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Master of Professional Studies in
Renewable Energy and Sustainability Systems
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Courses

The overall objective of the 33-credit online MPS-RESS program is to help you gain the knowledge to become a technically outstanding expert in renewable energy and sustainability systems, with strong project development and leadership skills. In addition, the program can prepare you to apply engineering principles to the business of energy in a variety of commercial and industrial occupations.

Areas specifically related to the following will be included:

  • System thinking and analysis
  • Sustainability assessment
  • Energy system performance analysis
  • Project development
  • Business acumen
  • Policy analysis
  • Advanced critical thinking

You will take 12 credits in the program's core courses, 12 credits in your chosen track, and 6 credits of electives in consultation with your program adviser. You will then complete your studies with a 3 credit capstone experience. 

The Master of Professional Studies (MPS) degree in RESS will be conferred upon students who complete a minimum of 33 credits while maintaining a grade-point average of 3.0 or better in all course work, including at least 18 credits at, or above, the 500 level (with at least 6 credits at the 500 level), and who complete the capstone experience requirement.

Core Courses (12 credits)

  • 3
    credits

    Examination of ethical issues relevant to research procedure, professional conduct, social and environmental impacts, and embedded values in research.

  • 3
    credits

    Theoretical background of sustainability issues and studies of sustainability systems.

  • 3
    credits

    Structure and function of energy markets; existing and emerging environmental regulations; decision-making by energy companies.

  • 3
    credits

    An overview of renewable energy technologies and energy system analysis.

Track Courses (12 credits)

Select 12 credits in either the Sustainability Management and Policy or Renewable Energy Systems track.

Sustainability Management and Policy Track (12 credits)

  • 3
    credits

    This course explores sustainability as a business opportunity for developing innovative products and services. It will focus on consumer needs related to sustainability, willingness to pay for these needs, and the innovative processes necessary to create sustainable solutions.

  • 3
    credits

    Provides in-depth exploration of energy policy development, implementation, and assessment at multiple governmental and corporate scales, with emphasis on energy markets.

  • 3
    credits

    Industry perspective on the resources, technologies, engineering approaches, and externalities involved in deploying renewable energy businesses profitably and sustainably.

  • 3
    credits

    This course examines strategies and applications of sustainable technologies in manufacturing, energy, water, transportation, food, and building systems.

Renewable Energy Systems Track (select 12 credits)

  • 3
    credits

    Theories and practices of solar electric systems, including component selection, performance simulation, grid interconnection, codes, and design documentation.

  • 3
    credits

    Economic analysis of solar energy projects, including project development process, energy policies, finance methods, and economic analysis tools.

  • 3
    credits

    An overview of the wind project development process and technical considerations for onshore and offshore applications.

  • 3
    credits

    Examine the chemistry of technologies of bio-based sources for power generation and transportation fuels.

  • 3
    credits

    Methods, economic criteria, and meteorological background for assessing the solar resource with respect to solar energy conversion technologies.

  • 3
    credits

    Technical and theoretical background for utility-scale solar energy conversion technologies to generate electric power.

    • Prerequisite

      EME 810

Elective Courses (select 6 credits)

Students may select two electives that focus on complementary disciplines such as Systems Engineering, Ecosystem Management, Community and Economic Development, Meteorology, and more. View the the most current list of elective courses, and contact the program office at [email protected] with any questions.

Capstone Experience (3 credits)

    • 3
      credits

      Real-world renewable energy systems projects using a systems analysis and case-study approach.

      • Prerequisite

        EME 504, EME 801, EME 802, and BIOET 533

    • 3
      credits

      Participate in a special topics research opportunity with a faculty member.

      • Prerequisite

        EME 504, EME 801, EME 802, and BIOET 533

Course Availability

If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search (opens in new window) to start planning ahead.

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