Bachelor of Science in Renewable Energy Engineering

One of only a few true renewable energy engineering programs of its kind

Become an expert in an industry that's changing the way society uses energy with Alfred University’s renewable energy engineering bachelor’s degree (REE). One of only a few true renewable energy degree programs seated in a strong engineering foundation, this program gives you the tools, technology, and know-how you need following graduation to enter the growing renewable energy job market with countless opportunities.

School/Division

Inamori School of Engineering

Campus Locations

Main Campus - Alfred, NY

Major

Renewable Energy Engineering (BS)

Minor

Renewable Energy Engineering

Program Contact

Ehsan Ghotbi

ghotbi@alfred.edu

607-871-2560

WHY STUDY RENEWABLE ENERGY ENGINEERING AT ALFRED UNIVERSITY?

EXCLUSIVE RENEWABLE ENERGY ENGINEERING PROGRAM

Alfred University’s Bachelor of Science in Renewable Energy Engineering is one of only a few true engineering degrees that specializes in renewable energy engineering.

AU'S Modern Facilities

Put your knowledge into practice at Alfred’s new laboratory facilities for designing and testing renewable energy technologies. To learn more about AU’s facilities, visit the Inamori School of Engineering page.

Inamori School of Engineering

Showcase Your Talents

As a senior in the renewable energy engineering program, you will complete a senior design project that showcases your creative talents for solving real-world engineering problems.

What Will You Study in the Renewable Energy Engineering Program?

In your first year in the renewable energy engineering program, you will take Introduction to Engineering, Computer-aided Design, Computer-aided Engineering, and the Renewable Energy Engineering Explorations Lab as well as foundation courses in math, chemistry, and physics.

Hands-on practical experiences continue throughout the program as you learn more about mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and business as they relate to the generation, delivery, and consumption of energy from renewable sources. As a senior, you will undertake a year-long senior design project, learning how to function as an effective group member within a realistic, job-like environment.

What Do Renewable Energy Engineers Do?

Renewable energy engineers are energy engineers that specialize in renewable and alternative energy technologies. Renewable energy engineers develop renewable energy systems, make improvements to energy efficiency, and apply science and engineering with an economic sense to create a more sustainable future for our planet. As examples, renewable energy engineers may work on electrical systems, advanced controls, green buildings, energy-efficient lighting, fuel cells and batteries, wind turbines, and solar power systems.

What Will You Do After Graduation?

Graduating with a renewable energy engineering bachelor’s degree, you can look forward to working in energy industries specializing in renewable systems. You might work in the industry as a professional trained in government regulation, or become a regulator yourself. You might assist corporations in improving transmission and grid integration, power markets, utility operation and planning methods, and product management. Above all, the renewable energy engineering program will prepare you for communicating results to a broad audience including industrial, governmental, and public sectors.

Build Sustainable Energy Systems in Alfred University’s Renewable Energy Engineering Program

A Bachelor of Science in Renewable Energy Engineering will prepare you to face the ever-evolving energy industry. Learn to analyze and interpret data, problem solve, take action on solutions and present findings to a range of audiences. Request more information about the renewable energy engineering program or begin your online application.

Students pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Renewable Energy Engineering will complete the following courses:

CHEM 105 General Chemistry I
CHEM 106 General Chemistry II
ENGR 101 Introduction to Engineering
ENGR 102 Computer Aided Design
ENGR 104 Computer Aided Engineering
ENGR 110 Technical Communication
ENGR 117 Engineering Foundations II
ENGR 220 Circuit Theory I
ENGR 305 Engineering Statistics
ENGR 306 Engineering Economics
ENGR 395 Engineering Design
ENGR 490 Senior Capstone Project
MATH 151 Calculus I
MATH 152 Calculus II
MATH 253 Calculus III
MATH 271 Differential Equations
MECH 212 Dynamics
MECH 320 Thermodynamics I
MECH 324 Fluid Mechanics I
MECH 326 Heat Transfer
MECH 354 Mechatronics
MECH 422 Control Systems
MECH 435 Industrial Controls
PHYS 125 Physics I
PHYS 126 Physics II
RNEW 201 Intro to Renewable Energy
RNEW 255 Power Systems and Economics
RNEW 303 Software Engineering
RNEW 310 Fuel Cell Principles and Techniques
RNEW 320 Circuit Theory II
RNEW 322 Signals and Systems
RNEW 431 Wind Energy Systems
RNEW 432 Solar Energy Systems
RNEW 468 Electric Machinery
Technical Elective
Humanities, Social Science and Arts electives

For more information, please review the School of Engineering Curriculum by Semester Worksheets by degree program.

Minor in Renewable Energy Engineering

The minor in renewable energy engineering is ideal for students majoring in science and engineering who want to learn more about renewable energy.

Core Courses

RNEW 201 Sources of Renewable Energy
MECH 324 Fluid Mechanics
MECH 326 Heat Transfer

Elective Courses (Choose two from the following list)

CEMS 352 Electroceramics
RNEW 310 Fuel Cells Principles and Techniques
RNEW 431 Wind Energy
RNEW 432 Solar Energy Systems

During the first few years after graduation, graduates of the renewable energy engineering program can attain:

Advancement within a multidisciplinary career within the context of renewable energy in industry, or advancement in postgraduate studies, or a related field.
An ability to actively engage in teams that solve problems with independent thinking with a drive towards excellence in their job/study performance.
Adopt the engineering method with their lifelong learning skills with an understanding of complex social issues where renewable systems will play a key role.

Alfred University uses program educational objectives as a method for outlining program outcomes and objectives. Program educational objectives (or PEOs) are broad statements that describe what we expect graduates of AU's renewable energy engineering program to attain 3-5 years after graduation. PEOs are reviewed and revised regularly to ensure that the program’s educational objectives are relevant to the needs of today's employers.

The Bachelor of Science in Renewable Energy Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. Learn more about ABET and accreditation.

If you have varied interests in engineering but are unsure which you excel at or enjoy working with the most, consider exploring our Undecided Engineering pathway. The Inamori School of Engineering provides this option to students who are undecided as first-year students and allows them to discover the field of engineering that's the best fit for them.

Undergraduate Full-Time Enrollment (from Fall Census)
Major	2017	2016	2015	2014	2013	2012	2011
Biomat. Eng./Biomed Mat. Eng.	33	34	41	31	32	30	31
Ceramic Engineering	68	63	72	63	57	49	45
Electrical Engineering	N/A	N/A	0	4	10	12	24
Glass Engineering Science	15	15	13	9	15	15	15
Materials Science and Engineering	48	48	50	46	44	42	44
Mechanical Engineering	182	185	165	160	137	121	100
Renewable Energy Engineering	30	44	42	35	15	N/A	N/A
Undecided	26	37	35	44	39	48	32
Non-degree	4	4	12	9	6	4	3

BS Graduates (August through May)
Major	2016-17	2015-16	2014-15	2013-14	2012-13	2011-12	2010-11	2009-10
Biomat. Eng./Biomed Mat. Eng.	7	7	3	8	7	6	5	5
Ceramic Engineering	19	15	12	14	17	8	11	11
Electrical Engineering	0	1	6	5	4	8	9	11
Glass Engineering Science	4	2	0	6	2	4	7	5
Materials Science and Engineering	10	13	5	7	12	11	11	9
Mechanical Engineering	37	23	29	24	18	25	25	17
Renewable Energy Engineering	12	3	3	0	0	N/A	N/A	N/A

Engage with your peers in student clubs of all kinds. Renewable energy engineering students at AU can join clubs like the Saxon Racing club, the Society of Women Engineers and more.

Careers with a Renewable Energy Engineering Degree

Within the past few years, REE graduates have obtained jobs as:

Engineer - NYISO
Technical Product Manager for Power Film - AVX Corp.
Solar Technician - SunBug Solar
Glass Engineer - Owens Illinois
Process Engineer - Galpau@AVX Corp.

For more outcomes and careers in engineering, read some of AU’s engineering student stories.

Educational Outcomes

Students who enroll in the Bachelor of Science in Renewable Energy Engineering program will learn to solve complex engineering problems, recognize ethical and professional responsibility in engineering situations, develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze data, and effectively present new information to a wide range of audiences.

REE Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the renewable energy engineering program at Alfred University will have:

An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies

Student Stories

International Grad Student, International Club President, Mechanical & Propulsion Engineer

"Working along with faculty and pursuing my research was a lifetime goal that I achieved at AU. If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere."

Renewable Energy Engineering 4+1 MBA

"I love the freedom and free-spirited nature of AU, the friendly atmosphere and the culture this university has created."

Mechanical Engineering and Dance

"I really appreciate the people that I have gotten close to at Alfred University. These individuals have been comforting, resourceful and loving sin..."

sundaram@alfred.edu
Hall Glass Science & Engr Room: B1

Similar Programs

Students enrolling in the Renewable Energy Engineering major often bolster their education by double majoring or minoring in these other closely related fields: