Energy Systems Technology

Develop the knowledge and skills needed to work in today’s energy industry. The utility industry’s energy generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure is commonly called the “largest machine in the world.” Students interested in the bachelor’s degree may start with an associate degree in energy production technology, and then continue to get their bachelor’s degree in energy systems management.

Bachelor’s Degree
Associate Degree
Earnings & Outlook

Bachelor of Science

This is a 120-credit, four-year program providing the advanced technical, interpersonal and managerial skills necessary to embark on a professional career in the energy industry and to become an effective decision maker, manager and leader within this diverse and challenging field.

Note: This program includes a ground-based component, such as an internship or clinical experience. Your student success navigator can help you better understand the requirements.

Sample Courses

This course will introduce students to alternative energy systems and their design and applications. The course will focus primarily on wind turbines, solar systems, and hydrogen fuel cells. A basic understanding of electricity is highly recommended.

Energy Industry Fundamentals (EIF) provides a broad understanding of the electric and natural gas utility industry and the generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure, commonly called the “largest machine in the world,” which forms the backbone for the industry. The course includes business models, regulations, types of energy and their conversion to usable energy such as electric power, emergent technologies, and the connection to careers in the energy industry. An ANSI-accredited EIF Certificate will be awarded upon successful completion of final certification exam.

This is a field-based course that includes tours of power production, transmission and distribution facilities with guided conversation and reflection. Prepares students for internship selection.

Bachelor’s Degree Details

cost

Jackson County

If you reside in Jackson county, Michigan.

$34,204

In Michigan

If you reside in the state of Michigan.

$37,171

Out of Michigan

If you reside outside the state of Michigan.

$45,556

Estimated program costs include tuition, fees and digital textbooks based on 2022-2023 tuition rates. Please note that these costs are only estimates and an individualized financial plan will be created when a student meets with their Student Success Navigator.

Associate in Applied Science

The Energy Systems Technology – Associate in Applied Science program prepares students for careers as technicians within the energy industry. This 60-credit degree will provide students with the diverse skill set necessary to work competently within the various sectors of the industry: energy production, energy transmission and energy distribution. Students will achieve a certification in Energy Industry Fundaments (Center for Energy Workforce Development). This program provides a foundation for the student to secure a career with a regulated provider of energy, or a non-regulated, public or private provider of energy (e.g., municipalities, heavy manufacturing, hospitals or college campuses).

Note: This program includes a ground-based component, such as an internship or clinical experience. Your student success navigator can help you better understand the requirements.

Sample Courses

This is a field-based course that includes tours of power production, transmission and distribution facilities with guided conversation and reflection. Prepares students for internship selection.

Basic programmable controllers is a course for apprentices and skilled trades trainees looking at the history, characteristics, application and limitation of PCs. Numeration systems, binary-coded decimals, ASCII, gray code and Boolean logic studied. Additional study includes input/output devices, processing and programming functions, program development, documentation, start-up and troubleshooting.

Students will familiarize themselves with the environmental issues facing our community, state, country and planet. This course will provide meaning to the term “sustainability” in order to build skills that will help the leaders of tomorrow protect the Earth’s resources and meet the needs of humanity indefinitely. It is an introduction to both the scientific and social sides of the environmental problems the world faces, with a specific aim at establishing a foundation in environmental comprehension and for further learning within the topic of sustainability.

Associate Degree Details

Jackson County

If you reside in Jackson county, Michigan.

$16,924

In Michigan

If you reside in the state of Michigan.

$18,396

Out of Michigan

If you reside outside the state of Michigan.

$22,556

Earnings

Salaries vary; for an associate degree, $45,000-$60,000 and higher; for a bachelor’s degree, ranging from $55,000-$85,000.

Outlook

Utility companies – like many career fields today – expect a high turnover from retirements in the next few years, prompting many job openings.

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