Online Degree Programs in Alternative Energy
There are alternative energy-related degree programs available online at the bachelor's and master's degree levels. Programs focus on renewable energy sources, leadership in sustainable energy, and the environmental and economical impact of the sustainable, alternative energy industry.
Online Bachelor's Degree in Renewable Energy
An online bachelor's degree in renewable energy is available to students who want to incorporate sustainable business and lifestyle practices into a wide variety of fields. Graduates of this program are equipped with a wide range of cross-disciplinary skills that include mathematics, science, engineering, research, business, teamwork and communication. Degree programs in renewable energy are still new, and consequently, rarely available to be completed entirely online.
Program Information and Requirements
Online bachelor's degree programs in renewable energy are generally 120 credit hours in length and can be completed in four years. Though it is possible to find this program available entirely online, it is more common to find individual online courses in renewable and sustainable energy offered through an on-campus degree program. Students can select online courses to be completed individually, or in an online group setting, where peers and professors communicate through discussion boards.
Students must have access to a computer with a high-speed Internet connection. Some courses contain streaming video that requires a computer to have audio and video capabilities. A printer is necessary for students to create copies of their study material.
List of Online Bachelor of Renewable Energy Courses
Fundamentals in Renewable Energy Course
This course introduces students to the practices and external influences involved in sustainable energy. Concepts in this course include solar energy, hydrogen power, wind power, fuel-cells, biofuels, hydroelectricity and wave power. Students also study the economic, environmental, social and political parameters that influence renewable energy practices.
Weatherization and Energy Efficiency Course
Students in this course explore the fundamentals of weatherization for structures and the techniques used to maximize energy in buildings. Students learn to monitor a building's energy usage and improve its energy efficiency.
Green Building Course
A course in green building introduces students to the fundamental concepts of sustainable building materials, design and construction. Students study practices used for both institutional and residential buildings. This course also recognizes green building concepts from a LEED certification perspective.
Career Information for Graduates
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the fastest-growing sector of the electric power industry is renewable energy (www.bls.gov). Although no exact number is estimated, this same source anticipates the employment rate of the renewable energy field to increase in coming years. This BLS also cites the mean annual wage for electrical engineers at $86,250 as of May 2009.
Online Alternative Energy Master's Degree Programs
Online master's degree programs related to alternative energy include a Master of Business Administration in Global Energy Management, Master of Business Administration in Managing for Sustainability and Master of Science in Global Energy Management. These programs are all similar in that they focus on the use of conventional energy sources and the future use of alternative, sustainable energy.
Students learn how these new power sources are developed, financed and regulated. The program provides students with advanced training in current and future sustainability concepts, as well as developing marketing plans and policies for the implementation of these concepts. Students must have an undergraduate degree in business or related degree prior to enrolling in these programs.
Program Information and Requirements
These master's degree programs are available entirely online, as well as in a hybrid format. Some programs require the student to meet on campus a few days a month to discuss current problems the alternative energy industry is facing. Classes are often administered using a software platform called eCollege. Students use this platform to communicate with teachers, take tests, watch videos and submit papers. Textbooks and other physical material required can be obtained on campus or mailed to the student.
List of Online Alternative Energy Master's Degree Program Courses
Renewable Energy Course
This course covers the various technologies that are used to power automobiles, generate electricity and provide heat. Topics include solar energy, biofuels, geothermal systems and wind power. Students learn how to assess each alternative energy source's economic and environmental impact and risk.
Sustainability Course
The course on sustainability examines the social, political, business and economic impact of sustaining alternative energy. The course focuses on the core impact that the development of these alternative, sustainable energy sources have had on society. Students also gain an understanding of the facts and prospective problems that these energy sources are facing.
Sustainable Modes of Transportation Course
Transportation systems are analyzed in this course, and students gain an understanding of how to improve the current systems. Environmental policies and the controlling of emissions and water pollution are all examined. Students study the different alternative fuel sources in order to determine the economical and environmental impact.
Career Information for Graduates
Graduates have a variety of career options that allow them to apply their knowledge of sustainable energy into practice and use their leadership skills. For example, students can gain upper-level employment as a business manager with a company pursuing sustainable alternative fuel sources. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, operations and business managers held 1,733,100 jobs in the country (www.bls.gov). The average annual wage of a manager in the related field of technical consulting was $130,390 in May of 2008. In addition to private business, employment can also be gained through the government where graduates can make slightly less per year.
Continuing Education Information
Students can continue their education and pursue a Ph.D. in Energy Resources Engineering, which may not be available online. This degree offers graduates an opportunity to teach at the university level or perform research.
Related to Online Degree Programs in Alternative Energy
- Related
- Recently Updated
- Popular
Turn Off the Juice: Schools Fight Back Against Wasteful Energy Consumption
'Going green' has become an oft-repeated catchphrase in the last few years, but it's one of those rare phenomena...
Tips for Saving Energy - and Money
The federal government just launched the Cash for Appliances program and it's got everyone talking about energy...
Energy and Oil Careers: Options and Requirements
Energy and oil careers include everything from finding oil in the ground to using nuclear energy to generate electric...
Energy Medicine Schools and Colleges: How to Choose
Energy medicine is the practice of manipulating energy fields to affect health. Magnet therapy and light therapy are...
Be an Energy Auditor: Education and Career Requirements
- Energy Therapist: Information About a Career in Energy Treatments and Energy Therapy
- Energy Based Therapist: Requirements for Becoming an Energy Based Healing and Energy Based Treatment Practitioner
- Renewable Energy Engineer: Job Information for Recent Graduates Pursuing a Career in Renewable Energy Engineering
- Top Master's Degree Programs in Accounting and Finance - Chicago, IL
- Top Ranked Graphic Design and Animation Degree Programs - New York, NY
- 5 Resources for Free Reading and Adult Literacy Education Online
- Best School for Video Game Programming Education - Phoenix, AZ
5 Popular Schools
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
Online Programs
- Master
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
Online Programs
- Doctorate
- Master
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
Online Programs
- Master
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Masters degree applicants must have a Bachelors degree
- Doctorate degree applicants must have a Masters degree
Online Programs
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 18 years of age or older
Distance Learning Programs
-
Non-Degree
-
- AS in Engineering Technology
-
- Certificate in Holistic Planet
-
Other Popular Schools:
-
Areas of study you may find at Iowa State University include:
-
- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Agriculture
- Architecture
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Business
- Communications and Journalism
- Computer Sciences
- Education
- Engineering
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Medical and Health Professions
- Physical Sciences
- Psychology
- Visual and Performing Arts
-
-
Areas of study you may find at University of Michigan include:
-
- Graduate: Doctorate, Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Business
- Communications and Journalism
- Computer Sciences
- Education
- Engineering
- Legal
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Medical and Health Professions
- Physical Sciences
- Psychology
- Visual and Performing Arts
-
-
Areas of study you may find at New England Institute of Technology include:
-
- Non-Degree: Coursework
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Business
- Communications and Journalism
- Computer Sciences
- Engineering
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Medical and Health Professions
- Visual and Performing Arts
-
-
Areas of study you may find at Golden Gate University include:
-
- Graduate: First Professional Degree, Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Business
- Computer Sciences
- Legal
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Medical and Health Professions
- Psychology
- Visual and Performing Arts
-
-
Areas of study you may find at University of South Florida include:
-
- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Architecture
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Business
- Communications and Journalism
- Computer Sciences
- Education
- Engineering
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Medical and Health Professions
- Physical Sciences
- Psychology
- Visual and Performing Arts
-
