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

Campus Locations

Main Campus - Alfred, NY

Major

Renewable Energy Engineering (BS)

Minor

Renewable Energy Engineering

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:

  1. Advancement within a multidisciplinary career within the context of renewable energy in industry, or advancement in postgraduate studies, or a related field.
  2. An ability to actively engage in teams that solve problems with independent thinking with a drive towards excellence in their job/study performance.
  3. 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:

  1. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
  2. 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
  3. An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
  7. An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies

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:

All Undergraduate Programs