A Bachelors Degree Program in Renewable Energy Engineering

In the Spring of 2005, the Oregon Institute of Technology began offering its new Bachelors of Science degree program in renewable energy systems. This degree program incorporates the fundamentals of electrical and mechanical engineering, with an aim towards preparing students for careers in the power and renewable energy industries. We intend to develop this program into a fully-accredited engineering program, one that establishes momentum towards revitalizing undergraduate education in power and energy systems engineering. Furthermore, this program has been successful in attracting students who are not traditionally interested in engineering. The appeal of the renewable energy engineering curriculum offers the potential to expand the pool of engineering students by attracting students who would not otherwise apply to traditional engineering schools. This paper also provides suggestions for other schools interested in initiating a similar degree program