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What is Energy Management?

The systems technology and energy management degree is a field of study fusing technical skills with engineering know-how to prudently manage energy usage.  An Energy Manager will utilize technical and engineering knowledge to support other engineers and cross-functional professionals to design, upgrade, retro-fit, install, monitor, and manage energy-efficient systems in a variety of settings.

Energy manager jobs can include a number of tasks that can include:

  • Energy loss auditing
  • Systems applications
  • Facility security
  • Systems administration
  • Energy conservation
  • Instrumentation calibration
  • Systems monitoring
  • Testing procedures
  • System design
  • Report management

As an ever-evolving field of study, management energy degree programs may dip into system administration and computer coding while others focus on operating systems and networking.

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Energy Management Degree

Santa Clara University (Santa Clara, CA) is a private Jesuit university and the oldest higher learning institution in California. SCU offers all levels of educational degrees but the school is particularly recognized for its doctoral programs. It is classified as a “Doctoral/Professional” university by the Carnegie Classification. SCU is divided into six colleges - College of Arts and Sciences, School of Education and Counseling Psychology, Leavey School of Business, School of Engineering, Jesuit School of Theology, and School of Law. Most of SCU’s alumni made names in leadership and governance.  The university offers graduate programs exploring energy technologies. These programs offer courses on power systems, smart grid, energy management, security, and infrastructure. Interested students can pursue a Master's degree in Energy, Power Systems and Sustainability or a graduate certificate on Renewable Energy. 

Acceptance Rate

48.82

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Texas Christian University (Fort Worth, TX) is a private Christian university that fosters a liberal arts curriculum. The university also has a highly active research program. The university offers a wide range of programs allowing students to take double majors. The university offers the Ralph Lowe Energy Management Program. It is a graduate certificate program that allows students to gain a more in-depth knowledge on energy creation, energy processes, and energy management. Students will have opportunities to join energy field trips, and workshops; take contemporary course material, and experience real-world energy industry classes.

Acceptance Rate

47.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

The University of Tulsa (Tulsa, OK) is a private research university providing a large variety of programs for students. The school has competitive academic programs as well as high activity on research participation. TU is also known for its contribution to historic preservation and social relevance. Some of the popular programs on TU are engineering, business, and the legal profession. The university offers an interdisciplinary energy management undergraduate program. The curriculum is focused on the integration of the energy business and energy finance plus environmental energy disciplines. Students are also exposed to a variety of industry-based internships. Interested students can choose between Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in energy management or an Energy business minor. 

Acceptance Rate

35.84

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

University of San Francisco (San Francisco, CA) is a private Jesuit university offering undergraduate and graduate academic programs. USF also provides study abroad opportunities to students. The university has several institutional partnerships with other universities throughout the world. Energy Systems Management is offered as a master’s degree program at the university. The energy program prepares students and professionals to be leaders particularly in the energy sector. Students under the energy program will have opportunities on research, internships, and professional engagement. Interested students can choose between Master in Energy Systems Management or MS/MBA dual degree. 

Acceptance Rate

64.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Creighton University (Omaha, NE) is a private Jesuit university offering a wide range of academic programs allowing students to choose what suits them best. The school trains students to be competent, conscientious, and compassionate graduates. Moreover, Creighton University is using its health, law, energy, business, and the arts and sciences programs to bridge its students to the world. Most programs result in a bachelor’s degree. There are certification and training programs for professionals that aim to enhance skills and further their knowledge. Creighton University and Washington University in St. Louis offers a BS Engineering/Physics 3-2 Dual Degree program. Interested students can earn a B.S. in Energy and Physics from Creighton and a B.S. in Engineering from Washington University. Creighton University will provide liberal arts education while WUSL will develop the students’ technical skills necessary to analyze and solve many of the real-world problems. 

Acceptance Rate

73.71

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte (Charlotte, NC) is a public research university and is among the fastest-growing public universities in the state. UNC Charlotte is considered one of the best because of its academic quality, affordability, diversity, social engagement, and international presence. The Systems Engineering and Engineering Management department manages comprehensive graduate and undergraduate programs. Students are trained with a variety of necessary skills that are beneficial across the demanding energy industry. The university also houses an MS program in Applied Energy and Electromechanical Systems. Aside from the wide range of academic energy focused programs, UNC Charlotte is also active in research. The school also aims to address the cultural, economic, educational, environmental, health, and social needs of the region. 

Acceptance Rate

65.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Illinois State University (Normal, IL) is the first public comprehensive public university in-state. The school has hundreds of programs to choose from. ISU has bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral as well as specialist programs. The school is proud to have recognized faculty in the United States and in other parts of the world. ISU is known for applied science and technology, nursing, business, and education. Sustainable and Renewable Energy degree is an undergraduate major that focuses on courses that address real-world problems. Graduates of this program can assume roles across the energy sector. The school encourages learning outside the classroom, hence, the long list of academic and non-academic student organizations clustered in the energy sector. 

Acceptance Rate

81.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Iowa State University (Ames, IA) is a public research university that offers a long list of academic programs.  The university has highly recognized programs in health care, law, and the fine arts. Iowa was also the first American university to offer co-educational medical programs. The university offers a masters degree in Energy Systems Engineering.  Energy students are expected to be skilled and knowledgeable in energy system design, energy evaluation, facility construction and energy management. ESE is an interdisciplinary major offering five focus areas. 

Acceptance Rate

92.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Lawrence Technological University (Southfield, MI) is a private university also known as Lawrence Tech. The school has undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs. Most courses are aligned with science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. Energy Engineering is offered as an undergraduate minor. Traditional energy sources, nuclear energy, or energy management and conservation are the electives students can choose from. For the energy minor program, the university still fosters the theory and practice approach in learning. Admissions at Lawrence Tech are competitive with only less than half of the applicants admitted. 

Acceptance Rate

79.27

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

New York Institute of Technology (Old Westbury, NY) is a private university that aims to assist its students to grow and develop through their various degree programs. NYIT has two campuses with science and research laboratories in New York. Energy Management is a master’s degree program offered either at the Long Island campus or fully-online. All courses are facilitated by industry experts and professionals. The school also manages campuses outside the state in Arkansas and across the world - United Arab Emirates, China, and Canada. NYIT programs are designed to emphasize technology and applied scientific research. 

Acceptance Rate

67.8

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Central Washington University (Ellensburg, WA) is a public university offering a wide range of academic programs for students to choose from. The university extends its academic excellence to several campuses across the state. Integrated Energy Management is an undergraduate major leading to a BS degree. The program is delivered in an interdisciplinary approach to provide education, research, and training to interested students. Graduates of this program can assume roles across private and public institutions. 

Acceptance Rate

84.92

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette (Lafayette, LA) is a public research university and has the largest enrollment within the nine-campus University of Louisiana System. Students can choose from a wide range of programs from bachelor’s, master’s, to doctoral degrees. Engineering, business, psychology, and liberal arts are some of the popular programs in the university. The College of Engineering offers a wide range of undergraduate majors and a variety of academic minor. Graduate programs in System Engineering & Technology are offered in the university. These programs explore related areas of study. At 70%, the school has a high acceptance rate for new college applicants.  

Acceptance Rate

67.91

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Fitchburg State University (Fitchburg, MA) is a public university offering a range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The university fosters a liberal arts curriculum allowing students to be well rounded, and analytical individuals. Energy Management Engineering Technology is an undergraduate program. It provides basic skills and knowledge on HVAC, building utilities, and energy systems. Several applied laboratory work, and opportunities for a field practice, and experience is offered under the program.

Acceptance Rate

88.35

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Unity College (Unity, ME) is a private liberal college that is known to be “America’s Environmental College”. UC is focused on providing courses on sustainability science, environment, and natural resources. The college offers several energy-related undergraduate and graduate programs. UC is training students to be game changers and future leaders across the environment sector. The school recently expanded its academic offers after adapting online education. The school also has a high teacher-student ratio due to the small student population.  

Acceptance Rate

98.27

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Siena Heights University (Adrian, MI) is a nonprofit private institution offering a wide range of programs. The school values its Roman Catholic affiliation and it plays an important role in the school’s vision. Some popular programs in SHU are liberal arts and sciences, business and marketing, and public administration and social services. SHU has limited yet comprehensive environmental undergraduate majors. Students are provided with rigorous coursework that prepares them to be professionals across a broad range of industries. Aside from academics, SHU also has active athletic programs. The student population in the school is fairly low compared to nearby colleges. 

Acceptance Rate

73.4

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Ferris State University (Big Rapid, MI) is a public research university offering a wide variety of educational opportunities. Ferris is the 9th largest university in the state. Two to four-year programs are offered in the school across eight colleges. The school is also offering professional doctorate degrees. Some of the popular programs are business, visual arts, and sciences. Ferris has a high acceptance rate. A certificate on Electrical Power Generation is offered in the university. This program is designed to provide students with related-technical instructions as well as in business, and communications.

Acceptance Rate

86.64

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

The University of Montana (Missoula, MT) is a public research university. UM is a flagship university of the Montana University System. The school offers a large number of undergraduate and graduate programs. The W.A. Franke College of Forestry & Conservation manages most of the sustainability, environmental, and energy related programs. Other environmental disciplines including education, law, and ethics are distributed across other schools and colleges. UM also has a high research activity. The school is among the top universities that produce Rhodes Scholars. UM is also known for its recognized alumni in different fields. 

Acceptance Rate

93.97

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Ohio Valley University (Vienna, WV) is a private Christian university that focuses on providing undergraduate programs. Christian values are integrated to the core curriculum of the programs. OVU addresses the needs of the growing oil and gas industry across WV through energy related instructions and supplementary courses. The university has a fairly low student population which allows a more personalized and hands-on learning experience. 

Acceptance Rate

69.28

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Colorado Mesa University (Grand Junction, CO) is a public university that grants associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, and master's degrees. The school adopts a liberal arts curriculum exposing students to a variety of learning. The top ranked Energy management is an undergraduate major that prepares students to be industry professionals. CMU’s proximity to a variety of oil and gas fields, coal mines and plants allows students to gain real-life experience before joining the workforce. Thus, students are given opportunities for internships. CMU aims to help students to develop important skills that can help them pursue graduate studies or assist them in finding employment. The school also offers technical certificates that can be completed in a shorter period. With small class sizes and expert faculty, students at Colorado Mesa University receive a quality, personal education.

Acceptance Rate

78.2

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Mitchell Technical Institute (Mitchell, SD) is a public technical school that is dedicated in providing associate level of education and certificate programs. MTI aims to provide career-focused training and contribute to the workforce development within the area. The institute houses programs that tackle Energy Production and Transmission. Students are provided with coursework and hands-on experience. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Refrigeration School (Phoenix, AZ) is a private university that provides high-quality education and specializes in air conditioning and refrigeration training. Today, RSI expands its offerings for students by adapting multiple career-focused training opportunities. The school delivered programs in a hybrid approach allowing the flexibility on schedule for both students and working adults. Instructors in RSI are industry experts and professionals, therefore, students get first-hand knowledge from a field of study. Also, RSI designed its training programs to meet the demands and initial requirements of a particular industry. RSI fosters a student-centric learning environment.  

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$19,924 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

34:1

Fort Myers Institute of Technology (Fort Myers, FL) is providing a high-tech and advanced education. Students can get first-hand experience through industry-based tools and equipment. The school fosters small class sizes so students can expect more hands-on learning. Every program is affiliated with several local businesses to keep updated on industry trends and demands. The school also has an advisory committee that helps students with internship applications and job hunting.  

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$2,233 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

De Anza College (Cupertino, CA) is a two-year community college that offers both vocational training and academic programs to students and adults. The college grants associate degrees and certificates of completion. The college also grants transfer credits for students who are interested to earn a bachelor’s degree in another university. The college offers an Energy and Facility Management Program. Students may earn an advanced certificate or Associate in Applied Science degree. The program is designed to cater students from all backgrounds including those who already earned a graduate level degree. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

29:1

South Georgia Technical College (Americus, GA) is a public technical college that offers career-focused training programs. SGT provides a mixture of classroom instructions and hands-on training that equips students with skills required across their chosen industry. An Electrical Power Generation Dealer Service Technology Associate Degree program is offered at SGT. It is designed for students who want to pursue a career across the Power Systems and Electric Power Generation industry. Graduates of this program can assume entry-level roles as EPG technicians.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Eastern Idaho Technical College (Idaho Falls, ID) also known as College of Eastern Idaho is an accredited technical college that offers a wide range of vocational and career-focused training to students and adults. Professional development courses are also offered to individuals who are not interested in earning a degree. Energy Systems Technology is a 12-month program that leads to an intermediate certificate. Coursework is offered at CEI while hands-on training and laboratory courses are offered at Idaho State University. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Top Energy Management Degrees

A variety of degree programs exist in the energy management track. Academic energy courses and programs range from undergraduate certificate programs through degrees in the field of study. Additionally, many schools are creating online degrees in energy management to provide quality and flexible curricula in a digital format.

As the fastest growing segment in higher education, distance learning is a viable option for students who have competing work and home priorities. A summary of business administration degree and certificate programs in energy technology can be found below to help make your research as efficient as possible. We have gone the extra step to include a variety of accredited colleges and degree tracks in a centralized location.

Certificate in Energy Management Program

A certificate program in energy management can be earned on-site or online from a variety of accredited schools. The energy management program is designed to be focused, shorter-term programs to help students enter the workforce quickly. However, the length of each program will vary from school to school affecting the time to complete a particular program. Additionally, your course load will dictate how long it takes to earn a certificate.

Certificates can be earned in a general track or a defined area of concentration from schools around the country. Examples of specializations include:

  • Electric Line Technology
  • Industrial Wind Technology
  • Renewable Energy Technology
  • Power Plant Technology
  • Natural Gas Technology

Examples of classes you would likely see in a renewable energy certificate program may include advanced manufacturing, electricity basics, energy industry, wind power, wiring principles, smart grid integration, electric power distribution, power transmission, power distribution, geothermal, wind, solar, and photovoltaic systems.

Energy Management Associate Degree Program

An associate degree in energy technology is a 2-year program for full-time students. Degrees in the field are conferred as an Associate of Science (AS) or Associate of Applied Science (AAS).

Associate degrees generally blend liberal arts classes with core curricula to provide students with a balanced education. In fact, the value of a liberal arts education has been well documented from all sectors of the economy with employers favoring liberal arts graduates. General education classes you will typically find include communications, sociology, psychology, economics, history, and statistics.

Core classes in the energy management program will vary by school and concentration. You may find the following science courses in a core program: alternative energy, physics, earth sciences, industrial technology, machine maintenance, natural gas technology, electrical line technology, renewable energy, wind technology, and power plant technology.

Energy Management Bachelor's Degrees

A bachelors degree in energy management can be conferred as either a Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Arts (BA). How the degree is conferred will depend on the schools curricular design and overall program emphasis.

Bachelor's degrees will take full-time students approximately 4-years to complete. Much like the program emphasis found in an associate degree, a bachelors degree will fuse liberal arts classes with core classes. However, the bachelor's degree will provide introductory and upper-level courses far wider than any lower-level degree program.

While core classes in a BA or BS degree program will not be identical from school to school, we find it important to illustrate a typical course. Examples of classes you may find in an energy management track include:

  • Financial Reporting
  • Project Management
  • Energy Business Analysis Software Applications
  • Physical Geology
  • The Environment and Natural Resources
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Power Generation
  • Energy Commodity Trading Basics
  • Value Chain and Energy Logistics
  • GIS for Energy
  • Analytics and Statistics
  • Land Management and Resource Management
  • Energy Management and Ethics
  • Environmental Law

Courses for Energy Managers

In terms of educational requirements, energy management majors will take a series of technical and operational courses. While each university will curate unique curriculum, a common set of classes emerge. Foundational classes found in most energy management program degrees include:

Jobs in Energy Management

An energy management professional that has earned a graduate or undergraduate degree in energy management will have a multitude of career specializations to consider. Career options can from a research scientist and environmental scientist to a geological technician and environmental engineer. Students may also choose to consider jobs in postsecondary teaching, natural science manager, physicist, energy management leadership, atmospheric scientist, energy project manager, or sustainability director.

Energy Industry Job Outlook

Career outlook numbers for energy managers and systems techs look quite robust. In fact, employment projections for energy engineers are expected to vault by 9% creating 9,500 new jobs in the coming decade. To parallel, jobs for environmental engineers and environmental scientist are expected to jump by 12% and 11% respectively. A robust industry coupled with rapid job growth will translate to in-demand jobs and rising wages for technical positions. It can also mean companies grow and add leadership positions in key divisions for qualified technicians.

Business Resources for Energy Managers

Additional information about the field of study can be found by visiting the Energy Management Association (EMA). The EMA has a substantial trove of resources, membership benefits, guidance, and professional networking opportunities. Other associations worth investigating include the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), ASHRAE, and the Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA).

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