Education Programs Focus on Green Technologies
Renewable energy is a hot industry, solar is booming again and across the nation cities, states, businesses and homeowners are implementing ways to tap into greener power. There are several ways to green your energy but if you’re are interested in working in the renewable energy sector there is also a growing focus on and availability of educational programs.
The New York Times ran Majoring in Renewable Energy this week and talked about how the Oregon Institute of Technology has developed the country’s first four-year undergraduate degree program in renewable-energy systems. It’s an exciting development and one that proves the momentum in today’s job market for renewable energy expertise.
The news in Oregon follows suit to other schools around the nation that are putting renewable and alternative energy in the curriculum:
In 2006, the State University of New York in Canton started a four-year degree program in alternative and renewable energy. In September, Illinois State University in Normal will establish a four-year degree program in renewable energy. Appalachian State University in Boone, N.C., offers an undergraduate degree in appropriate technology, an environmentally and socially responsible approach to engineering, with coursework in the design and construction of solar-powered buildings, drafting, design, woodworking, metalworking, computer literacy, architecture and green construction. (from the NYT)
Even if you’ve completed undergraduate or aren’t looking to spend four years in a classroom, there are lots of programs tailored to working professionals who are already in careers but looking to specialize in renewable energy or green technology. For instance, Boston Architectural College has several certificate programs related to green building which cover renewable energy systems like geoexchange and solar. I completed a Masters Certificate in Sustainable Design there, not because I’m a practicing architect but because I work in communications within the green building industry. And I just dig the subject.
I guess the point of mentioning all this is that no matter what industry you are in, its likely that specialized training or knowledge in “green” is becoming more valuable. If you’re interested in being part of the new green economy, which is going to include most every type of business, there are lots of programs out there that can give you a “green” edge. Speaking from personal experience, I’m very glad that I did a little extra training in a field I’m interested in. That this field is now one of the fastest growing industries makes it even more exciting. But really, it’s just about following your dreams and if those dreams are green there’s never been a better time to pursue them.
