Penn State University has joined a growing number of respected higher education institutions offering courses in renewable energy.

The school announced this week that it has introduced an online masters program in renewable energy.

“Policy changes, technological advances and an increased awareness of the world's resources are creating a growing need around the globe for advanced expertise in renewable and sustainability systems,” according to the course catalogue description of the new program. “There is an urgent need to prepare professionals who can serve as leaders of the emerging ‘green’ economy.”

Penn State opted to offer the masters degree as part of its growing World Campus, a collection of 90 online degrees provided through the school and aimed at attracting working students and students who live far from the physical campus in Pennsylvania. The online catalogue of courses gives students flexibility.

The curriculum for the masters degree requires 32 credit hours and includes courses in designing and managing sustainable and renewable energy systems, ethics, energy markets and some foundational renewable energy and sustainability courses developed for this masters program.

“The new Intercollege Master of Professional Studies in Renewable Energy and Sustainability Systems 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.

The masters program draws from the colleges of agricultural sciences, earth and mineral sciences, engineering and liberal arts.

“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,” said Daniel Ciolkosz, the academic program coordinator. “Options in bio-energy, sustainability management and policy, solar energy and wind energy will allow students to tailor the degree to their career goals.”