Clean Energy Graduate Programs

Last Updated on January 19, 2023

Generating clean energy is pretty much the biggest challenge of our time. With the amount of carbon dioxide present in the atmosphere, it’s safe to say that we are facing a problem that needs to be fixed ASAP. Thankfully, there are thousands of clean energy graduate programs out there that range in focus and discipline. Here’re some types of clean energy graduate programs that will help you whether you want to research, teach, or get into policy.

In the article below we also provide information about masters in renewable energy management, renewable energy management courses, master degree in renewable energy in Canada, masters in renewable energy online, masters in renewable energy USA, best renewable energy masters programs and additional related articles all on Collegelearners.com

List of Renewable Energy Degrees in the US

First, let’s simply take a look at degrees. What’s available, where they’re available, and what the programs are. Each option we could find is linked to the program information for your further perusal.

And whatever level of degree you’re looking to receive (Associates, Bachelors, Masters, et cetera), you’ll find a huge number of offerings around the country and world. Including the following, listed by region, state or country.

Alaska & Hawaii

Alaska

  • University of Alaska Fairbanks – Certification in Sustainable Energy
  • University of Alaska Anchorage – Certification in Renewable Energy

Hawaii

  • University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa – Renewable Energy and Island Sustainability Graduate Certificate
  • University of Hawai‘i – Hawaii Natural Energy Institute
  • Atlantic International University – Bachelor of Renewable Energy

Northeastern United States

Connecticut

  • Eastern Connecticut State University – Institute for Sustainable Energy
  • University of Connecticut – Clean Energy Engineering

Delaware

  • University of Delaware – Energy and Environmental Policy degree / PhD in Renewable Energy
  • Delaware State University – BS in Renewable Energy and Renewable Energy Engineering

Maine

  • Unity College – B.S. in Sustainable Energy Management
  • University of Maine – Renewable Energy Engineering

Massachusetts

  • Harvard Extension School – Sustainability Certificate
  • Greenfield Community College – Renewable Energy/Energy Efficiency Certificate Program
  • University of Massachusetts Boston – Clean Energy and Sustainability Certificate
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology – Energy Studies minor
  • Boston University – Bachelor’s, Master’s, Graduate Certificate – Energy & Environment
  • Northeastern University – Master of Science in Energy Systems
  • University of Massachusetts Lowell – Master’s, Doctorate, Graduate Certificate – Renewable Energy Engineering Program (REEP)

Maryland

  • University of Maryland – Master of Sustainable Energy

New Hampshire

  • University of New Hampshire – Renewable Energy Program
  • Southern New Hampshire University – Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology: Environmental Sustainability

New Jersey

  • New Jersey Institute of Technology – MS in Power and Energy Systems
  • State University of New Jersey – Master’s Degree in Energy Systems

New York

  • Columbia University in the City of New York – MS-ERE, Sustainable Energy Concentration
  • Syracuse University – Renewable Energy – ESF Minor
  • SUNY Polytechnic Institute – Sustainability Program
  • SUNY Schenectady County Community College – Alternative Energy Tech
  • Cornell University – Sustainable Energy Systems
  • University at Buffalo – Engineering Sciences MS: Focus on Clean Energy
  • SUNY Sullivan – Green Building Maintenance and Management – AAS
  • University of Rochester – MS in Sustainability
  • SUNY Morrisville – Renewable Energy Technology A.A.S.
  • New York University School of Professional Studies – Diploma in Clean Energy
  • The City College of New York – CUNY Energy Institute
  • SUNY Canton – Bachelors of Technology program in Sustainable Energy Systems
  • SUNY – ESF – Bachelor of Science, Sustainable Energy Management
  • Onondaga Community College – Sustainability Program
  • Clarkson University – Master of Science in Energy Systems
  • SUNY Cortland – Master’s of Science in Sustainable Energy
  • SUNY Oneonta – Major in Environmental Sustainability, and a minor in Community and Environment
  • SUNY Delhi – Integrated Energy Systems (AAS, AOS)
  • Alfred University – Renewable Energy Engineering
  • Alfred State College – Renewable Energy Program
  • SUNY Cobleskill – Environmental and Energy Technologies
  • New York Institute of Technology – Environmental Technology & Sustainability, M.S.
  • Lincoln Technical Institute – Electrical & Renewable Energy Training
  • SUNY New Paltz – Sustainability Track in the Management Major
  • SUNY Ulster – Clean Energy and Sustainability Programs
  • Syracuse University – MS Degree in Energy System Engineering

Pennsylvania

  • University of Pennsylvania – Energy & Sustainability, Minor
  • Carnegie Mellon University – Energy Science, Technology & Policy
  • Villanova University – Masters: Environmental Sustainability and Renewable Energy
  • Drexel University – Minor in Green Energy and Sustainability
  • Pennsylvania College of Technology – Renewable Energy Technologies
  • Chatham University – Bachelor of Sustainability (BSUS)
  • Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania – Certificate in Sustainability Requirements
    Master of Science – Environmental Education
  • Saint Francis University – Renewable Energy Concentration (B.S. in Environmental Engineering)
  • Penn State World Campus – Bachelor of Arts degree in Energy and Sustainability Policy
  • University of Pennsylvania – Bachelor/Master in Energy Engineering

Rhode Island

  • Brown University Pre-College Programs – Renewable Energy Engineering
  • University of Rhode Island – Certificate in Energy Economics and Policy
  • New England Institute of Technology – Electrical Technology (with Renewable Energy)
  • Community College of Rhode Island – Energy Utility Concentration (ETPT)

Vermont

  • Vermont Tech – Renewable Energy Degree (BS)
  • Vermont Technical College – Major in Renewable Energy

Washington D.C.

  • American University – Masters in Sustainability Management
  • Johns Hopkins University – Energy, Resources and Environment (ERE) program

Southeastern United States

Arkansas

  • Arkansas State University – Associate of Applied Science in Renewable Energy Technology

Alabama

  • Calhoun Community College – Associate of Applied Science Degree – Advanced Manufacturing – Renewable Energy
  • University of Alabama at Birmingham – Master’s Program in Sustainable Smart Cities
  • The University of Alabama – Certification in Sustainable Energy

Florida

  • College of the Florida Keys – A.S. Engineering Technology: Renewable Energy Technician
  • Florida Institute of Technology – Bachelor’s In Sustainability Studies
  • University of Florida – Renewable Sustainable Energy Program
  • Seminole State College of Florida – EMERGE Program for Sustainability & Renewable Energy
  • University of Central Florida – Solar Training Network
  • Florida Atlantic University – The Southeast National Marine Renewable Energy Program
  • University of South Florida – Sustainable Energy Concentration
  • Everglades University – Bachelor of Science Degree with a Major in Alternative and Renewable Energy Management

Georgia

  • Emory University – Renewable Energy Program
  • Kennesaw State University – Renewable Energy Engineering Technology Minor
  • University of Georgia – Georgia Renewable Energy Technical Assistance Program
  • Georgia Institute of Technology – Minor in Energy Sciences

Kentucky

  • University of Louisville – Engineering Entrepreneurship in Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
  • University of Kentucky – Renewable Energy Course

Louisiana

  • Tulane University – Master of Science (M.Sc.) Renewable Resources: Environment

North Carolina

  • Central Carolina Community College – Sustainability Technologies degree
  • Appalachian State University – Master of Science in Technology with concentrations in Renewable Energy Engineering, Appropriate Technology / Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Development
  • Duke University – Energy Engineering Minor
  • North Carolina State University – Fundamentals of PV Design and Installation, Fundamentals of Solar Thermal Systems Design and Installation, Renewable Energy Management (Diploma)

South Carolina

  • Clemson University – Renewable Energy Certificate Program
  • University of South Carolina – Sustainable Energy Program
  • College of Charleston – Environmental and Sustainability Studies

Tennessee

  • Middle Tennessee State University – Energy Efficiency Certification
  • Lipscomb University – Sustainability: Certificates Master of Science MS/MBA Dual Degrees
  • Maryville College – Sustainability Studies Minor

Virginia

  • George Mason University – Business and Sustainability, Concentration in the Environmental and Sustainability Studies BA
  • Liberty University – Bachelor of Science in Business Administration: Green and Sustainable Management Cognate

Midwestern United States

Illinois

  • University of Illinois at Chicago – Master of Energy Engineering
  • University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign – Energy and Sustainability Engineering
  • Western Illinois University – Bachelor of Science in Renewable Energy Concentrations
  • Illinois State University – Sustainable & Renewable Energy Program
  • Illinois Valley Community College – Renewable Energy Technician Certificates (Basic/Advanced)
  • Purdue University Global – Master of Science in Environmental Policy
  • DeVry University – Specialization in Renewable Energy
  • Lake Land College Illinois –  Renewable Energy Certificate, Sustainable Energy Certificate, AAS in Renewable Energy, Renewable Energy Management Certificate
  • Eastern Illinois University – Masters of Science in Sustainable Energy, Interdisciplinary Undergraduate Minor on Environmental Sustainability
  • Heartland Community College – Certificate in Sustainable Energy Systems
  • Rock Valley College – Sustainable Energy Systems

Michigan

  • Michigan State University – Undergraduate Minor – Minor in Energy
  • Michigan Technological University – Energy and Sustainability Program
  • Renewable Energy Technology – Electrical – Renewable Energy Technology – Electrical
  • Kellogg Community College – Industrial Trades Renewal Energy Program
  • University of Michigan – Master of Engineering and Energy Systems, Master of Engineering Sustainable Systems
  • Jackson College – BS in in Energy Systems Management

Indiana

  • Ivy Tech Community College – Renewable Energy Technology Technical Certificate
  • Ball State University – BS in solar and alternative energy systems, energy policy, economics, or planning
  • Indiana University, Bloomington – MS in Environmental Science

Ohio

  • Marietta College – degree in Land & Energy Management
  • University of Toledo – Minor in Renewable Energy (MRE)
  • Stark State College – Sustainable/alternative energy certificate
  • Sinclair Community College – Energy Management Technology
  • University of Dayton – Master of Science in Renewable and Clean Energy
  • Wright State University – Renewable and Clean Energy, MSRCE
    Renewable and Clean Energy Minor

Wisconsin

  • Madison Area Technical College – Renewable Energy Certificate
  • University of Wisconsin – Certificate in Engineering for Energy Sustainability
  • University of Wisconsin-Platteville – Sustainability and Renewable Energy Systems (SRES) Major, B.S.
  • University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee – Master of Sustainable Peacebuilding
    Center for International Education- Global Studies, Sustainability track
  • Western Technical College – Solar Installation Technician
  • University of Wisconsin-Stout – B.S. Sustainable Management
  • Mid-State Technical College – Renewable Energy Technician Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
  • Northeast Wisconsin Technical College – Solar Energy Technology Associate Degree
  • University of Wisconsin – Sustainable Management Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Certificate degrees

Minnesota

  • Fond du Lac Tribal & Community College – Clean Energy Technician Certificate
  • Minnesota West Community & Technical College – Solar Energy Training Program
  • Riverland Community College – Renewable Energy Program
  • University of Minnesota – Sustainable Systems Management Major
  • Century College – Solar and Renewable Energy Program
  • Walden University – Master of Public Policy with a specialization in Local Government Management for Sustainable Communities

South Dakota

  • South Dakota State University – Sustainable Energy Systems Minor
  • University of South Dakota – Sustainability: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science

North Dakota

  • University of North Dakota – Institute for Energy Studies
  • Bismarck State College – Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Energy Services & Renewable Technician

Nebraska

  • University of Nebraska – Energy Sciences minor
  • Central Community College – Energy Technology, Solar Power Certificate
  • University of Nebraska – Minor in Energy Sciences

Iowa

  • University of Iowa – Facilities Management and Renewable Energy
  • Des Moines Area Community College – Agribusiness-Sustainable Agriculture, Certificate
  • Indian Hills Community College – Electrical & Renewable Energy Technology
  • Eastern Iowa Community Colleges – Renewable Energy, Associate in Applied Science Degree
  • Iowa State University of Science and Technology  – Energy Systems Engineering
  • Iowa Western Community College – Sustainable Energy Technology
  • Northeast Iowa Community College – Renewable Energy program
  • Central College – Global Sustainability Course

Missouri

  • St. Louis Community College – Solar Training program
  • University of Missouri – Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Energy and Policy
  • Crowder College – Associate of Arts or Applied Science

Kansas

  • Kansas State University – Wind and Solar Engineering: Wind and solar energy resource assessment, operation of renewable-energy systems
  • Colby Community College – AAS Sustainable/Renewable Energy Brochure
  • Cloud County Community College – Renewable Energy program

Pacific Northwest United States

Oregon

  • Portland State University – Graduate Certificate in Energy Policy and Management
  • Portland Community College – Associate of Applied Science: Electronic Engineering Technology: Renewable Energy Systems
  • Clackamas Community College – degree or certificate in Renewable Energy Technology
  • Chemeketa Community College – Renewable Energy Management
  • Oregon State University – ME Renewable Energy Graduate
  • Oregon Institute of Technology – Renewable Energy degree
  • Oregon Tech Wilsonville – Bachelor of Science in Renewable Energy Engineering

Washington

  • University of Washington – Energy Studies
  • University of Washington – Sustainability Courses
  • South Seattle College – Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Sustainable Building Science Technology (SBST)

Idaho

  • Idaho State University – Web Course: Renewable Energy
  • University of Idaho – Renewable Materials, B.S.
  • College of Eastern Idaho – Energy Systems Technology

Montana

  • University of Montana – Sustainable Energy Technology
  • City College at Montana State University Billings – Sustainable Energy Program

Wyoming

  • Casper College – Renewable Energy Technology, A.A.S.

Southwestern United States

Arizona

  • Arizona State University – BS/MS in Alternative Energy Technologies
  • University of Phoenix – Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science

California

  • Santa Clara University – Renewable Energy Graduate Certificate, Master of Science degree
  • UC San Diego – Online Certificate in Distributed Renewable Energy Resources
  • University of Southern California – Energy & Sustainability: Master of Science in Green Technologies
  • UC Los Angeles – Certification in Sustainability
  • UC Davis – M.S. and Ph.D. in Energy Systems
  • Stanford University – Bachelor’s, Master’s, Graduate Certificate – Energy Technologies
  • University of California, Berkeley – Bachelor of Arts in Sustainable Environmental Design / Master of Energy Engineering
  • University of San Francisco – Master in Energy Systems Management

Colorado

  • Lamar Community College – Renewable Energy Technologies Associate of Applied Science
  • Colorado School of Mines – NREL Advanced Energy Systems (AES) degree
  • Colorado Technical University – Doctor of Management in Environmental and Social Sustainability (Executive Format)
  • EchoTech Institute – AA degrees in Renewable Energy Technology, Solar Energy Technology, Wind energy Technology
  • Renewable and Sustainable Energy Institute (RASEI) – Master of the Environment with specialization in renewable and sustainable energy
  • University of Denver – MS in Environmental Policy and Management

Nevada

  • University of Nevada Reno – Graduate Renewable Energy Certificate
  • University of Nevada Las Vegas – Graduate Certificate in Solar and Renewable (SRE) Energy

Utah

  • Salt Lake Community College – Energy Management and Solar Photovoltaic Program
    Solar Certificate courses

New Mexico

  • New Mexico State University – Renewable Energy Technologies – Undergraduate Minor
  • Santa Fe Community College – Sustainable Technologies, Solar Energy Concentration, A.A.S.
  • New Mexico Junior College – Energy Technology Degree
  • New Mexico State University – Associate of Applied Science degree in Renewable Energy Systems Technology
  • San Juan College – Renewable Energy Technologies Diploma Series

So, What Kinds of Industries Are Hiring in the Field?

Next, of course, the question is, who exactly is hiring people to work in renewable energy fields? Some of the answers might surprise you, but these are the top industries, according to the Environmental and Energy Study Institute.

  • Solar heating
  • Solar cooling
  • Wind energy
  • Renewable fuels
  • Hydropower
  • Biomass
  • Geothermal
  • Waste to Energy

What Kinds of Jobs Will You Find?

Within these industries, there are many different job types, ranging from consultants at universities and big businesses to county program designers and sales management.

  • Green construction managers
  • Wind farm site managers
  • Renewable energy sales managers
  • Renewable energy consultants
  • Solar project managers
  • Renewable energy battery storage experts
  • Solar installers
  • Wind turbine installers
  • Renewable energy technicians
  • Field engineers
  • Plant operators
  • State and country sustainable program coordinators
  • Et cetera

What’s the Top Program Producing Graduates?

It’s hard to pinpoint a single university for being a top producer, but some of the top programs for graduates in the field include a huge number of well-known schools like MIT, as well as some smaller universities or branches you might not be as likely to think of when you picture renewable energy degrees.

  • North Carolina State University
  • Pennsylvania State University
  • Oregon Institute of Technology
  • University of Wisconsin
  • MIT
  • Northeastern University
  • University of Michigan
  • University of California Berkley
  • Stanford University
  • University of Texas Austin

Where are the Best Jobs Going to be Found?

Of course, as you consider this direction for your life, you’ve got to be asking where people get hired for this sort of work. Will you be able to find anything where you presently live – or would like to live – what industries would you be working for, and where to find the jobs themselves.

There are, of course, certain regions of the world – and within each country – where renewable energy jobs are more likely to be found.

These may not be the most jobs per state, but they are the highest salaried positions in the industry, which is an indicator of how well-received and needed the jobs are in the following top ten states.

  • New Mexico
  • Colorado
  • Texas
  • Kansas
  • Virginia
  • Illinois
  • Iowa
  • Tennessee
  • Washington
  • Georgia

Other Resources That May Help

There are specific resources that can help you along your journey in this industry. We’ve pulled together some of the best job boards in the green energy industry to help you start to get a better feel for where you might work someday.

  • Green Dream Jobs
  • Green Biz Jobs
  • Green Jobs
  • Certified B Corporation
  • Renewable Energy Jobs
  • Idealist

Top 10 Colleges with Solar and Renewable Energy Programs

Research on utilization of renewable energy including solar, wind, and biofuel has been booming across the United States over the past few years. In 2017 alone, over half a million jobs were created globally in the renewable energy sector. Educational institutions have also been quick to pick up on this need for qualified people to work in the renewable energy sector, and today there are several learning programs related to the field being offered by colleges all over the country.

Solar energy is our best solution, and here are a few of the top colleges where you can study renewable energy programs:

1. North Carolina State University Renewable Energy Programs

The award-winning NC Clean Energy Technology Center, which was established in 1988 with an emphasis on solar energy, offers a diploma series in Renewable Energy Technologies. The programs consist of 40-hour workshops that focus on teaching students the practical application of photovoltaic systems, renewable energy management, solar thermal design, and more.

In addition, engineers, architects, and contractors can choose to complete the necessary continuing education credits for professional licenses here. The center also operates the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE).

2. Pennsylvania State University

Penn State World Campus offers one of the few online programs in the field. The program in Energy and Sustainability Policy is a Bachelor of Arts degree where students can learn from the university’s faculty members.

The comprehensive curriculum of the program focuses on building a broad foundational understanding of the energy industry. Moreover, the flexibility of the online course makes it ideal for those who are working or engaged in other study programs.

3. Oregon Institute of Technology

Oregon Tech was the first college in North America to offer a Bachelor of Science program in Renewable Energy Engineering, and the program continues to be popular. Students can also pursue this course alongside a BS in Electrical Engineering or Environmental Science and have dual major graduation.

The Master’s degree program in Renewable Energy Engineering focuses on photovoltaics, energy management, fuel cells, and wind power.

4. University of Wisconsin

Located in Madison, the University of Wisconsin offers Sustainable Management degrees and certificate courses. These programs are designed to explore real-world problems when it comes to renewable energy and sustainability management.

These online degrees feature a flexible program schedule which makes them perfect for people hoping to continue education while they are gainfully employed.

5. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Energy Studies

At MIT, undergraduate students can opt for a minor in Energy Studies. The interdisciplinary program is a blend of theoretical studies and hands-on experience with core curriculum courses that include Technology/Engineering in Context, Science Foundations, and Social Science Foundations.

The institute also offers the Energy Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP), a summer research program open to students of any major. The research opportunities include in-depth studies on renewable energy sources.

6. Northeastern University

This college in Boston created their Master of Science degree in Energy Systems aiming to fulfill the needs of qualified people in the field. The program is an interdisciplinary one that focuses on the integration of financial planning and engineering technology of energy systems.

Available as an online course, the program has both part- and full-time schedules and prepares students for careers in various energy fields, including renewable energy.

7. University of Michigan Renewable Energy Programs

The Energy Institute of Michigan University offers Master of Engineering in Energy Systems Engineering (ESE) and a dual degree program in Sustainable Systems. The flexible ESE course is a 30-credit graduate degree. It prepares students with a holistic approach to the current requirement for energy solutions and ways to face challenges in sustainable energy.

The program on Sustainable Systems offers students three specialization options – Sustainable Energy Systems, Sustainable Water Systems, and Sustainable Design & Manufacturing Systems.

8. University of California Berkeley

UC Berkeley offers several courses in Energy and Clean Technology along with their MBA program to give students an understanding of energy issues from various perspectives. These include Cleantech to Market (C2M), Energy and Environmental Markets, and Energy and Infrastructure Project Finance.

The popular Renewable Energy Speaker Series has different technical experts, entrepreneurs, and leaders from the sector talk to students about energy efficiency, photovoltaics, wind energy, and biofuels among other topics.

9. Stanford University

The university offers professional certificates, graduate and Master’s programs, and courses for corporates in renewable energy through the Center for Professional Development. The certificate courses in Energy Innovation and Emerging Technologies educate students on subjects like emerging trends in the energy industry, economic challenges of building a sustainable future, and cutting-edge technologies.

The programs are taught by Silicon Valley researchers in the field along with Stanford faculty members, and are perfect for working professionals who want to expand their knowledge of the field.

10. University of Texas at Austin Renewable Energy Programs

The undergraduate certificate program on Sustainable Energy Systems at UT Austin aims to prepare students for system-level analysis of alternative as well as conventional energy technologies. It also helps broaden their perspective on sustainability.

In addition, they offer a Technical Core on Energy Systems and Renewable Energy for students of electrical and computer engineering. This core involves learning about the design of reliable and economical electric power systems for both traditional and renewable energy resources.

According to the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics occupational outlook, the job of solar photovoltaic installers is the fastest-growing one in the United States. This makes it a good time to opt for educational programs in the field and become a well-informed part of the clean energy revolution. Tags energy education, renewable energy courses, renewable energy programs, solar education, solar study, solar university

renewable energy management courses

What are the courses in renewable energy?

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