Overview
About the Program
Two-year full-time degree schedule; mixture of core engineering, mathematics, and communications courses; program can be completed on a part-time basis.
Students in the Alternative Energy program will be exposed to the various sectors of the alternative energy industry (e.g., wind, solar, biomass, geothermal) as well as gain the skills needed to design, install, maintain and troubleshoot these systems. Students will engage in real-world projects that involve site assessment, generating proposals, and designing systems as well as learn the business side of the industry.
Internship
The internship is a 150-hour industry work placement, completed during the last term of the program. It is a required part of the degree. Through this internship, students can earn college credit, make valuable professional contacts, and link their classroom studies to real-world workplace challenges. Contact the Engineering Technologies Director or academic advisor for details.
Program Learning Outcomes
1. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages associated with fossil fuel energy compared with alternative energy sources.
2. Explain the various types of alternative energy sources, their efficiencies and how each one works (i.e., electrical and mechanical components). Alternative energy sources include solar, wind, bio-based, geothermal and water.
3. Calculate the pay-back time of alternative energy systems based on the measurement of the energy consumption and generation.
4. Conduct site assessments for the optimal placement of alternative energy systems.
5. Install wind, solar energy and bio-based systems.
6. Operate wind, solar and bio-based systems.
7. Troubleshoot wind, solar and bio-based systems.
8. Select appropriate methods for connecting alternative energy systems to the power grid.
9. Adhere to required electrical, mechanical, and environmental safety procedures.
Occupational Certification
Application Requirements
- Final high school transcript (or GED results) and college transcripts (if applicable).
Career Opportunities
- Alternative Energy Technician
- Alternative Energy System Installer
- Alternative Energy System Maintenance/Repair
- Mechanical Drafter
Curriculum
The following is a typical course sequence for completing this program. The actual time needed to complete the program will vary according to each student’s individual needs.
First Semester
Second Semester
Third Semester
Fourth Semester
Total Credit Hours: 63