The Penn State RESS program, presented by EME and delivered online by Penn State World Campus, provides a world-class, interdisciplinary education to empower professionals across diverse fields to lead the transformation of the world's energy economy to a renewable, sustainable basis.
The RESS program offers a 33-credit Master of Professional Study (MPS) degree with two main tracks of study: Renewable Energy Systems and Sustainability Management and Policy. An open plan for students who want to acquire a specific set of skills to meet their employment goals is also available.
Stackable graduate certificates (3-4 courses each) are also offered for students who want to quickly come up to speed in a specific area.
Acquire advanced technical expertise in key areas of the energy industry:
- Understand the roles of renewable energy and sustainability in the national and global economy.
- Lead projects aimed at the implementation of renewable sources and sustainable practices.
- Evaluate sustainability decisions and initiatives in the broad context of society's interests.
Analysis of U.S. Department of Labor projections suggests that the need for trained professionals in the renewable energy and sustainability fields is among the fastest-growing in the United States. Our program prepares students to assume advanced roles and leadership responsibilities within their respective organizations as project and program developers, implementers, and policy analysts in a wide variety of commercial and industrial occupations.
The RESS program was recently named one of the Best Online Master's Degree Programs in Environmental Management by Intelligent.com and was noted as the program with the Best Renewable Energy Focus.
RESS by the numbers:
The RESS Program is a dynamic community of individuals seeking to acquire new knowledge and skills or to update their expertise in renewable and sustainable systems. Most of our students are lifelong learners looking to make career changes, particularly to take advantage of new opportunities to address our global energy transition and climate mitigation needs.
- Number of graduates: Since 2015, over 170 master's degrees and over 140 graduate certificates in Renewable Energy and Sustainability Management and Policy have been awarded.
- Student population: The RESS Program currently has over 260 graduate students enrolled in MPS or graduate certificates, with over 500 individual class enrollments over the year.
- Class size: RESS typically has 20–30 students, fostering active interactions and productive exchanges within the group. A moderate-sized class also allows the instructor to provide personal feedback on assignments.
- Flexibility: Students can choose the pace at which to move through the program. There is no minimum credit requirement per semester, and students can take a semester off for job- or family-related reasons without leaving the program.
