To help folks as they explore the possibilities of making our world less grid-reliant and more sustainably powered, we wanted to pull together a resource for finding renewable energy degrees.
We’ve worked through thousands of websites and found the programs and degrees around the US, making the list absolutely as complete as possible.
Below, you’ll also find information about industries, job types, salaries, and more, to help in your searches and decisions on where to study, what to study, and what kinds of jobs might be of interest in this all-important field of technology.
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List of Renewable Energy Degrees in the US
First, let’s simply take a look at degrees. What’s available, where they’re available, and what the programs are. Each option we could find is linked to the program information for your further perusal.
And whatever level of degree you’re looking to receive (Associates, Bachelors, Masters, et cetera), you’ll find a huge number of offerings around the country and world. Including the following, listed by region, state or country.
Alaska & Hawaii
Alaska
- University of Alaska Fairbanks – Certification in Sustainable Energy
- University of Alaska Anchorage – Certification in Renewable Energy
Hawaii
- University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa – Renewable Energy and Island Sustainability Graduate Certificate
- University of Hawai‘i – Hawaii Natural Energy Institute
- Atlantic International University – Bachelor of Renewable Energy
Northeastern United States
Connecticut
- Eastern Connecticut State University – Institute for Sustainable Energy
- University of Connecticut – Clean Energy Engineering
Delaware
- University of Delaware – Energy and Environmental Policy degree / PhD in Renewable Energy
- Delaware State University – BS in Renewable Energy and Renewable Energy Engineering
Maine
- Unity College – B.S. in Sustainable Energy Management
- University of Maine – Renewable Energy Engineering
Massachusetts
- Harvard Extension School – Sustainability Certificate
- Greenfield Community College – Renewable Energy/Energy Efficiency Certificate Program
- University of Massachusetts Boston – Clean Energy and Sustainability Certificate
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology – Energy Studies minor
- Boston University – Bachelor’s, Master’s, Graduate Certificate – Energy & Environment
- Northeastern University – Master of Science in Energy Systems
- University of Massachusetts Lowell – Master’s, Doctorate, Graduate Certificate – Renewable Energy Engineering Program (REEP)
Maryland
- University of Maryland – Master of Sustainable Energy
New Hampshire
- University of New Hampshire – Renewable Energy Program
- Southern New Hampshire University – Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology: Environmental Sustainability
New Jersey
- New Jersey Institute of Technology – MS in Power and Energy Systems
- State University of New Jersey – Master’s Degree in Energy Systems
New York
- Columbia University in the City of New York – MS-ERE, Sustainable Energy Concentration
- Syracuse University – Renewable Energy – ESF Minor
- SUNY Polytechnic Institute – Sustainability Program
- SUNY Schenectady County Community College – Alternative Energy Tech
- Cornell University – Sustainable Energy Systems
- University at Buffalo – Engineering Sciences MS: Focus on Clean Energy
- SUNY Sullivan – Green Building Maintenance and Management – AAS
- University of Rochester – MS in Sustainability
- SUNY Morrisville – Renewable Energy Technology A.A.S.
- New York University School of Professional Studies – Diploma in Clean Energy
- The City College of New York – CUNY Energy Institute
- SUNY Canton – Bachelors of Technology program in Sustainable Energy Systems
- SUNY – ESF – Bachelor of Science, Sustainable Energy Management
- Onondaga Community College – Sustainability Program
- Clarkson University – Master of Science in Energy Systems
- SUNY Cortland – Master’s of Science in Sustainable Energy
- SUNY Oneonta – Major in Environmental Sustainability, and a minor in Community and Environment
- SUNY Delhi – Integrated Energy Systems (AAS, AOS)
- Alfred University – Renewable Energy Engineering
- Alfred State College – Renewable Energy Program
- SUNY Cobleskill – Environmental and Energy Technologies
- New York Institute of Technology – Environmental Technology & Sustainability, M.S.
- Lincoln Technical Institute – Electrical & Renewable Energy Training
- SUNY New Paltz – Sustainability Track in the Management Major
- SUNY Ulster – Clean Energy and Sustainability Programs
- Syracuse University – MS Degree in Energy System Engineering
Pennsylvania
- University of Pennsylvania – Energy & Sustainability, Minor
- Carnegie Mellon University – Energy Science, Technology & Policy
- Villanova University – Masters: Environmental Sustainability and Renewable Energy
- Drexel University – Minor in Green Energy and Sustainability
- Pennsylvania College of Technology – Renewable Energy Technologies
- Chatham University – Bachelor of Sustainability (BSUS)
- Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania – Certificate in Sustainability Requirements
Master of Science – Environmental Education - Saint Francis University – Renewable Energy Concentration (B.S. in Environmental Engineering)
- Penn State World Campus – Bachelor of Arts degree in Energy and Sustainability Policy
- University of Pennsylvania – Bachelor/Master in Energy Engineering
Rhode Island
- Brown University Pre-College Programs – Renewable Energy Engineering
- University of Rhode Island – Certificate in Energy Economics and Policy
- New England Institute of Technology – Electrical Technology (with Renewable Energy)
- Community College of Rhode Island – Energy Utility Concentration (ETPT)
Vermont
- Vermont Tech – Renewable Energy Degree (BS)
- Vermont Technical College – Major in Renewable Energy
Washington D.C.
- American University – Masters in Sustainability Management
- Johns Hopkins University – Energy, Resources and Environment (ERE) program
Southeastern United States
Arkansas
- Arkansas State University – Associate of Applied Science in Renewable Energy Technology
Alabama
- Calhoun Community College – Associate of Applied Science Degree – Advanced Manufacturing – Renewable Energy
- University of Alabama at Birmingham – Master’s Program in Sustainable Smart Cities
- The University of Alabama – Certification in Sustainable Energy
Florida
- College of the Florida Keys – A.S. Engineering Technology: Renewable Energy Technician
- Florida Institute of Technology – Bachelor’s In Sustainability Studies
- University of Florida – Renewable Sustainable Energy Program
- Seminole State College of Florida – EMERGE Program for Sustainability & Renewable Energy
- University of Central Florida – Solar Training Network
- Florida Atlantic University – The Southeast National Marine Renewable Energy Program
- University of South Florida – Sustainable Energy Concentration
- Everglades University – Bachelor of Science Degree with a Major in Alternative and Renewable Energy Management
Georgia
- Emory University – Renewable Energy Program
- Kennesaw State University – Renewable Energy Engineering Technology Minor
- University of Georgia – Georgia Renewable Energy Technical Assistance Program
- Georgia Institute of Technology – Minor in Energy Sciences
Kentucky
- University of Louisville – Engineering Entrepreneurship in Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
- University of Kentucky – Renewable Energy Course
Louisiana
- Tulane University – Master of Science (M.Sc.) Renewable Resources: Environment
North Carolina
- Central Carolina Community College – Sustainability Technologies degree
- Appalachian State University – Master of Science in Technology with concentrations in Renewable Energy Engineering, Appropriate Technology / Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Development
- Duke University – Energy Engineering Minor
- North Carolina State University – Fundamentals of PV Design and Installation, Fundamentals of Solar Thermal Systems Design and Installation, Renewable Energy Management (Diploma)
South Carolina
- Clemson University – Renewable Energy Certificate Program
- University of South Carolina – Sustainable Energy Program
- College of Charleston – Environmental and Sustainability Studies
Tennessee
- Middle Tennessee State University – Energy Efficiency Certification
- Lipscomb University – Sustainability: Certificates Master of Science MS/MBA Dual Degrees
- Maryville College – Sustainability Studies Minor
Virginia
- George Mason University – Business and Sustainability, Concentration in the Environmental and Sustainability Studies BA
- Liberty University – Bachelor of Science in Business Administration: Green and Sustainable Management Cognate
Midwestern United States
Illinois
- University of Illinois at Chicago – Master of Energy Engineering
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign – Energy and Sustainability Engineering
- Western Illinois University – Bachelor of Science in Renewable Energy Concentrations
- Illinois State University – Sustainable & Renewable Energy Program
- Illinois Valley Community College – Renewable Energy Technician Certificates (Basic/Advanced)
- Purdue University Global – Master of Science in Environmental Policy
- DeVry University – Specialization in Renewable Energy
- Lake Land College Illinois – Renewable Energy Certificate, Sustainable Energy Certificate, AAS in Renewable Energy, Renewable Energy Management Certificate
- Eastern Illinois University – Masters of Science in Sustainable Energy, Interdisciplinary Undergraduate Minor on Environmental Sustainability
- Heartland Community College – Certificate in Sustainable Energy Systems
- Rock Valley College – Sustainable Energy Systems
Michigan
- Michigan State University – Undergraduate Minor – Minor in Energy
- Michigan Technological University – Energy and Sustainability Program
- Renewable Energy Technology – Electrical – Renewable Energy Technology – Electrical
- Kellogg Community College – Industrial Trades Renewal Energy Program
- University of Michigan – Master of Engineering and Energy Systems, Master of Engineering Sustainable Systems
- Jackson College – BS in in Energy Systems Management
Indiana
- Ivy Tech Community College – Renewable Energy Technology Technical Certificate
- Ball State University – BS in solar and alternative energy systems, energy policy, economics, or planning
- Indiana University, Bloomington – MS in Environmental Science
Ohio
- Marietta College – degree in Land & Energy Management
- University of Toledo – Minor in Renewable Energy (MRE)
- Stark State College – Sustainable/alternative energy certificate
- Sinclair Community College – Energy Management Technology
- University of Dayton – Master of Science in Renewable and Clean Energy
- Wright State University – Renewable and Clean Energy, MSRCE
Renewable and Clean Energy Minor
Wisconsin
- Madison Area Technical College – Renewable Energy Certificate
- University of Wisconsin – Certificate in Engineering for Energy Sustainability
- University of Wisconsin-Platteville – Sustainability and Renewable Energy Systems (SRES) Major, B.S.
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee – Master of Sustainable Peacebuilding
Center for International Education- Global Studies, Sustainability track - Western Technical College – Solar Installation Technician
- University of Wisconsin-Stout – B.S. Sustainable Management
- Mid-State Technical College – Renewable Energy Technician Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
- Northeast Wisconsin Technical College – Solar Energy Technology Associate Degree
- University of Wisconsin – Sustainable Management Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Certificate degrees
Minnesota
- Fond du Lac Tribal & Community College – Clean Energy Technician Certificate
- Minnesota West Community & Technical College – Solar Energy Training Program
- Riverland Community College – Renewable Energy Program
- University of Minnesota – Sustainable Systems Management Major
- Century College – Solar and Renewable Energy Program
- Walden University – Master of Public Policy with a specialization in Local Government Management for Sustainable Communities
South Dakota
- South Dakota State University – Sustainable Energy Systems Minor
- University of South Dakota – Sustainability: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science
North Dakota
- University of North Dakota – Institute for Energy Studies
- Bismarck State College – Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Energy Services & Renewable Technician
Nebraska
- University of Nebraska – Energy Sciences minor
- Central Community College – Energy Technology, Solar Power Certificate
- University of Nebraska – Minor in Energy Sciences
Iowa
- University of Iowa – Facilities Management and Renewable Energy
- Des Moines Area Community College – Agribusiness-Sustainable Agriculture, Certificate
- Indian Hills Community College – Electrical & Renewable Energy Technology
- Eastern Iowa Community Colleges – Renewable Energy, Associate in Applied Science Degree
- Iowa State University of Science and Technology – Energy Systems Engineering
- Iowa Western Community College – Sustainable Energy Technology
- Northeast Iowa Community College – Renewable Energy program
- Central College – Global Sustainability Course
Missouri
- St. Louis Community College – Solar Training program
- University of Missouri – Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Energy and Policy
- Crowder College – Associate of Arts or Applied Science
Kansas
- Kansas State University – Wind and Solar Engineering: Wind and solar energy resource assessment, operation of renewable-energy systems
- Colby Community College – AAS Sustainable/Renewable Energy Brochure
- Cloud County Community College – Renewable Energy program
Pacific Northwest United States
Oregon
- Portland State University – Graduate Certificate in Energy Policy and Management
- Portland Community College – Associate of Applied Science: Electronic Engineering Technology: Renewable Energy Systems
- Clackamas Community College – degree or certificate in Renewable Energy Technology
- Chemeketa Community College – Renewable Energy Management
- Oregon State University – ME Renewable Energy Graduate
- Oregon Institute of Technology – Renewable Energy degree
- Oregon Tech Wilsonville – Bachelor of Science in Renewable Energy Engineering
Washington
- University of Washington – Energy Studies
- University of Washington – Sustainability Courses
- South Seattle College – Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Sustainable Building Science Technology (SBST)
Idaho
- Idaho State University – Web Course: Renewable Energy
- University of Idaho – Renewable Materials, B.S.
- College of Eastern Idaho – Energy Systems Technology
Montana
- University of Montana – Sustainable Energy Technology
- City College at Montana State University Billings – Sustainable Energy Program
Wyoming
- Casper College – Renewable Energy Technology, A.A.S.
Southwestern United States
Arizona
- Arizona State University – BS/MS in Alternative Energy Technologies
- University of Phoenix – Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science
California
- Santa Clara University – Renewable Energy Graduate Certificate, Master of Science degree
- UC San Diego – Online Certificate in Distributed Renewable Energy Resources
- University of Southern California – Energy & Sustainability: Master of Science in Green Technologies
- UC Los Angeles – Certification in Sustainability
- UC Davis – M.S. and Ph.D. in Energy Systems
- Stanford University – Bachelor’s, Master’s, Graduate Certificate – Energy Technologies
- University of California, Berkeley – Bachelor of Arts in Sustainable Environmental Design / Master of Energy Engineering
- University of San Francisco – Master in Energy Systems Management
Colorado
- Lamar Community College – Renewable Energy Technologies Associate of Applied Science
- Colorado School of Mines – NREL Advanced Energy Systems (AES) degree
- Colorado Technical University – Doctor of Management in Environmental and Social Sustainability (Executive Format)
- EchoTech Institute – AA degrees in Renewable Energy Technology, Solar Energy Technology, Wind energy Technology
- Renewable and Sustainable Energy Institute (RASEI) – Master of the Environment with specialization in renewable and sustainable energy
- University of Denver – MS in Environmental Policy and Management
Nevada
- University of Nevada Reno – Graduate Renewable Energy Certificate
- University of Nevada Las Vegas – Graduate Certificate in Solar and Renewable (SRE) Energy
Utah
- Salt Lake Community College – Energy Management and Solar Photovoltaic Program
Solar Certificate courses
New Mexico
- New Mexico State University – Renewable Energy Technologies – Undergraduate Minor
- Santa Fe Community College – Sustainable Technologies, Solar Energy Concentration, A.A.S.
- New Mexico Junior College – Energy Technology Degree
- New Mexico State University – Associate of Applied Science degree in Renewable Energy Systems Technology
- San Juan College – Renewable Energy Technologies Diploma Series
Texas
- Texas A&M University – Kingsville – Sustainable Energy Systems Engineering
- University of Houston – Master of Science in Global Energy Management
- El Paso Community College – Associate of Applied Science degree in Renewable Energy Technology Systems
- Dallas County Community College District – Renewable/Sustainable Energy Program
- Texas State Technical College – Associate of Applied Science in Solar Energy Technology
- Austin Community College – Renewable Energy Specialization – Associate of Applied Science Degree & Renewable Energy Specialization Level I – Certificate
- Amarillo College – One- and two-year certificate and associate-degree programs in Renewable Energy
- University of Texas at Arlington – Sustainable Engineering Minor
- University of North Texas – Mechanical and Energy Engineering – M.S.
- Texas A&M Energy Institute – Master of Science in Energy
- University of Texas – Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability Studies
Oklahoma
- University of Oklahoma – Environmental Sustainability degree
- Oklahoma City University – M.S. Energy Management
Renewable Energy Degrees in Canada
Renewable energy degrees are, of course, also available in other countries around the world. This brief list includes some of the most accessible ones for us here in America.
- Fanshawe College – Diploma in Renewable Energies Technician
- University of Alberta – Master of Forestry – Renewable Resources
- Carleton University – Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) in Sustainable and Renewable Energy Engineering
- Centennial College – Advanced Diploma in Environmental Technology (Fast-Track) (Optional Co-op)
- University of Saskatchewan – Bachelor of Science Renewable Resource Management (B.Sc. (RRM)) – Resource Economics and Policy
- Durham College – Advanced Diploma in Environmental Technology
- Canadore College – Ontario College Advanced Diploma in Environmental Technology
Job Prospects of Renewable Energy Degree Holders
So, there are loads of degrees around the world, particularly in the U.S.A., but how helpful is that?
Are there job openings available? What are the general prospects for these types of roles? Where are they? Who’s hiring?
Let’s take a look.
Has Demand Increased Recently?
Thanks to the recognition that the planet is having severe issues – natural resources are becoming more and more scarce and people are seeing how our treatment of the planet is wreaking havoc on Earth long-term – there has been a huge push to increase sustainable, renewable energy and green technology across the board.
More wind farms, solar farms, and other forms of renewable energy plants and businesses are on the rise. In just the last decade, renewable energy production has increased significantly, bringing the total energy production by renewable sources up to 18.1% of the world’s energy sources.
It’s estimated that by the end of this year, we could be looking at over a quarter of the world’s power coming from renewable sources. That’s a huge increase.
If you go looking for work on Indeed, you’ll find thousands of jobs almost all of the time.
So, What Kinds of Industries Are Hiring in the Field?
Next, of course, the question is, who exactly is hiring people to work in renewable energy fields? Some of the answers might surprise you, but these are the top industries, according to the Environmental and Energy Study Institute.
- Solar heating
- Solar cooling
- Wind energy
- Renewable fuels
- Hydropower
- Biomass
- Geothermal
- Waste to Energy
What Kinds of Jobs Will You Find?
Within these industries, there are many different job types, ranging from consultants at universities and big businesses to county program designers and sales management.
- Green construction managers
- Wind farm site managers
- Renewable energy sales managers
- Renewable energy consultants
- Solar project managers
- Renewable energy battery storage experts
- Solar installers
- Wind turbine installers
- Renewable energy technicians
- Field engineers
- Plant operators
- State and country sustainable program coordinators
- Et cetera
What’s the Top Program Producing Graduates?
It’s hard to pinpoint a single university for being a top producer, but some of the top programs for graduates in the field include a huge number of well-known schools like MIT, as well as some smaller universities or branches you might not be as likely to think of when you picture renewable energy degrees.
- North Carolina State University
- Pennsylvania State University
- Oregon Institute of Technology
- University of Wisconsin
- MIT
- Northeastern University
- University of Michigan
- University of California Berkley
- Stanford University
- University of Texas Austin
Where are the Best Jobs Going to be Found?
Of course, as you consider this direction for your life, you’ve got to be asking where people get hired for this sort of work. Will you be able to find anything where you presently live – or would like to live – what industries would you be working for, and where to find the jobs themselves.
There are, of course, certain regions of the world – and within each country – where renewable energy jobs are more likely to be found.
These may not be the most jobs per state, but they are the highest salaried positions in the industry, which is an indicator of how well-received and needed the jobs are in the following top ten states.
Other Resources That May Help
There are specific resources that can help you along your journey in this industry. We’ve pulled together some of the best job boards in the green energy industry to help you start to get a better feel for where you might work someday.