Educating for a greener future

Several universities are beginning to offer degrees in renewable energy. The rising challenges of global warming and the search for alternative energy schemes have long necessitated the need for more diverse technological and design skills.

The Oregon Institute of Technology has developed the country’s first four-year undergraduate degree program in renewable-energy systems. This year the program is training 50 students and will graduate its first class.

Illinois State University will start offering a bachelor's degree program focused on renewable energy. The school's Department of Technology will run the multi-disciplinary program that will also include major components in economics and public policy. Students in the program can also choose to concentrate in wind or ethanol.

The New York State Education Department and the State University of New York (SUNY) approved a four-year Renewable and Alternative Energy Applications program that started in the Fall 2006 semester at SUNY Canton.

Arizona State University began offering students undergraduate and graduate degree programs focusing on Alternative Energy Technologies in the fall of 2007.

Many other smaller colleges are offering similar course study.

Most core programs are centered around engineering, computer languages, public policy, etc and additionally require further specialization in photovoltaic, wind, biomass hydropower and geothermal energy development.

Our green future is beginning to look brighter.

When I attended college in the early 80’s Environmental studies was one offering from the geology department. We have come a long way and its good to see the increased interest.