Energy Engineering, B.S.

Program Code: ENENG_BS

Program Description

The undergraduate program in energy engineering is designed to reflect the growing impact and demand for energy in society and to equip students with the knowledge necessary to achieve the following career and professional goals: become valuable contributors in addressing society's energy needs and demands; successful leaders in advancing the technology and management of energy; innovators and entrepreneurs in the energy sector; and educators, practicing engineers, and national leaders on energy and associated environmental, health and safety, and policy and economics issues. The program integrates skill sets in the physical sciences (chemistry, engineering, mathematics, and physics) and social sciences (economics, policy, and management) to ensure successful career opportunities and growth within energy-related industries, government agencies, and academia.

The courses are structured to enable students to understand engineering fundamentals and apply the knowledge to solve problems in the production, processing, storage, distribution, and utilization of energy using multiple techniques as synthesis, analysis, design and case studies. Inquiry-based teaching methods and lab experiences are emphasized. The faculty research and scholarly activities are integrated into the curriculum. The program is designed to train students to be lifelong learners, problem solvers, and energy industry leaders. The educational opportunities are sufficiently flexible, broad, and diverse to enable students to tailor their educational experience to particular interests, background, and expected role in society. Flexibility in the curriculum allows other students in energy related programs such as agricultural and biological, chemical, civil, electrical, environmental, mechanical, mining, nuclear, and petroleum engineering, materials science and engineering, industrial health and safety, and energy business and finance to have dual or concurrent degrees, minors, or options (e.g., energy and fuels engineering option in chemical engineering).

What is Energy Engineering?

Energy engineers are equipped with required engineering knowledge and skills needed to solve problems in the production, processing, storage, distribution, and utilization of energy. Energy processes include natural resources, such as the extraction of oil and gas, as well as from renewable or sustainable sources of energy, including biofuels, hydro, wind, and solar power.

You Might Like This Program If...

  • You aspire to be a lifelong learner, problem-solver, and leader in the energy industry.
  • You excel at math, science, and engineering and seek a broad overview of energy fields.
  • You’re interested in a well-rounded education on all facets of the energy market, including renewable energy.

Entrance to Major

In addition to the minimum grade point average (GPA) requirements described in the University Policies, the Energy Engineering entrance-to-major requirement must also be completed with a minimum grade of C in: CHEM 110, MATH 140, MATH 141, and PHYS 211.

Degree Requirements

For the Bachelor of Science degree in Energy Engineering, a minimum of 131 credits is required:

Requirement Credits
General Education 45
Requirements for the Major 116

30 of the 45 credits for General Education are included in the Requirements for the Major. This includes: 3 credits of GH courses; 9 credits of GN courses; 6 credits of GQ courses; 3 credits of GS courses; 9 credits of GWS courses.

Requirements for the Major

To graduate, a student enrolled in the major must earn a grade of C or better in each course designated by the major as a C-required course, as specified by Senate Policy 82-44.

Prescribed Courses
EE 211Electrical Circuits and Power Distribution3
MATH 251Ordinary and Partial Differential Equations4
PHIL 103Ethics Keystone/General Education Course3
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
CHEM 110Chemical Principles I Keystone/General Education Course3
CHEM 111Experimental Chemistry I Keystone/General Education Course1
CHEM 112Chemical Principles II Keystone/General Education Course3
EGEE 302Principles of Energy Engineering3
EGEE 304Heat and Mass Transfer3
EGEE 411WEnergy Science and Engineering Lab3
EGEE 430Introduction to Combustion3
EGEE 437Design of Solar Energy Conversion Systems3
EGEE 441Electrochemical Engineering Fundamentals3
EGEE 451Energy Conversion Processes3
EGEE 464WEnergy Design Project3
EME 301Thermodynamics in Energy and Mineral Engineering3
EME 303Fluid Mechanics in Energy and Mineral Engineering3
EMSC 100SEarth and Mineral Sciences First-Year Seminar Keystone/General Education Course 13
ENGL 202CEffective Writing: Technical Writing Keystone/General Education Course3
MATH 140Calculus With Analytic Geometry I Keystone/General Education Course4
MATH 141Calculus with Analytic Geometry II Keystone/General Education Course4
MATH 231Calculus of Several Variables2
PHYS 211General Physics: Mechanics Keystone/General Education Course4
PHYS 212General Physics: Electricity and Magnetism Keystone/General Education Course4
Additional Courses
CHEM 202Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry I3
or CHEM 210 Organic Chemistry I
EME 460Geo-resource Evaluation and Investment Analysis3
or IE 302 Engineering Economy
Select 3 credits from the following:3
Introduction to Energy and Earth Sciences Economics Keystone/General Education Course
Principles of Economics Keystone/General Education Course
Introductory Microeconomic Analysis and Policy Keystone/General Education Course
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
CMPSC 200Programming for Engineers with MATLAB Keystone/General Education Course3
or CMPSC 201 Programming for Engineers with C++ Keystone/General Education Course
Select 3 credits from the following:3
Rhetoric and Composition Keystone/General Education Course
Honors Rhetoric and Composition Keystone/General Education Course
ESL Composition for American Academic Communication II Keystone/General Education Course
Rhetoric and Civic Life I Keystone/General Education Course
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Select 3 credits of Material Science electives from an approved list in consultation with an adviser.3
Select 6 credits of professional courses from an approved list in consultation with an adviser. Other substitutions outside the approved list must be approved by petition.6
Select 9 credits of technical electives from a broad list of energy related courses across colleges at Penn State. A list of suggested courses from energy-related departments at Penn State is provided. (Students may apply 6 credits of ROTC to some of the elective choices.)9
Select 6 credits of Energy Systems electives from an approved list in consultation with an adviser. 6
Select 6 credits of Fuel Science electives from an approved list in consultation with an adviser.6
1

The following substitutions are allowed for students attending campuses where the indicated course is not offered: CAS 100 can be substituted for EMSC 100S.

General Education

Connecting career and curiosity, the General Education curriculum provides the opportunity for students to acquire transferable skills necessary to be successful in the future and to thrive while living in interconnected contexts. General Education aids students in developing intellectual curiosity, a strengthened ability to think, and a deeper sense of aesthetic appreciation. These are requirements for all baccalaureate students and are often partially incorporated into the requirements of a program. For additional information, see the General Education Requirements section of the Bulletin and consult your academic adviser.

The keystone symbol Keystone/General Education Course appears next to the title of any course that is designated as a General Education course. Program requirements may also satisfy General Education requirements and vary for each program.

Foundations (grade of C or better is required and Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)

  • Quantification (GQ): 6 credits
  • Writing and Speaking (GWS): 9 credits

Breadth in the Knowledge Domains (Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)

  • Arts (GA): 3 credits
  • Health and Wellness (GHW): 3 credits
  • Humanities (GH): 3 credits
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS): 3 credits
  • Natural Sciences (GN): 3 credits

Integrative Studies

  • Inter-Domain Courses (Inter-Domain): 6 credits

Exploration

  • GN, may be completed with Inter-Domain courses: 3 credits
  • GA, GH, GN, GS, Inter-Domain courses. This may include 3 credits of World Language course work beyond the 12th credit level or the requirements for the student’s degree program, whichever is higher: 6 credits

University Degree Requirements

First Year Engagement

All students enrolled in a college or the Division of Undergraduate Studies at University Park, and the World Campus are required to take 1 to 3 credits of the First-Year Seminar, as specified by their college First-Year Engagement Plan.

Other Penn State colleges and campuses may require the First-Year Seminar; colleges and campuses that do not require a First-Year Seminar provide students with a first-year engagement experience.

First-year baccalaureate students entering Penn State should consult their academic adviser for these requirements.

Cultures Requirement

6 credits are required and may satisfy other requirements

  • United States Cultures: 3 credits
  • International Cultures: 3 credits

Writing Across the Curriculum

3 credits required from the college of graduation and likely prescribed as part of major requirements.

Total Minimum Credits

A minimum of 120 degree credits must be earned for a baccalaureate degree. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 credits. Students should consult with their college or department adviser for information on specific credit requirements.

Quality of Work

Candidates must complete the degree requirements for their major and earn at least a 2.00 grade-point average for all courses completed within their degree program.

Limitations on Source and Time for Credit Acquisition

The college dean or campus chancellor and program faculty may require up to 24 credits of course work in the major to be taken at the location or in the college or program where the degree is earned. Credit used toward degree programs may need to be earned from a particular source or within time constraints (see Senate Policy 83-80). For more information, check the Suggested Academic Plan for your intended program.

Integrated B.S. in Energy Engineering and M.S. in Energy and Mineral Engineering

Requirements for the Integrated B.S. in Energy Engineering and M.S. in Energy and Mineral Engineering can be found in the Graduate Bulletin.

Program Educational Objectives

Our graduates will be:

  1. Employed in the public or private sectors in the areas of energy science, energy engineering or energy business management, or pursuing an advanced degree.
  2. Contributing to development of solutions to society’s current energy needs by integrating key science and engineering principles while being adaptable to changing organizational and societal needs;
  3. Engaged in individual projects and multidisciplinary teams designing, evaluating, and recommending methods and strategies for the efficient production, processing and utilization of renewable or non-renewable energy and addressing the associated environmental challenges;
  4. Effectively communicating with management, coworkers, customers, clients and others in diverse environments;
  5. Engaged in lifelong learning process to maintain professional competency through training, participation in professional activities and leadership.

Student Outcomes

Student outcomes describe what students are expected to know and be able to do by the time of graduation. The Energy Engineering program is designed to enable students to:

  1. Identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering science, and mathematics
  2. Apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
  3. Communicate effectively with a range of audiences
  4. Recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgements, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
  5. Function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
  6. Develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
  7. Acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies

Academic Advising

The objectives of the university's academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers.

Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed. By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their educational goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role. The advisee's unit of enrollment will provide each advisee with a primary academic adviser, the information needed to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources.

READ SENATE POLICY 32-00: ADVISING POLICY

University Park

Eugene Morgan
Program Chair, Energy Engineering
115 Hosler Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-863-1642
eum19@psu.edu

Joanna Maatta
Academic Adviser
101 Hosler Building
University Park, PA 16802
jum27@psu.edu

Suggested Academic Plan

The suggested academic plan(s) listed on this page are the plan(s) that are in effect during the 2024-25 academic year. To access previous years' suggested academic plans, please visit the archive to view the appropriate Undergraduate Bulletin edition.

Energy Engineering, B.S. at University Park Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 140 or 140G (GQ)*‡#†4MATH 141 (GQ)*‡#†4
CHEM 110 (GN)*#†3ENGL 15, 30H, or ESL 15 (GWS)‡†3
CHEM 111 (GN)*†1CHEM 112 (GN)*†3
EMSC 100S (or CAS 100 by substitution) (GWS)‡†13PHYS 211 (GN)*#†4
ECON 102, EBF 200, or ECON 14 (GS)3General Education Knowledge Domain3
 14 17
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PHYS 212 (GN)*4EE 2113
CHEM 202 or 2103MATH 231*2
MATH 2514CMPSC 200 or 2013
General Education Knowledge Domain3General Education Knowledge Domain3
General Education Knowledge Domain3PHIL 103 (GH)3
 General Education Health and Wellness (GHW)1.5
 17 15.5
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
EME 301*3EGEE 304*3
EME 303*3EGEE 437*3
EGEE 302*3EGEE 430*3
ENGL 202C (GWS)‡†3EGEE 451 or ENVSE 470*3
Material Science Elective from Approved Department List23Fuel Science Elective from Approved Department List23
 General Education Health and Wellness (GHW)1.5
 15 16.5
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
Professional Elective from Approved Department List23EGEE 464W*3
Fuel Science Elective from Approved Department List23Energy Systems Elective from Approved Department List23
EGEE 441*3Technical Elective from Approved Department List23
EME 460 or IE 3023Technical Elective from Approved Department List2,33
EGEE 411W*3Professional Elective from Approved Department List23
Technical Elective from Approved Department List2,33Energy Systems Elective from Approved Department List23
 18 18
Total Credits 131
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

1

Students who begin their studies at non-UP locations and/or join the college after their first year should substitute CAS 100A, CAS 100B, or CAS 100C (GWS) for EMSC 100S (GWS). EMSC 100S Earth and Mineral Sciences First year Seminar (3) is a required course only for students who begin their studies at UP in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences.

2

Course lists for Energy Engineering can be found at the department website: https://www.eme.psu.edu/undergraduate/academics/undergraduate-programs/energy-engineering-major.

3

Students may apply 6 credits of ROTC to some of the elective choices.

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. Each course is 3 credits.

Advising Notes:

To enter the major, students need a minimum 2.00 grade point average, third semester standing, and a C or better grade in CHEM 110 GN (3), CHEM 111 GN (1), CHEM 112 GN (3), MATH 140 GQ (4), MATH 141 GQ (4), MATH 231 (2), PHYS 211 GN (4), and PHYS 212 GN (4).

Courses required for the major may be offered fall semester only, spring semester only, or both fall and spring semesters. Consult with your adviser and department to discuss your academic progress and course sequencing.

Energy Engineering, B.S. at Commonwealth Campuses

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 140 (GQ)*‡#†4MATH 141 (GQ)*‡#†4
CHEM 110 (GN)*#†3ECON 102, EBF 200, or ECON 14 (GS)3
CHEM 111 (GN)*†1CHEM 112 (GN)*†3
ENGL 15, 30H, or ESL 15 (GWS)‡†3PHYS 211 (GN)*#†4
General Education Knowledge Domain3General Education Knowledge Domain3
 14 17
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PHYS 212 (GN)*4ENGL 202C (GWS)‡†3
CHEM 202 or 2103MATH 231*2
MATH 2514CMPSC 200 or 2013
CAS 100A, 100B, or 100C (GWS)‡†13General Education Knowledge Domain3
General Education Knowledge Domain3PHIL 103 (GH)3
 General Education Health and Wellness (GHW)1.5
 17 15.5
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
Material Science Elective from Approved Department List23EGEE 304*3
EME 301*3EGEE 437*3
EME 303*3EGEE 430*3
EGEE 302*3EGEE 451 or ENVSE 470*3
EE 2113Fuel Science Elective from Approved Department List3
 General Education Health and Wellness (GHW)1.5
 15 16.5
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
Professional Elective from Approved Department List23EGEE 464W*3
Fuel Science Elective from Approved Department List23Energy Systems Elective from Approved Department List23
EGEE 441*3Energy Systems Elective from Approved Department List23
EME 460 or IE 3023Technical Elective from Approved Department List23
EGEE 411W*3Technical Elective from Approved Department List2,33
Technical Elective from Approved Department List2,33Professional Elective from Approved Department List23
 18 18
Total Credits 131
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

1

Students who begin their studies at non-UP locations and/or join the college after their first year should substitute CAS 100A, CAS 100B, or CAS 100C (GWS) for EMSC 100S (GWS). EMSC 100S Earth and Mineral Sciences First year Seminar (3) is a required course only for students who begin their studies at UP in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences.

2

Course lists for Energy Engineering can be found at the department website: https://www.eme.psu.edu/undergraduate/academics/undergraduate-programs/energy-engineering-major.

3

Students may apply 6 credits of ROTC to some of the elective choices.

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

Advising Notes:

To enter the major, students need a minimum 2.00 grade point average, third semester standing, and a C or better grade in CHEM 110 GN (3), CHEM 111 GN (1), CHEM 112 GN (3), MATH 140 GQ (4), MATH 141 GQ (4), MATH 231 (2), PHYS 211 GN (4), and PHYS 212 GN (4).

Courses required for the major may be offered fall semester only, spring semester only, or both fall and spring semesters. Consult with your adviser and department to discuss your academic progress and course sequencing.

Commonwealth Campus students are strongly advised to successfully complete their CHEM, MATH, PHYS, and GWS requirements before transitioning to University Park.

Career Paths

Careers

Our graduates are prepared to become valuable contributors in addressing society's energy needs and demands.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT POTENTIAL CAREER OPTIONS FOR GRADUATES OF THE ENERGY ENGINEERING PROGRAM

Opportunities for Graduate Studies

Graduates may be well suited to pursue graduate-level studies. Further study toward an M.S. or Ph.D. can lead to research, university, or management positions.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRADUATE STUDIES

Professional Resources

Accreditation

The Bachelor of Science in Energy Engineering at University Park is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the commission’s General Criteria with no applicable program criteria.

Professional Licensure/Certification

Many U.S. states and territories require professional licensure/certification to be employed. If you plan to pursue employment in a licensed profession after completing this program, please visit the Professional Licensure/Certification Disclosures by State interactive map.

Contact

University Park

JOHN AND WILLIE LEONE FAMILY DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY AND MINERAL ENGINEERING
113 Hosler Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-865-3437
eme@ems.psu.edu

https://www.eme.psu.edu