The Indiana Commission for Higher Education recently approved a new Energy Engineering degree for the Purdue School of Engineering and Technology (E&T) at IUPUI. IUPUI is one of a handful of schools across the country to offer a Bachelor's of Science in Energy Engineering, specifically preparing students for careers in this rapidly-expanding industry.
The energy engineering industry has grown extensively in recent years as engineers address global clean energy production while at the same time protecting the environment and growing the economy. State and national leaders recognize the industry as a key contributor to the nation's economic growth as the US seeks to decrease its dependency on foreign oil and become proactive in the development and use of improved energy sources.
"Indiana companies have long been central to the generation and conversion of energy for transportation and industrial purposes," says Bill Wylam, Chairman of the Board at Electricore, a non-profit technology consortium. "As we enter a period of intense interest in efficient uses of energy and sustainable domestic sources of energy, the availability of a degree in Energy Engineering from the Purdue School of Engineering and Technology will put IUPUI and Indiana in a leadership position in the nation."
IUPUI's Energy Engineering Program responds to the needs and growth of this industry and the careers it is generating. In a formal survey of industry leaders, the university found an expressed need to train an engineering workforce with the expertise to work in and develop this nascent industry. Leaders stated clear interest in hiring college graduates who have been specifically trained in the energy engineering field.
"This program will provide students with an opportunity to become better prepared for the core energy business while getting exposed to new opportunities in renewable energy, energy efficiency and new smart grid technologies," declares Joe Bentley, Vice President of Power Delivery for the Indianapolis Power & Light Company (IPL). "This is an exciting time in the energy industry and I applaud IUPUI for their efforts to expand the energy engineering program to help prepare students to be our future energy industry leaders and to help support our local Central Indiana community."
"One of the most challenging areas [of addressing global climate change] is efficient conversion of fuel energy to useful work along with incorporating renewable fuels as a significant energy source," states Dr. Wayne Eckerle, Vice President of Corporate Research & Technology for Cummins Inc. "The recently approved Energy Engineering Program is targeted precisely at preparing students for this critical area. The engineers graduating from this program will immediately have opportunities in our industry as well as opportunities to pursue advanced degrees that will provide research of great importance to Cummins. "
Its Indianapolis location and university infrastructure make IUPUI an ideal institution for developing a strong research-based Energy Engineering degree program, benefiting from the state's emphasis on the development and utilization of renewable energy. Under the Richard G. Lugar Center for Renewable Energy (LCRE), research in the area has attracted $5 million dollars of external funding. Significant resources have been invested in research laboratories, faculty, public forums and clubs to create a comprehensive and interactive educational experience for students. The school also has created strong partnerships with many companies in the renewable energy sector and is committed to connecting students with practical experience and internships to develop their aptitude for post-graduate success.
"IUPUI's faculty create fields of study that simultaneously attract students looking for promising careers, build on academic strengths, forge interdisciplinary partnerships and meet workforce needs in high-potential areas of economic development. The energy engineering degree is the latest of the 21st century degrees that characterize IUPUI's innovation and commitment to making an impact on our state, nation and world," says IUPUI Chancellor Charles R. Bantz.
Classes for the Energy Engineering degree will begin in the Fall 2010 semester.
Click here for more information on the new Energy Engineering Degree!