Find Master's in Sustainable Energy Programs

While most entry-level sustainable energy careers require only a bachelor’s in sustainable energy or related field, a master’s in sustainable energy allows professionals to increase their industry knowledge while preparing for upper-level jobs in management, policy, business, and government.

The graduate degree track goes beyond the “nuts and bolts” of sustainable energy and focuses on issues such as energy economics, global policy, and environmental analysis. With a master’s in sustainable energy, graduates will have gained key insights into this rapidly growing field, positioning them to become key decision-makers at top companies, government agencies, and NGOs.

Because sustainable energy is an emerging field of study, few universities across the country offer a graduate degree track. The schools that do, though, provide students the chance to further their knowledge, work with industry leaders, and gain meaningful and well-paying career opportunities. You can browse all sustainable energy graduate degrees in our program listings at the bottom of this guide.

Types of Sustainable Energy Graduate Degrees

When it comes to earning a graduate degree in sustainable energy, students can choose from several different paths.

A traditional master of science (MS) is available at schools such as Villanova University, which offers the MS in Sustainable Energy with an Alternate and Renewable Energy track. Within the program, students learn vital concepts such as battery science, thermal and electrical storage, and semiconductor properties. Having an MS in sustainable energy often leads to careers as renewable energy specialists, energy analysts, sustainability managers, environmental consultants, and more.

At Penn State University, students can earn a Master’s of Professional Studies (MPS) in Renewable Energy and Sustainability Systems. This degree track is geared toward working professionals seeking greater depth of knowledge in their field, with coursework covering project development, energy economics, and the application of technology in society. Graduates are often already working in the field: sustainability project managers, energy efficiency analysts, environmental risk analysts, and community planners are common careers.

For students who want to combine the emerging field of sustainable energy with a career in business or finance, Wharton College at the University of Pennsylvania offers an MBA in Business, Energy, Environment, and Sustainability. The program is designed to “provide in-depth foundations for those interested in the complex relationships between business and the natural environment, management of environmental risks, and the business and economics of energy.”

How Do Master’s in Sustainable Energy Programs Work?

Although each graduate degree program offers a unique set of courses, projects, and research opportunities, students entering a master’s degree program in sustainable energy can expect to study several core subjects wherever they go.

During their initial core coursework, students will develop an understanding of topics including energy technologies and public policy. These courses are designed to give students a broad understanding of the sustainable energy industry before focusing in their area of interest with elective courses and research projects.

Program Length and Structure

Most graduate degree programs in sustainable energy are structured to allow maximum flexibility for working professionals. This is why many programs often offer additional in-person classes in the evenings, while online courses often include self-paced modules as well, allowing students the freedom to earn their degree at a rate and schedule that works for them.

For these reasons, program length can vary depending on the school and the speed at which a student wants to progress. Course requirements range from 30 course hours (Villanova) to 48 course hours (University of Denver). A full master’s program can be completed in as few as 18 months, or as many as 5 years for part-time students.

Typically, a master’s in sustainable energy can be completed in 2–3 years.

Master’s in Sustainable Energy Curriculum and Coursework

Although students may find similar core coursework across different graduate programs, each university offers a wide variety of elective courses and research opportunities. This is where graduate students can focus on specialized topics that best serve their personal and professional goals.

In the University of Denver’s Master of Science in Environmental Policy and Management with a concentration in Energy and Sustainability, students develop deep expertise in energy and sustainability through courses in Wetland Ecology and Management, Renewable and Alternative Energies, Nuclear, Hydrogen, and Energy Storage Technologies, and Land Use Planning.

In Eastern Illinois University’s Master of Science in Sustainability, students choose their electives from a list of courses including Bioenergy and Bioresources, Energy Chemistry, Environmental Geology, and Sustainability Research. Students have the opportunity to conduct research in the state-of-the-art Center for Clean Energy Research and Education, which “partners with a cross-disciplinary team engaged in catalyzing new initiatives in energy research and education.”

How Much Do Master’s in Sustainable Energy Degrees Cost?

The cost for a master’s in sustainable energy can range greatly from school to school.

Attending a program in-state is often the most affordable route to a master’s in sustainable energy; Illinois residents pay about $10k per year for the EIU MS in Sustainability (Energy Management track). At University of Denver, the tuition costs are considerably higher, totaling over $38k per year.

Students who want to pursue their MBA at Wharton College may be surprised that the annual tuition cost exceeds $85K. Keep in mind, though, that most graduate programs provide scholarships, fellowships, teaching assistantships, and other forms of financial aid.

It is also important for students to match their college choice with their anticipated career. For example, graduates of Wharton College will be prepared to enter lucrative careers and can leverage Wharton’s strong business network to make important career connections, helping them to earn a salary that offsets tuition costs.

Online Master’s in Sustainable Energy Programs

Only a handful of universities nationwide offer a fully online master’s in sustainable energy, but there are notable schools preparing graduate students for a career in sustainable energy.

In the University of Denver’s Master of Science in Environmental Policy and Management with a concentration in Energy and Sustainability, students develop deep expertise in energy and sustainability through courses in Wetland Ecology and Management, Renewable and Alternative Energies, Nuclear, Hydrogen, and Energy Storage Technologies, and Land Use Planning.

The University of Denver is committed to helping each graduate student achieve their highest goals – even before they officially begin at the school. They are one of the few universities nationwide that allows students to enroll in a course before applying for admission.

In Eastern Illinois University’s Master of Science in Sustainability, students specialize through elective courses, including Bioenergy and Bioresources, Energy Chemistry, Environmental Geology, and Sustainability Research. Students have the opportunity to continue their research in the state-of-the-art Center for Clean Energy Research and Education, which “partners with a cross-disciplinary team engaged in catalyzing new initiatives in energy research and education.”

Penn State University also offers a fully-online MPS in Renewable Energy and Sustainability Systems. In addition to providing students with a flexible schedule and coursework that aligns with their professional ambitions, Penn State allows online students to explore research opportunities at one of their many world-class establishments. Important sustainable and renewable energy studies are currently being conducted at Penn State research facilities, including the Earth and Environmental Systems Institute, the Penn State Energy Institute, and the Battery and Energy Storage Technology (BEST) Center.

Is a Master’s in Sustainable Energy Worth It?

A career in sustainable energy is rewarding in its own right. Graduates with a master’s in sustainable energy have the opportunity to take on leadership roles in a growing industry while making critical decisions that drive the future of energy.

However, when pursuing a graduate-level degree, one of the key questions is whether the investment will pay off financially over time. The sustainable energy field is projected to grow rapidly over the next decade, with salary projections for those with an MS in sustainable energy being positive as well.

According to recent salary statistics, students with an MS in sustainable energy will find many high-paying careers waiting for them after graduation.

Job Title with Average Salary:

• Sustainability Consultant, $65K
• Energy Engineer, $71K
• Applications Engineer, $88K
• Senior Energy Analyst, $105K

For students wishing to expand their knowledge of sustainable energy, influence the future of energy in the United States, and earn a strong income along the way, a master’s in sustainable energy is a worthwhile investment.