More than ever, the world is focusing its attention on renewable energy. Renewable targets are springing up across the world and countries are making a serious effort to reach them by transitioning away from fossil fuels and towards renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, biomass etc. Never has there been a better time to get your knowledge of renewables up to scratch and join the expanding workforce that is setting the ball in motion for huge, global changes.
By 2020 it is estimated that China will have invested £300 billion in renewable energy. That’s just one country! This shows just how important the arena is and how seriously people are taking it.
Nowadays, the job market is fiercely competitive and a lot of people are actually over-qualified for the jobs they are in. Everyone has a bachelor’s degree so you need something that will make you stand out. Studying energy as a postgraduate course will get you one step ahead of everyone else and show that you mean business.
Are you thinking about studying renewable energy as a postgraduate degree? Here are five of the best colleges in the USA for this subject.
Oregon Institute of Technology
This might not be one of the big US names you’re used to hearing but the Oregon Institute of Technology is one of the foremost colleges in the country when it comes to renewable energy. Currently, the college offers a four year undergraduate degree as well as a master of science in renewable energy engineering. The course’s modules look at solar, wind, energy management and a variety of other topics.
University of California Berkeley
Berkeley is well known around the world for the quality of its education. It currently offers a market leading MBA in energy and clean technology, which is targeted at individuals in business and public policy and aims to equip them with the skills they need to address pressing energy-related issues. The university also has a Renewable Energy Speaker series, which will be of interest to anyone studying the topic.
University of Michigan
This university has its very own energy institute that offers masters courses in energy systems engineering and in sustainable systems. The course provides a wealth of information to students and prepares them for the energy and environmental challenges the future generations are going to face. The ultimate goal is for graduates to be capable of engineering systems that are sustainable economically, socially and environmentally.
Stanford
Stanford offers both masters degrees and professional certificate programs in renewable energy. The certificates have been specifically designed for working professionals who do not have the time to complete a full degree but would nevertheless like to broaden their understanding of the renewable energy sector. The certificates take between one and two years to complete are available online to give students maximum flexibility with their learning.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
It comes as no surprise that the world famous MIT makes it on to this list. While the college has a specific energy minor that students can read, it takes a more full-on approach than just that. At MIT, professors believe that energy permeates all aspects of modern life. Because of this, energy is taught across all disciplines, departments and programs. Energy research into renewable systems and environmental challenges form part of MIT’s exciting energy programs.
