Penn State is now offering an online master’s degree in renewable energy and sustainability systems beginning this fall. Elsevier Publishing ranks Penn State first among universities engaged in alternative energy research.

“The new Intercollege Master of Professional Studies in Renewable Energy and Sustainability Systems (iMPS-RESS) is designed to prepare professionals to lead the world’s transformation from an unsustainable, fossil energy economy to a renewable, sustainable basis of operation,” said Ali Demirci, professor of agricultural and biological engineering and iMPS-RESS academic program chair.

Departments included in the program include the colleges of Agricultural Sciences (lead academic unit), Earth and Mineral Sciences (lead administrative unit), Engineering, and the Liberal Arts; and the departments of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Ecosystem Science and Management, Energy and Mineral Engineering, Marketing, and Plant Science.

Daniel Ciolkosz, academic program coordinator for iMPS-RESS, added, “This program is focused on giving students the technical expertise and advanced project management skills they will need to effectively create or manage successful renewable and sustainable energy systems. Options in bioenergy, sustainability management and policy, solar energy, and wind energy will allow students to tailor the degree to their career goals.”

The program will provide students with foundational knowledge in renewable energy and sustainability systems. It includes one course on energy markets, policy and regulation. Students also will complete a management and design project. Program options will provide specialized, technical knowledge. Applications are now being accepted.