Engineering at Illinois offers new Master of Engineering in Energy Systems degree

The College of Engineering at Illinois is now accepting applications for the first of several emerging Master of Engineering degree programs in an ongoing effort to prepare engineers for a variety of professional careers and practice in an increasingly competitive employment landscape.

Today, with the increasing breadth and depth of the engineering profession, additional preparation and professional skills development are required. The Master of Engineering is a natural extension of the College’s efforts to train the engineers of the future.

“The new degree programs address a growing industry demand for engineers who possess a broad mix of hard science and math tools along with a variety of professional skills—communications, teamwork, and a 'big-picture' understanding of project management,” states Bill Buttlar, associate dean of graduate and online engineering programs at Illinois. “Students have also begun to realize the value and necessity of a professional master’s degree as preparation for a successful career leading innovation in industry. In fact, a master’s degree may soon be a requirement for obtaining Professional Engineer certification.”

Master of Engineering degrees are designed to be non-thesis, professionally oriented programs that combine in-depth technical expertise and professional skills development beyond what can be covered in a traditional bachelor’s degree.

The Master of Engineering in Energy Systems will be the first program to officially open for enrollment, accepting applications for Fall 2014 admissions. Administered by the Department of Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering (NPRE), the Master of Engineering in Energy Systems degree will provide a broad interdisciplinary education in energy systems for a variety of professional-track students.

“Private firms, public agencies, and laboratories working toward modern energy solutions deal with multiple aspects of energy systems. Managers in modern industry are looking for people with a firm understanding of these different aspects, and the ability to communicate with colleagues working across traditional disciplinary lines,” states Cliff Singer, NPRE professor and program director. According to Singer, the program is designed for students who do not expect to pursue a PhD. Degree requirements can be met by combining academic work with an internship or outside employment, providing for some students a potential avenue for financial support.

The Master of Engineering in Energy Systems degree requires 32 hours of graduate credit, consisting of courses in core material, a primary field area, an area of specialization, individually tailored work in a practicum or project, and topical breadth. Primary fields and areas of specialization include: Electrical Energy Conversion, Transmission, and Distribution; Thermal Energy Systems and Combustion Engines; Chemistry and Chemical and Materials Engineering; Nuclear Power Generation; Wind Energy; Solar Energy and Climate Change; Environmental Engineering for Energy Applications; Biomass Energy Resources; Geologic Energy Resources; Energy Markets, Reliability, Safety, and Security.

Students with bachelor’s or master’s degrees in the natural sciences or engineering will be considered for admission. A background in engineering is not required for admission to the Master of Engineering degree program.

The deadline for Fall 2014 applications is March 3. Applicants for Fall 2014 should apply to the NPRE graduate program and indicate their interest in the Master of Engineering in Energy Systems.