Renewable energy and sustainable systems – promising specializations in 2025

In the modern world, energy is rapidly changing, leading to the emergence of new in-demand professions. In attempts to move away from traditional energy sources and switch to environmentally friendly and safe renewable sources, scientists and engineers are developing new methods and technologies that require trained specialists.

“Renewable Energy Engineering / Sustainable Systems” is one of the most promising specializations in 2025 and beyond. The development of solar, wind, geothermal and hydrothermal energy has placed engineers among the most sought-after workers. They are engaged in maintaining and repairing systems, improving technologies, and creating new solutions for generating energy from renewable sources.

Leading companies around the world are making huge investments in renewable energy, which opens brilliant prospects for young specialists in career growth and income level.

In recent years, engineers, designers and analysts specializing in renewable energy sources and sustainable systems have been especially in demand.

Universities in the USA offer advanced training programs in this specialty. Students can choose undergraduate, master’s and doctoral programs in which they will acquire up-to-date knowledge and skills, be able to conduct research in the best laboratories and intern at the latest energy facilities.

The best programs in renewable energy are offered by the following institutions.

The Center for Sustainable Systems (CSS) at the University of Michigan marked its 30th anniversary. It is a permanent center of the School for Environment and Sustainability at the University of Michigan. For three decades, CSS has led interdisciplinary research across the entire spectrum of global sustainability issues. By developing new methods of analysis, design and life-cycle optimization, CSS researchers have had a real impact on the future of alternative transportation technologies, renewable energy systems, buildings and infrastructure, information technology, food and agricultural systems, as well as alternative packaging options.

Students are offered three progressive specialized programs:

Master’s degree in Sustainable Systems SEAS.

The master’s program in “Sustainable Systems,” offered by the School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS), combines an interdisciplinary academic foundation with applied and systems-oriented research, often conducted in collaboration with the Center for Sustainable Systems. Students in this master’s program have the opportunity to work directly with sustainability issues in an applied professional and academic environment.

Dual degree in Engineering Sustainable Systems (ESS).

This MS/MSE dual-degree program in Engineering Sustainable Systems combines the School for Environment and Sustainability’s expertise in sustainability with the deep engineering foundation of the College of Engineering. Three specializations within the program allow students to diversify their education while maintaining a focus on sustainable development.

Graduate certificate program in Industrial Ecology (PIE).

This 15-credit specialization certificate is designed for an interdisciplinary approach to industrial ecology and is available to graduate students in any UM master’s program and recent master’s graduates. CSS introduced a new program in industrial ecology (PIE).

The Precourt Institute for Energy is part of the Doerr School of Sustainability at Stanford University, which opened in 2022 and became the university’s first new school in 75 years.

Professors, graduate students and undergraduates at Stanford University place great emphasis on developing new technologies for using renewable energy sources. Students receive excellent opportunities for education, research and internships.

The university offers the program “Energy Science and Engineering” at the bachelor's and master’s levels.

“Energy Science and Engineering” is the only specialization fully dedicated to energy. You will acquire engineering skills as well as study various aspects of the energy system, including renewable energy sources and their development, energy storage, energy systems modeling, economic evaluation and much more. The program gives students flexibility in exploring energy resources and their use, as well as energy systems and their impact.

Energy engineers engage in designing processes for energy recovery, conversion and storage, as well as assessing energy systems. The design process includes determining the spatial distribution of energy resources, designing and developing facilities, selecting and optimizing energy collection, environmental aspects of exploration and energy extraction, calculating energy process efficiency and monitoring.

The School of Sustainability at Arizona State University is the first of its kind. It offers comprehensive educational programs with an interdisciplinary emphasis on practical solutions to environmental, economic and social problems. Founded in 2006, the school is part of the College of Global Futures.

Students can earn a bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree in sustainability or combine a master’s program with Peace Corps service abroad. Undergraduate students also have access to a minor and a concentration in sustainability.

The School of Sustainability at Arizona State University offers programs:

• BS in Sustainability;
• BA in Sustainability;
• Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Food Systems;
• Bachelor degree in Sustainable Food Systems;
• Master of Arts in Sustainability;
• Master of Science in Sustainability;
• Master of Sustainable Solutions;
• Master of Sustainability Leadership (online);
• Certificate in Energy and Sustainability;
• Certificate in Sustainable Food Systems;
• Graduate certificate in Sustainability;
• Graduate certificate in Energy and Sustainability;
• Graduate certificate in Environmental Economics and Sustainability;
• Graduate certificate in Food Policy and Sustainability Leadership;
• Graduate certificate in Sustainability and Enterprise.

You can also obtain education in this specialty at other U.S. universities. The popularity of renewable energy opens up broad prospects for specialists for the coming decades.