Higher Education Opportunities in Green Energy: Renewable Energy Articles: Eco20/20

Higher Education Opportunities in Green Energy

In the wake of the 1973 and 1979 oil embargos, colleges and higher learning institutions quickly offered degree programs in renewable energy. As the energy crisis, as it was called, fell from the headlines people began to take the energy situation less seriously. Colleges offered very few programs and courses, if any. By the 1990's education in this area of study was very hard to find.

Thankfully, concern for the environment has resulted in a major resurgence of interest in recent years. Thousands of institutions of higher learning offer training, certification and degree programs to prepare students for work in the every growing green energy and other environmental fields. Below are but a few samples that will inspire any student to explore sustainable and renewable energy solutions to help meet present and future energy needs.

University of Montana

Among the programs offered by the University of Montana is the Energy Technology Program. Students are introduced to all aspects of both traditional and renewable technologies and energy systems. When they graduate, students are equipped to seek a variety of careers in the energy industry. Skills taught in the program include installation, design and maintenance of energy systems. The comprehensive program teaches how to assess a site for energy efficiency and conservation. Students also learn about project management and compliance with environmental regulations. The curriculum is built on a strong foundation of math, computing, business and math education. With these specialized skills students can pursue careers as hydrologists, engineers, power plant technicians and utility linemen among many others.

Appalachian State University

Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina has offered four-year undergraduate degrees and graduate degrees in a variety of renewable technologies for well over 20 years. Studies include photovoltaics, wind power and solar energy applications. Resource management, sustainable transportation and green building technologies are other areas of study the university offers. As part of their education students are encouraged to participate in researching or taking on projects such as using solar energy to dry food, pasteurizing water with solar energy and building hydroelectric generators. The university's impressive history of comprehensive and well rounded education in environmental study began with their first year of offering these programs.

The Oregon Institute of Technology

In 2008 this institution graduated the first class from its four year undergraduate degree program in renewable-energy systems. To earn their degree students must know the basics of electrical circuitry, motors, engineering and computer language. They are then taught specialized courses in solar energy, wind and hydropower and geothermal energy development. According to the assistant professor and program director, graduates from this program enjoy a wide variety of career choices with very good starting salaries.

The number of opportunities for higher education in the green energy field is limitless. Because the demand for new technical skills and design concepts has greatly increased, colleges and universities continue to add more degree programs to meet the demand for students that desire education in this field. Degree programs are offered in literally every area of the country. A little research will uncover a program suitable for students with an interest in a career within any energy or environmental field imaginable.