Master's Degrees in Renewable Energy

<p>Master's degrees in this field may be offered under a number of monikers, but you will usually study similar topics across all of them. You may earn a Master of Science in Energy and Sustainability or Renewable and Clean Energy. You might also pursue a civil engineering master's degree that focuses on renewable energy infrastructure. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td><b>Degree Level</b></td><td> Master's degree</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Key Topics Discussed</b></td><td> Wind power, climate change, solar energy, biofuels, environmental law</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Learning Environment</b></td><td> Traditional classroom and distance learning degrees are available</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Prerequisites</b></td><td> Bachelor's degree is required; depending upon the institution, a personal statement, standardized test scores, and/or letters of recommendation may be needed</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Potential Work Environments</b></td><td> Government agencies, not-for-profit organizations, education, private business</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)*</b></td><td> $92,120 (for environmental engineers)</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)*</b></td><td>3% (for environmental engineers)</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---WhatWillILearn">What Will I Learn?</h3> <p>You can pursue a master's degree in renewable energy that broadly covers many aspects of environmental sustainability or one that focuses more specifically on principles of renewable energy engineering. In all programs, you will take lecture-based courses in energy efficiency as it applies to green building, transportation and manufacturing. Some programs culminate with a thesis, while others lead to an internship experience designed to provide you with practical experience in the field. </p> <p>Programs focused on engineering may train you in areas such as solar energy, fuel cell technology, wind power and biofuels. This will include study of the theory and science behind these forms of energy. You will also learn about storage and distribution of these renewable energy sources. More broadly focused renewable energy programs may also include study of environmental law, endangered species and the science of climate change. </p> <h3 id="section---AreTheseDegreesAvailableOnline">Are These Degrees Available Online?</h3> <p>Several renewable energy master's degree programs are offered entirely online. In these programs, you will utilize an online coursework delivery platform, such as Blackboard, for all of your work and communication. This includes watching recorded lectures, submitting assignments, communicating with faculty and participating in discussion groups with your fellow students. Online programs allow you to study at your own pace from the convenience of your home - or any site with high-speed Internet access. </p> <h3 id="section---AreThereAnyPrerequisites">Are There Any Prerequisites?</h3> <p>You will need to possess a bachelor's degree prior to applying. You may need to have studied a relevant field while an undergraduate, such as engineering, applied mathematics or physics. A strong background in relevant academic subjects, including mathematics, chemistry and physics, is helpful. Additional requirements may include your Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores, letters of recommendation and a personal statement attesting to your interest and readiness for graduate study in renewable energy. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatCanIDoWithThisDegree">What Can I Do With This Degree?</h3> <p>You can work as a renewable energy engineer upon completing your master's degree. This includes possible work for private businesses, non-profit organizations or government agencies at the local, state or federal level. You may focus on one of numerous specialties, such as construction, product design or research. You may also work on environmental policy advocacy, renewable energy education or the production of renewable energy in developing nations.</p>