Janice Lozano
The growing demand for renewable energy sources has resulted in an increased need for educational programs that focus on solar energy. Many universities now offer courses and degrees in this field, providing students with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue careers in sustainable energy. From bachelor's and master's degrees to doctoral programs, students can gain expertise in solar energy engineering, design, and management. Notable universities include Northeastern University, North Carolina State University, Appalachian State University, Duke University, University of Colorado Boulder, University of Maryland, and UMass. These institutions offer a range of specializations, such as solar thermal engineering, solar-powered vehicles, solar photovoltaic systems, and more, empowering graduates to contribute to the global shift towards clean energy solutions.
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What You'll Learn
- Northeastern University: Master of Science in Energy Systems
- Appalachian State University: Master of Science in Technology
- University of Colorado Boulder: Renewable and Sustainable Energy Institute
- North Carolina State University: Renewable Energy Technologies Diploma
- University of Maryland: Master of Sustainable Energy
Northeastern University: Master of Science in Energy Systems
Northeastern University offers a Master of Science in Energy Systems, which integrates engineering, business, and policy knowledge to help engineers or technical business majors effectively implement new energy systems technologies. The program is available at the Boston campus and online, providing flexibility for students to study at their own pace.
The curriculum consists of four core courses in engineering and finance, along with four electives covering various topics such as power strategies, energy renewal, sustainable energy solutions, energy storage, energy conversion, and energy efficiency. This program ensures that students gain a strong foundation in the latest and emerging energy technologies, along with the economic and financial considerations necessary for their real-world implementation.
The Master of Science in Energy Systems degree prepares graduates for decision-making and policy planning roles, enabling them to contribute to the development of minimally polluting, energy-efficient systems on a global scale. It empowers students to lead initiatives within organizations, aiming to plan and execute new energy generation investments and enhance system-level energy efficiency. Additionally, graduates will be well-equipped to participate in energy and environmental markets, such as cap-and-trade systems.
The program is designed for engineers or technical business majors seeking industrial or public-planning-based careers. It offers a blend of academic and corporate experiences, providing students with a holistic understanding of the energy sector. Northeastern University's Master of Science in Energy Systems program stands out by combining rigorous academics with experiential learning and research, effectively bridging the gap between theory and practice in the energy domain.
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Appalachian State University: Master of Science in Technology
Appalachian State University offers a Master of Science in Technology program that enables students to pursue in-demand career opportunities in renewable energy and sustainability. The program is offered by the Department of Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment and provides critical experience in best practices in sustainability, engineering, policy, and resource management. The Princeton Review named Appalachian State University among the best schools in the U.S. and the Southeast for 2025, and it has been recognised by U.S. News & World Report as a top 3 university for innovation for eight consecutive years. Forbes magazine also ranked the university among "America's Top Colleges" for 2024–25.
The Master of Science in Technology program at Appalachian State University allows students to take a critical approach to sustainability, design, and development, which can significantly impact planetary health. Students can learn to become renewable energy project developers or policy experts who can drive clean energy initiatives and encourage a more sustainable culture. The program equips graduates with the skills needed to solve complex technological problems through comprehensive exploration of the computer science field, including databases, programming languages, software engineering, theoretical computer science, and visual computing.
Appalachian State University's Career Development Center provides a range of services to support students' professional growth and success. These services include resume reviews, career coaching, and job and internship search assistance. The university also offers opportunities for cultural exchange and the possibility to earn money while pursuing a degree. The Boone campus, located in a beautiful setting, can be explored through virtual or in-person tours.
Additionally, Appalachian State University offers a dual-degree program combining Technology - Renewable Energy Engineering (MS) and Engineering Physics - Systems and Laboratory Automation (MS). This dual-degree option enhances the flexibility and breadth of the educational experience, allowing students to tailor their studies to their specific interests and career goals in the field of renewable energy.
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University of Colorado Boulder: Renewable and Sustainable Energy Institute
The University of Colorado Boulder's Renewable and Sustainable Energy Institute offers a Masters of the Environment specialisation in Renewable and Sustainable Energy. The course aims to prepare students for the clean energy and decarbonisation sector by providing a comprehensive understanding of the technological, regulatory, and commercial dimensions of the energy transition. The course covers both conventional energy sources and renewable/sustainable energy technologies, including solar energy. Students are required to take a total of four RSE courses (12 credits), including two required classes and two other RSE courses.
One of the required courses is Renewable Energy Development and Project Finance (ENVM 5042), which focuses on the business of decarbonising the energy sector and deploying clean and efficient energy technologies. The course covers renewable energy project development, corporate renewable energy procurement, and energy solutions for the built environment. Another relevant course is Microgrids and Distributed Energy Resources (ENVM 5027), which covers technical, regulatory, and economic issues associated with distributed energy resources and microgrids.
In addition to the Masters program, the University of Colorado Boulder also offers a Renewable and Sustainable Energy Specialization through its Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment. This centre brings together researchers from various disciplines to address complex global problems in energy and the environment.
Students at the University of Colorado Boulder also have the opportunity to participate in the Solar Decathlon, an international competition in which students design and build a net-zero energy building in their community. In 2022, a team of multidisciplinary students from the university's engineering and design programs broke ground for the competition by starting the construction process for a net-zero energy home known as the Canopy House. The home will be fully electric and powered by a combination of solar and green hydrogen energy, showcasing the students' commitment to renewable energy use.
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North Carolina State University: Renewable Energy Technologies Diploma
North Carolina State University offers an award-winning Renewable Energy Technologies Diploma Series, a continuing education training program that provides nationally recognised training based on technical theory and hands-on activities. The program offers two main pathways to earning a Renewable Energy Technologies Diploma: Solar Project Development or Photovoltaic Technician. The former is ideal for those interested in business and project development, while the latter provides advanced technical knowledge on solar photovoltaic energy.
The Renewable Energy Technologies Diploma is a non-degree, continuing education program. To earn this diploma, you must complete a minimum of 120 hours of training. The program offers fundamental and advanced technical knowledge on solar photovoltaic energy, including the National Electric Code (NEC). It also covers operations and maintenance of PV systems, using hands-on activities to teach how to use different types of equipment.
The North Carolina State University Renewable Energy Assessment blog provides updates and information on the programs. The university also offers an online undergraduate certificate program with several main areas of study, including renewable energy resources and alternative energy technology such as solar photovoltaics and solar thermal. The online program combines distance learning education with practical theory, allowing students to direct their education according to their interests and availability.
The faculty of the Renewable Energy program includes highly regarded scientists and published researchers who are experts in their fields of environmental policy and renewable energy technology. The program also benefits from ongoing research within the department, providing students with the opportunity to learn through real studies and progress in the field. The university's Renewable Energy Speaker Series invites leaders in sustainable and alternative energy sectors to share their insights with current students.
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University of Maryland: Master of Sustainable Energy
The University of Maryland offers a Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) degree in Energy Systems Engineering. This program is designed for professional engineers and focuses on the multi-disciplinary challenges of the rapidly growing field of energy systems engineering. The University of Maryland Energy Research Center provides innovation and expertise to support the program.
Students in the program are required to complete 30 credits, consisting of five core courses and five elective courses. The core coursework covers topics such as energy and the environment, computer-aided engineering analysis, and energy conversion for stationary power. The elective courses can be chosen from defined sets in reliability engineering and energy systems or selected from a range of technical electives.
One of the core courses, "Energy & The Environment," explores the major sources and end-uses of energy in society, with a particular emphasis on renewable energy production and utilization. It introduces innovative technologies and discusses them within the context of the current energy infrastructure. Renewable sources such as wind and solar energy are discussed in detail, considering their environmental impact.
The University of Maryland's Master of Engineering in Energy Systems Engineering program provides students with the knowledge and skills to address the complex challenges in the field of energy systems engineering. The program's flexibility allows students to tailor their elective courses to their specific interests and career goals, making it a comprehensive and customizable option for those seeking to advance their understanding and expertise in sustainable energy.
In addition to the University of Maryland, other institutions offering courses or programs related to solar energy for international students include Ecotech, UMass Lowell, and the University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin). Ecotech offers a variety of bachelor's and associate-level degrees, including options to focus on solar energy. UMass Lowell has a well-rounded renewable energy program with a minor in sustainable energy and doctoral programs. UT Austin's engineering program offers a four-year Energy Systems and Renewable Energy Technical Core, where students can explore solar conversion devices and the development of solar-powered vehicles.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many universities that offer solar energy classes for international students. Here are a few:
- Northeastern University
- North Carolina State University
- Appalachian State University
- University of Colorado Boulder
- University of Maryland
Solar energy classes offered at these universities include:
- Solar Thermal Engineering
- Fundamentals of Solar Thermal Systems Design and Installation
- Solar Engineering Fundamentals
- Solar conversion devices
Yes, there are online solar energy classes offered for international students. For example, Northeastern University offers a Master of Science in Energy Systems program that can be completed online or on campus.
