Best Colleges for Master's in Renewable Energy Engineering in the USA?

[u/Exciting_Albatross94]

Hi everyone,

I’m looking to pursue a Master's in Renewable Energy Engineering and am wondering which universities in the USA currently offer the best programs. I’m interested in factors like program structure, research opportunities, industry connections, and overall reputation in the field.

Any recommendations or insights would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

[u/Tyrannosaurus_Secks]

University of Michigan has a masters in energy systems engineering that is a dual degree between the engineering college and the sustainability school. I think its pretty good.

[u/not-who-you-think → u/Tyrannosaurus_Secks]

And a very impressive battery lab, thanks to the car companies!

[u/Exciting_Albatross94 → u/Tyrannosaurus_Secks]

I checked their website but couldn't find a degree program with that specific title. Also, is Energy Systems Engineering the same as Renewable Energy Engineering?

[u/Tyrannosaurus_Secks → u/Exciting_Albatross94]

https://isd.engin.umich.edu/academics/curriculum/energy-systems-engineering-curriculum/#Program_Core

Im not in this specific program, so only know what I do from friends, but my understanding is that it’s focused on renewable energy, yes.

[u/Tyrannosaurus_Secks → u/Exciting_Albatross94]

Colorado School of Mines would definitely be worth a look as well

[u/toptierdegenerate]

Duke has a Climate & Sustainability Master of Engineering program. The Civil and Environmental Engineering program has only been around for a decade or so for undergrads, but not sure about the grad programs. However, the Pratt School of Engineering, and the Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment and Sustainability, with its Duke Energy Initiative, are all highly regarded nationally and internationally. Loads else going on in the Research Triangle too.

Guaranteed plenty of research opportunities in energy, and interdepartmental collaboration is extremely common. Probably great opportunities for collaborative research with the Duke Kunchan University and Wuhan University too.

And industry connections are everywhere. Plenty of profs and researchers with experience throughout the industry.

Awesome campus too!

[u/snickels25]

I’m not sure about masters programs but I’d like to bring to the conversation SUNY Morrisville for their renewable energy program. Dr. Ballard is the head of the program and his experience and leadership are unmatched. A hidden gem in NYS and so important for the climate fight and preparing people jobs that are in need today!

[u/AwkwardGeorge]

Penn State has an Energy Engineering program. I was one of the first graduating classes. 

[u/Exciting_Albatross94 → u/AwkwardGeorge]

How was the program overall? What was your experience like? Additionally, could you share the main curriculum details and guide me to the specific course on the website with a link?

[u/AwkwardGeorge → u/Exciting_Albatross94]

https://www.eme.psu.edu/undergraduate/academics/undergraduate-programs/energy-engineering-major

[u/Exciting_Albatross94 → u/AwkwardGeorge]

Thanks for sharing the link! I would greatly appreciate it if you could provide some short insights into the course and the opportunities available after completing it at the university.

[u/devinhedge]

I can’t believe nobody has mentioned Arizona State University which is associated with NREL.

I have a bias towards NC State’s program because of the research component.

Also, Op… renewables it very broad. There’s a materials science component for batteries. There’s a materials sciences for solar. There’s a renewables power system design (EE), and an EV specialization as well.

Then there is the data analytics and AI portion which is about modeling demand, generation, and storage needs.

So… do your homework and decide which part of renewables you want to work with.

[u/Exciting_Albatross94 → u/devinhedge]

Unfortunately, when I checked their website, I couldn't find any on-campus program at ASU, but they do offer an online certificate course.

[u/devinhedge → u/Exciting_Albatross94]

https://sustainability-innovation.asu.edu/

[u/srosenberg34]

I do work that you’re probably interested in. My Masters is in Data Science and most of my colleagues are mechanical engineers. I have heard good things about the environmental engineering program at UW and have worked with some professors who are in that department.

[u/Exciting_Albatross94 → u/srosenberg34]

I'll look into that. Do you have any other recommendations?

[u/srosenberg34 → u/Exciting_Albatross94]

I would recommend getting into the field first. I learned what I liked to do then got my masters. Work also helped pay. You can find plenty of jobs that don’t require a masters, especially if you’re in your early 20s it wouldn’t be expected. I started at my institution at 21 as an intern. Now am 27, fairly senior in my role, and just finished my masters this year.

[u/Exciting_Albatross94 → u/srosenberg34]

That's really practical advice, thanks for the suggestion.

[u/Exciting_Albatross94 → u/[deleted]]

Thank you for your long reply. I am particularly interested in the Renewable Energy Engineering program, but unfortunately, I couldn't find this specific course on the University of Washington's website. If I'm mistaken, please correct me. Also, I believe the deadline for the fall intake has passed, am I right?"