Degree offered: Bachelor of Science in Renewable Energy Systems Locations: OIT Portland and Klamath Falls About our program
The promise of sustainable power depends on our ability to harness renewable resources like wind, sunlight, biofuels, geothermal heat and rivers. The technology needed to harness these natural energy resources is continually improving, but the demand for workers who can lead us toward a sustainable energy future has already exceeded the supply. Renewable energy is a burgeoning industry, especially in Oregon, where public and private programs and incentives fuel rapid growth. Oregon Institute of Technology has long been an advocate and user of sustainable energy in the region. The Oregon Tech campus in Klamath Falls is the only geothermally heated university campus in America, is home to the Geo-Heat Center, a national resource for geothermal development. OIT hosts the Oregon Renewable Energy Center (OREC), which conducts applied research on photovoltaic power systems, ground-source heating systems, fuel-cell systems, wind, biomass and integrated systems. In 2005, Oregon Tech furthered its commitment to sustainable power by introducing the first Bachelor of Science in Renewable Energy Systems in North America. Oregon Tech's renewable energy program establishes the engineering principles graduates will need to develop, promote, and implement sustainable energy technologies. The degree program begins by establishing a solid foundation of physics, chemistry and mathematics, which pave the way for coursework in electrical and mechanical engineering. Upper-division courses in renewable-energy specific courses include photovoltaics, energy management and auditing, wind power, biofuels, renewable-energy transportation systems, green building and fuel cells. The Renewable Energy curriculum prepares graduates for careers in the energy sector in general, and the renewable energy in particular. Graduates of the program will be prepared for graduate study or for immediate employment as field engineers, energy auditors, renewable energy system integrators for homes and businesses, manufacturing engineers for component and subsystem manufacturers, designers for components and subsystems, local and state government renewable-energy inspectors, planners and other positions in the energy field. The program's major-specific courses are offered at the OIT Portland East Campus while lower-division, general education classes may be taken at Oregon Tech's main campus in Klamath Falls or at any community college. |