Academic Programs

Academic Programs Students at UW–Madison can choose to pursue a degree in a variety of energy-related disciplines, including electrical, nuclear, thermal, and geological engineering.

Students interested in energy studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have a number of formal programs to choose from. Below is a list of energy-related certificates, degrees, distance degrees, and degree focus areas offered to both undergraduate and graduate students at UW–Madison.

Undergraduate Program | College of Engineering | Stacy Harnett

Electrical engineers design and develop anything and everything that uses electricity. Undergraduate electrical engineering students with particular interest in electricity generation, transmission, distribution and storage may decide to pursue one of the following focus areas within the EE curricul​​um:​

  • ​​Electric Machines and Power Electronics
  • Plasmas and Controlled Fusion
  • Power Systems​​​​​
Undergraduate Program | College of Engineering | William J. Likos

The Energy, Minerals, and Mining track of the B.S. in Geological Engineering trains students in the sustainable and efficient extraction of traditional and renewable energies as well as mineral resources. Resources include fossil fuels, geothermal and wind energy, metals, and minerals.​​​

Undergraduate Program | College of Engineering | Douglass Henderson

Nuclear engineering involves the design of systems and processes in which nuclear physics and radiation plays an important role.​ The B.S. in Nuclear Engineering emphasizes the use of nuclear fission energy for electricity production. The undergraduate curriculum is comprehensive, covering nuclear physics, reactor physics, thermohydraulics, materials, and environmental issues.​​​

Graduate Program | Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies | Scott Williams

Energy Analysis and Policy (EAP) is a graduate-level certificate or Ph.D. minor that gives students the knowledge and skills needed to become leaders in industry, government, consulting, and key energy fields. EAP's interdisciplinary curriculum considers technical, economic, political, and social factors that shape energy policy formulation and decision-making.

Undergraduate Program | College of Engineering | Scott Williams

Equity and sustainability of energy resources in the face of increasing global population and economic development are key issues at the center of the public discourse today. The objective of this certificate program is to offer undergraduate students a suite of courses addressing energy sustainability that span across the engineering curriculum, with firm roots in “real world” design and engineering practices.

For the most up-to-date details on the certificate, please refer to the UW-Madison Guide.

Undergraduate Program | College of Engineering | Gregory F. Nellis

The objective of the Certificate in Engineering Thermal Energy Systems program is to provide students with an organized set of courses that will improve their capacity to analyze and design innovative thermal energy systems. These systems include, but are not limited to, energy conversion systems and their fuels, refrigeration, combustion, and solar energy. 

Graduate Program | College of Engineering | Michael Radloff

Electrical engineers design and develop anything and everything that uses electricity. Graduate electrical engineering students with particular interest in electricity generation, transmission, distribution and storage may decide to pursue one of the following focus areas within the EE curricul​​um:​​

  • ​​Energy and Power Systems​​
  • Plasmas and Controlled Fusion​
Graduate Program | College of Engineering | Douglass Henderson

Graduate students in Nuclear Engineering may focus their studies on nuclear fission energy for electricity production or fusion science and technology. In the area of fission reactors, UW-Madison has strong programs in reactor safety, thermohydraulics, nuclear materials, neutronics, and the nuclear fuel cycle. In the area of fusion science and technology, UW-Madison has world-class programs in computational, theoretical and experimental plasma physics; imploding fusion targets​; and fusion technology.

Graduate Program | College of Engineering | EPD Student Services

The MSEE distance degree prepares students around the world to advance their careers in the growing field of power electronics. Taught by distinguished faculty from the Wisconsin Electric Machines and Power Electronics Consortium, students will advance their engineering skills and learn the most recent technological developments in: 

  • Power electronics
  • Electric machines
  • Power systems​​
Graduate Program | College of Engineering | Sandra Anderson

The Master of Engineering in Engine Systems is a unique online program designed specifically for the internal combustion engine industry. Students will:

  • Develop broad-based technical expertise and skills for leading engine development projects
  • Integrate knowledge from thermal sciences, design and mechanics, electronics and control, applications and service, and manufacturing
  • Learn with faculty from UW's renowned Engine Research Center and Powertrain Control Research Laboratory, industry leaders and experienced colleagues
Graduate Program | College of Engineering | Joy Altwies

Sustainable Systems Engineering is an online master's degree designed to prepare students to understand and apply principles of engineering, science, policy, and economics to current and future environmental sustainability issues. Through objective, reliable, and cost-effective engineering methods, students will create sustainable solutions for society's energy and resource challenges.

In this program you will

  • Apply sustainability principles to engineering practices and renewable/sustainable energy system design
  • Gain expertise and knowledge of the environmental, social and economic aspects, and design interplays of sustainability frameworks and renewable energy systems
  • Position yourself to create and lead sustainability and renewable/sustainable energy project initiatives through your organization and for your clients