Energy Systems Engineering, General
Total graduates
106
2025 · 12 schools
International share
26.4%
28 international students
Bachelor's degrees
22
13.6% international
Master's degrees
83
28.9% international
Overview
Energy Systems Engineering is an interdisciplinary field that focuses on the design, optimization, and management of energy systems. This branch of engineering combines principles from mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering, along with economics and environmental science, to address the pressing challenges of energy production, distribution, and consumption.
Students in Energy Systems Engineering learn to analyze various energy sources, including renewable energies like solar, wind, and hydropower, as well as traditional fossil fuels. They study how to integrate these energy sources into existing infrastructures and develop innovative solutions for efficient energy usage and sustainability. The curriculum typically includes subjects such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, energy management, and systems modeling.
One of the primary goals of this discipline is to reduce the environmental impact of energy systems while ensuring reliable and affordable energy supply. Graduates are equipped with the skills necessary to work in various sectors, including power generation, renewable energy, energy efficiency, and energy policy. They may find opportunities in government agencies, private companies, and consulting firms, focusing on areas such as energy policy analysis, energy system design, and sustainability consulting.
As the world increasingly shifts toward sustainable energy practices, the demand for professionals in Energy Systems Engineering continues to grow. This program not only prepares students for technical challenges but also emphasizes the importance of economic and environmental considerations in the development of energy solutions, making it a crucial field for addressing global energy needs.
Graduates by year
AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral
From 2020 to 2025, graduates grew 324% and the international share went from 8.0% to 26.4%.
Colleges that award this degree
In 2025, 12 schools awarded this degree as a first major. The table lists those in the 2027 U.S. News National or Liberal Arts rankings, plus the unranked schools with the most graduates.
| Rank | School | State | Graduates | International |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #5 | Stanford University | California | 7 | 2 |
| #25 | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | Michigan | 36 | 10 |
| #27 | University of Southern California | California | 9 | 6 |
| #42 | Villanova University | Pennsylvania | 11 | 2 |
| #121 | Arizona State University-Tempe | Arizona | 3 | 2 |
| #121 | University of Dayton | Ohio | 10 | 2 |
| #179 | University of Cincinnati-Main Campus | Ohio | 2 | 0 |
| #227 | University of Michigan-Dearborn | Michigan | 1 | 0 |
| #250 | University of Wyoming | Wyoming | 3 | 1 |
| — | Massachusetts Maritime Academy | Massachusetts | 10 | 0 |
| — | Oregon Institute of Technology | Oregon | 10 | 3 |
| — | Naval Postgraduate School | California | 4 | 0 |
Purple: international students are 25% or more of the school's graduates.
Related jobs and pay
| Occupation | US employment | Mean hourly wage | Mean annual wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | 220,260 | $87.28 | $181,540 |
| Engineers, All Other | 154,070 | $60.26 | $125,330 |
| Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary | 40,270 | — | $124,520 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Graduate counts: IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education, 2020–2025. Rankings: 2027 U.S. News.