In a world rapidly facing the possibilities of climate change and the depletion of cheap fossil fuel resources, it becomes prominently clear that there is a need for qualified professionals to rise to the challenges that will arise from these threats. Moreover, it is evident that these threats transcend traditional disciplines that deal with different parts of the sustainability puzzle.
For this reason, the College of Engineering and Natural Resources Management offers a Master’s program in Environmental Engineering and Renewable Energy. There are many programs that study renewable energy, environmental engineering, and sustainable planning. These programs tend to have very narrow focuses to achieve the goals set forth here.
We aim to create professionals who can assume leadership positions that require strong technical backgrounds in addition to a broad scope of vision, allowing for wise solutions to upcoming challenges. Therefore, integrating environmental and renewable energy under the sustainability umbrella will allow for such an outcome.
Students will gain a deep understanding of sustainability issues, discussing topics such as ecosystem approaches, collapse, efficiency traps, fossil fuel depletion, and its impacts. These will be key to understanding the importance of building a strong and resilient world. Clearly, one of the main elements of this lies in alternative energy sources, which students will become thoroughly familiar with. Previous employer surveys have shown significant interest in obtaining people with the competencies acquired in this program.
The program is based on coursework and a thesis, totaling 34 credit hours distributed among compulsory courses (19 credit hours), electives (6 credit hours), and a thesis project (9 credit hours).
Who can attend the program?
All students holding a bachelor's degree in any engineering discipline can enroll in this master's program. This includes:
- Civil Engineers
- Mechanical Engineers
- Architects
- Electrical Engineers
- Renewable Energy/Energy Engineers
- Industrial Engineers
- Chemical Engineers
- Aerospace Engineers
- Nuclear Engineers
Basic knowledge in thermal and fluid sciences is required. Any student who does not have this knowledge will need to take prerequisite courses. The courses will be assigned by the department and the applicant will be informed of this in their acceptance letter.