported that her child couldn’t breathe, and in another, a caller said her friend was on the ground shaking and drooling, as if suffering a seizure.

Denbury paid a $2.8 million fine as part of a settlement with the federal government in which it did “not admit to any of the alleged violations or risks identified.” Some of the residents injured in the incident — and their doctors — say they are still suffering serious ailments because of it.

ExxonMobil officials said new training protocols for emergency responders have been initiated since the incident. They say that there has never been a fatality associated with piping carbon dioxide and that accidents involving such pipelines are rare. The company said it also supports stepped-up federal safety regulations amid the planned expansion of carbon dioxide pipelines.

Energy companies say they are undeterred.

Among the projects inching forward is one on a 140,000-acre coastal stretch between Houston and the petrochemical facilities of Port Arthur, Tex., called Bayou Bend, where Chevron plans to store as much as 1 billion tons of carbon dioxide. The company is hoping the proximity to factories will make the project more palatable to regulators and landowners.

Chevron is also aiming to bury carbon in wells off the coast of Bayou Bend, a plan that alarms marine biologists but could prove less vulnerable to community protest.

A visit to Bayou Bend punctuates the immensity of it all. The site stretches for miles, with the flat, grassy landscape interrupted only by the occasional cow chomping on weeds or alligator sunning itself in a marsh.

Developers promoting the projects are adamant that most of the work will happen out of sight, with the carbon buried as deep as 10,000 feet and hardly any industrial activity above ground.

“This has to happen,” said Chris Powers, Chevron’s vice president for carbon capture, utilization and storage, pointing to the forecasting models showing that carbon capture is crucial to curbing global warming. “To make this grow at scale, it is going to take hundreds of projects.”

Back in Montana, rancher Mike Hansen says if it is all so harmless, project boosters in the nation’s capital should just start burying carbon pollution there.

“We asked them, ‘Why don’t you do this under Washington, D.C.?’” he said. “They told us, ‘We can’t do that. There are too many people there.’”

“That is not saying much for us.”

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Artificially Intelligent Help for Planning Your Summer Vacation

Travel-focused A.I. bots and more eco-friendly transportation options in online maps and search tools can help you quickly organize your seasonal getaway.

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By J. D. Biersdorfer

J.D. Biersdorfer has been using smartphone apps for travel since the summer of 2007.

The summer travel season starts in just a few weeks, but if you are looking for software that goes beyond simply booking flights and hotels, you’re in luck. Search engines enhanced by artificial intelligence can help with your research and outline full itineraries. Certain older apps have recently been updated to suggest more eco-friendly travel options. And keeping it all organized on your phone is easier than ever. Here’s an overview.

Using an A.I. Travel Agent

General-purpose A.I.-powered search tools and chatbots like Google’s Gemini spin up a list of things to do on your vacation when asked, but A.I. bots that are fine-tuned for travel queries are often more comprehensive. These bots scout destinations, plan itineraries, search for accommodations and flights, map out road trips and do more — grabbing a lot of information at once and saving you all that time-consuming web trawling.

Give the software your specifics — like destination, length of stay, interests — and see what it suggests. Many A.I. helpers are free to use if you sign up for an account, but some charge a subscription fee for premium services; your app store has specifics.

Layla , formerly Roam Around, is one of the free vacation-oriented A.I. helpers you can find online, and it has teamed up with travel sites that include Skyscanner , Get Your Guide and Booking.com . If you prefer land-based car and camper journeys, Roadtrippers (free trial; $60 year) includes real-time traffic and air-quality information along with route planning. And old stalwarts like Tripadvisor and Expedia are now using A.I.-generated vacation builders.

But as others have also noted, while A.I. travel planners have much potential, many are still works in progress and usually display disclaimers admitting so.

A.I. bots have been known to offer generic advice like “enjoy lunch at a local restaurant,” suggest activities that are out of season or too far apart, repeatedly recommend the same restaurant, consistently steer you to their advertisers or point you to locations that have closed. If you ask different bots the same question, you may get nearly identical suggestions, all scraped from the same tourism websites.

Still, A.I. travel apps are improving as they learn, and can be useful for the trip research and coordination phase. Just be sure to double-check the bot’s work before you commit to a plan.

Finding Earth-Friendly Options

There’s no shortage of apps for booking transportation to your destination. But if you want to keep the environment in mind, recent updates to Google’s Maps and Search apps now suggest routes and methods that lower your personal impact on the planet.

Google for the past few years has been pointing people to flights with lower carbon emissions , alternative train routes , fuel-efficient driving directions and eco-friendly hotels . It is now expanding its walking, biking and public transit suggestions alongside car routes in several major cities and adding more electric-vehicle charging information. Google Flights shows jet emissions estimates . Google Search has a “consider taking the train” nudge with rail routes and prices under certain flight results.

Apple’s Maps app also shows mass transit , walking and cycling options for getting around town, along with charge-friendly routes for electric vehicles . However, the default apps on your phone are not the only aids. Third-party software for directions and sustainable travel abound.

For example, Citymapper, which covers most major cities in the United States, Europe and Asia, includes environmental impact statistics on some trips. Its directions often include accessibility options that avoid stairways , along with routes for the fastest, cheapest or easiest way to get where you’re going; Citymapper is free with in-app purchases.

Other apps available for those seeking environmentally minded vacations include Bikemap for community-sourced cycling routes around the world, HappyCow for vegan and vegetarian travelers and Tap Hydration and Water Stations to locate sources for refilling reusable water bottles.

Keeping Organized

If you don’t already have software for consolidating your trip information, your phone’s default apps can help. Electronic boarding passes, hotel reservations and advance tickets can be quickly added to the digital wallet on your phone; a pragmatic paper backup tucked in your bag is insurance. Google and Apple offer to automatically add reservations and events from email and messages to your calendar .

Free services like TripIt (and its phone apps ), TripCase (also with Android or iOS apps) and Wanderlog automatically put all your travel information in one place, typically by scanning the information in your confirmation emails. TripIt Pro , a $50-a-year subscription version, adds more features like seat, fare and airline-points trackers, as well as international travel tools and regional risk alerts like those for extreme weather that can affect airline schedules and public safety .

A.I. bots and travel apps will continue to evolve and, hopefully, make vacation planning even easier in the future. Just don’t forget to occasionally put the phone down and enjoy your time off once you get there.

J.D. Biersdorfer has been writing about consumer technology for The Times since 1998. She also creates the weekly interactive literary quiz for the Book Review and occasionally contributes reviews. More about J. D. Biersdorfer

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