Curriculum Requirements

Master of Science in Energy Management

Major Requirements

Required Core Courses (for all Energy Management options) Credits:
ENGY 610 Energy Management 3
This course will examine a total management system needed for planning and control of energy resources in an organization, setting of objectives, developing policies and procedures, organizing and staffing, reporting and controlling, and dealing with top management. Students will conduct preliminary and detailed energy audits, prepare energy balances, and identify conservation opportunities. Economic evaluation methods will be covered, including ranking and analyzing capital projects (pay back, discounted cash flow, net present value methods), cost accounting systems designed to highlight energy costs, and setting up performance evaluation systems. Students in this course will also study the history of energy technology, energy efficiency in buildings, and utility regulation.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
ENGY 670 Energy Technology in Perspective 3
This course covers principles of power generation and energy conversion. Conventional and alternative energy technologies are described. Energy supply and utilization options are evaluated from technical, economic, and environmental perspectives.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
ENGY 695 Systems Engineering and Management 3
Advanced concepts of systems engineering are introduced, and applied to the analysis and design of systems. The operational elements of systems are identified, described, and modeled at each stage of their life cycles. Performance parameters of engineering projects such as time, cost, quality and risk, are related to industry standards and customer requirements. The impacts of societal, organizational and human factors on decision-making, and the implementation of complex projects, are considered.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
ENGY 710 Power Plant Systems 3
Mechanical and electrical systems for conventional fuel power plants are analyzed. Operating strategies are developed for generation and distribution systems; reliability; power pools; reserve capability; generation of steam; generation planning; dispatching algorithms; turbines; and environmental controls.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
ENGY 775 Alternative Energy Systems 3
In this course, the wide range of alternative energy options available for heating, cooling, transportation and power generation are presented. Renewable energy resources, such as solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and biomass, are discussed in depth. Distributed generation systems, including fuel cells, photovoltaics, and mircroturbines, are analyzed from technical, economic, and environmental perspectives.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
ENGY 890 Practicum or Other Research 3
Selection of an area of investigation by the student, subject to faculty approval, and completion in the form of an academic or practicum based research study or a comprehensive examination (oral or written). Students are allowed a total of one calendar year in which to complete ENGY 890, beginning at the first day of the semester in which they register for ENGY 890. Students must maintain matriculation until they have completed ENGY 890. If the student does not complete ENGY 890 within one calendar year, or if their progress is judged to be unsatisfactory, the student will be required to reregister for ENGY 890 at full tuition.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
ENVT 601 Introduction to Environmental Technology 3
The course focuses on fundamental concepts and problem-solving methods that address environmental conditions, pollution monitoring and prevention, and other approaches for protecting air, land, biota, and water. Topics include: scientific and engineering principles, environmental impacts, sustainability principles, regulations and technology associated with water resources, air quality, toxic and hazardous substances and waste.

    Total: 21 Credits
General Concentration Elective Courses
Nine graduate credits chosen from ENGY, ENVT, and MBA courses. Recommended electives are below.

Course selections must be approved by the Director of the Energy Management program.
 
Facilities Management Electives Credits:
ENGY 615 Energy Equipment Assessment 3
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: ENGY 610

An assessment of energy consuming equipment, control equipment and conservation equipment commonly utilized by large facilities. Vendor catalogs, guest lecturers and field trips used to study various equipment and systems including heating, cooling, refrigeration, lighting, HVAC distribution and control, insulation, passive design and computerized energy management systems. Based on first hand observation and investigation, students are required to prepare and deliver an oral and written presentation analyzing energy efficiency aspects of selected families of equipment.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
ENGY 620 Facilities Operation and Maintenance 3
This course covers management of building operations, development of maintenance programs, administration of capital projects, and planning of facility improvements. Evaluation of facilities for compliance with regulations, reduction of operating costs, and forecasting of maintenance requirements.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
ENGY 625 Facilities Management Seminar 3
Discussion of issues and problems commonly encountered in facilities management, including cost estimation, vendor selection, code compliance, space planning and risk reduction. Case studies are utilized to illustrate methods for improving the safety, appearance, efficiency and productivity of facilities.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
ENGY 730 Computer Applications for Energy Management 3
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: ENGY 610

In this course students study various applications of computers in the Energy Management field. Off-the-shelf software is applied to load forecasting, utility operations, life cycle costings, and project management. Specialized software is applied to building energy analysis, heating/cooling calculations, facility maintenance management, and evaluation of alternative energy systems. Practical applications and problem solving skills are emphasized throughout the course.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
 
Power Systems Electives Credits:
ENGY 630 Facility Security and Contingency Planning 3
In this course we examine the technical and legal requirements for emergency planning at power plants and various other energy facilities. Security concerns are identified, and effective response strategies are presented. Among the topics covered are access control, hazard classifications, evacuation plans, and backup power equipment.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
ENGY 688 Wind Energy Technology 3
This course covers the full range of wind energy systems, from small wind turbines to massive offshore wind farms. Resource assessment, site selection, modeling, economic analysis, construction methods and interconnection are covered in depth. Power production, regulatory issues and environmental factors are considered. Student projects will emphasize analysis of physical and economic data, design specifications, equipment selection, and presentation skills.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
ENGY 740 Solar Energy Technology 3
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: ENGY 710

This course covers advanced concepts of solar energy. Students engage in performance analysis of complex solar energy systems. Current industry standard system analysis and synthesis tools are used to design and model energy delivery systems using solar energy. Computational models for energy efficiency and cost optimizations are explored; and students work with weekly case studies to evaluate example applications. A research paper on a contemporary solar energy topic is required.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
ENGY 795 Smart Grid Systems 3
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: ENGY 670

Applications of information technology to the power grid are presented. The characteristics of the traditional grid are compared to the evolving "Smart Grid." Plans for automating grid functions are developed, based on analysis of existing grid structure. Communication capabilities are integrated with utility processes, to create power systems which anticipate and respond quickly to outages and overloads. Students will formulate strategies for increasing infrastructure resilience, enhancing information security, monitoring grid performance, and optimizing demand response.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
 
General Electives Credits:
ENGY 718 High-Performance Building Envelopes 3
This course presents the essential factors in building envelope systems' performance, including heat, moisture, and air. Students will learn about building science and how these factors can affect the energy performance and durability of buildings. Advanced building envelope systems will be introduced, and students will also learn how to use computer tools to design and evaluate high-performance building envelope components such as walls and windows. State-of-the-art energy retrofit systems such as dynamic facade and high-performance systems in zero net energy buildings will also be discussed in this course. Each student will complete a project which emphasizes design and analysis of high performance building envelope components and presentation skills.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
ENVT 725 Sustainability and the Environment 3
This course examines the issues that comprise the new discipline of "sustainability." The many definitions of sustainability are discussed and the goals of sustainability are defined. The course reviews the impacts of human activities on essential natural resources such as flora, fauna, soil, water, air, land, and energy sources, Fundamental factors such as carrying capacity, ecology, conservation, climate change, pollution, population, development, economics, manufacturing, transportation, agriculture, policy and environmental ethics are discussed in the context of sustainability. Readings will consider the complex relationships that make sustainability such a difficult goal and they will examine various diagnostic tools and sustainability best practices.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
ENVT 730 Geographical Information Systems 3
Geographical information system (GIS) is a computer mapping and analysis technology that utilizes a powerful information database for analysis of spatial data. It is currently used for environmental monitoring and analysis, resource and facilities management, and planning of utility and transportation networks.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
ENGY 830 Internship Program 3
Students enrolled in this course will be given the opportunity to work in a field assigned in the area of their specialization and will be asked to meet professional standards set down by the organization to which they are assigned. Conferences will be held with the student during this period and the organization using the service will be asked to cooperate by reporting on the progress of the student. A written evaluation of performance is provided by the sponsoring agency or professional. 150 working hours are required to complete the internship.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
Total Required General Concentration Elective Credits: 9
 
Advanced Renewable Energy Systems (ARES) Concentration (select three courses) Credits:
ENGY 730 Computer Applications for Energy Management 3
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: ENGY 610

In this course students study various applications of computers in the Energy Management field. Off-the-shelf software is applied to load forecasting, utility operations, life cycle costings, and project management. Specialized software is applied to building energy analysis, heating/cooling calculations, facility maintenance management, and evaluation of alternative energy systems. Practical applications and problem solving skills are emphasized throughout the course.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
ENGY 740 Solar Energy Technology 3
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: ENGY 710

This course covers advanced concepts of solar energy. Students engage in performance analysis of complex solar energy systems. Current industry standard system analysis and synthesis tools are used to design and model energy delivery systems using solar energy. Computational models for energy efficiency and cost optimizations are explored; and students work with weekly case studies to evaluate example applications. A research paper on a contemporary solar energy topic is required.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
ENGY 745 Advanced Battery and Fuel Cell Technologies 3
This course looks at both the applications and science of batteries and fuel cells. It covers the relevant scientific and technological features. Stationary batteries for energy storage, fuel cells for power generation, and battery/fuel cell configurations for vehicle propulsion systems, are examined in depth. Examples of applications include telecommunications, uninterruptible power supplies, systems for safety/alarms, toll collection, asset tracking systems, medical equipment, and oil drilling.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
ENGY 830 Internship Program 3
Students enrolled in this course will be given the opportunity to work in a field assigned in the area of their specialization and will be asked to meet professional standards set down by the organization to which they are assigned. Conferences will be held with the student during this period and the organization using the service will be asked to cooperate by reporting on the progress of the student. A written evaluation of performance is provided by the sponsoring agency or professional. 150 working hours are required to complete the internship.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
    Total: 9 Credits
 
Building Energy Efficiency and Decarbonization (BEED) Concentration (select three courses) Credits:
ENGY 715 Energy-Efficient Lighting 3
Principles of illumination are introduced, with particular emphasis on techniques for reducing energy costs associated with lighting. Criteria for the selection of bulbs, fixtures, ballasts and reflectors will be studied.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
ENGY 718 High-Performance Building Envelopes 3
This course presents the essential factors in building envelope systems' performance, including heat, moisture, and air. Students will learn about building science and how these factors can affect the energy performance and durability of buildings. Advanced building envelope systems will be introduced, and students will also learn how to use computer tools to design and evaluate high-performance building envelope components such as walls and windows. State-of-the-art energy retrofit systems such as dynamic facade and high-performance systems in zero net energy buildings will also be discussed in this course. Each student will complete a project which emphasizes design and analysis of high performance building envelope components and presentation skills.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
ENGY 730 Computer Applications for Energy Management 3
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: ENGY 610

In this course students study various applications of computers in the Energy Management field. Off-the-shelf software is applied to load forecasting, utility operations, life cycle costings, and project management. Specialized software is applied to building energy analysis, heating/cooling calculations, facility maintenance management, and evaluation of alternative energy systems. Practical applications and problem solving skills are emphasized throughout the course.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
ENGY 830 Internship Program 3
Students enrolled in this course will be given the opportunity to work in a field assigned in the area of their specialization and will be asked to meet professional standards set down by the organization to which they are assigned. Conferences will be held with the student during this period and the organization using the service will be asked to cooperate by reporting on the progress of the student. A written evaluation of performance is provided by the sponsoring agency or professional. 150 working hours are required to complete the internship.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
    Total: 9 Credits
 
Facilities Management Concentration (select three courses) Credits:
ENGY 715 Energy-Efficient Lighting 3
Principles of illumination are introduced, with particular emphasis on techniques for reducing energy costs associated with lighting. Criteria for the selection of bulbs, fixtures, ballasts and reflectors will be studied.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
ENGY 718 High-Performance Building Envelopes 3
This course presents the essential factors in building envelope systems' performance, including heat, moisture, and air. Students will learn about building science and how these factors can affect the energy performance and durability of buildings. Advanced building envelope systems will be introduced, and students will also learn how to use computer tools to design and evaluate high-performance building envelope components such as walls and windows. State-of-the-art energy retrofit systems such as dynamic facade and high-performance systems in zero net energy buildings will also be discussed in this course. Each student will complete a project which emphasizes design and analysis of high performance building envelope components and presentation skills.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
ENGY 730 Computer Applications for Energy Management 3
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: ENGY 610

In this course students study various applications of computers in the Energy Management field. Off-the-shelf software is applied to load forecasting, utility operations, life cycle costings, and project management. Specialized software is applied to building energy analysis, heating/cooling calculations, facility maintenance management, and evaluation of alternative energy systems. Practical applications and problem solving skills are emphasized throughout the course.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
ENGY 830 Internship/Externship Program 3
Students enrolled in this course will be given the opportunity to work in a field assigned in the area of their specialization and will be asked to meet professional standards set down by the organization to which they are assigned. Conferences will be held with the student during this period and the organization using the service will be asked to cooperate by reporting on the progress of the student. A written evaluation of performance is provided by the sponsoring agency or professional. 150 working hours are required to complete the internship.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
    Total: 9 Credits
 
Power Systems Concentration (select three courses) Credits:
ENGY 640 Independent Guided Project 3
Research projects, literature reviews, annotated bibliographies, development and validation of instructional sequences undertaken in this format should be in depth studies not available within the program offerings and comparable in work demands to the regular credit hour design. One credit of Guided Project is equal to three hours of academic work per week for 15 weeks.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
ENGY 725 Seminar in New Products and Technology 3
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: ENGY 610

Designed to emphasize the emerging products and technologies. New energy conservation equipment, generation and transmission equipment, and process and HVAC control equipment will be discussed with the help of vendor catalogs and guest lecturers. Typical term project will include comparing all the available techniques and/or products for performing a certain function.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
ENVT 725 Sustainability and the Environment 3
This course examines the issues that comprise the new discipline of "sustainability." The many definitions of sustainability are discussed and the goals of sustainability are defined. The course reviews the impacts of human activities on essential natural resources such as flora, fauna, soil, water, air, land, and energy sources, Fundamental factors such as carrying capacity, ecology, conservation, climate change, pollution, population, development, economics, manufacturing, transportation, agriculture, policy and environmental ethics are discussed in the context of sustainability. Readings will consider the complex relationships that make sustainability such a difficult goal and they will examine various diagnostic tools and sustainability best practices.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
ENGY 785 Systems Adaptability and Resiliency Planning 3
This course explores adaptability and resiliency planning for future climate change. Topics include current evaluation methods and applications to assess practical options for adaptation. Resiliency is considered from the viewpoint of system vulnerability, risk evaluation, risk exposure and sensitivity to change. Case studies will be used to investigate municipal and regional solutions. The course will have an applied focus and will cover best practices and protocols relevant to community and municipal infrastructure. Learning outcomes include a holistic understanding of how socio-ecological systems can be ‘future-proofed’ by developing and implementing strategic adaptation solutions.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
    Total: 9 Credits
 
Sustainability, Climate Resiliency, and Adaptation (SCRA) Concentration (select three courses) Credits:
ENVT 725 Sustainability and the Environment 3
This course examines the issues that comprise the new discipline of "sustainability." The many definitions of sustainability are discussed and the goals of sustainability are defined. The course reviews the impacts of human activities on essential natural resources such as flora, fauna, soil, water, air, land, and energy sources, Fundamental factors such as carrying capacity, ecology, conservation, climate change, pollution, population, development, economics, manufacturing, transportation, agriculture, policy and environmental ethics are discussed in the context of sustainability. Readings will consider the complex relationships that make sustainability such a difficult goal and they will examine various diagnostic tools and sustainability best practices.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
ENGY 785 Systems Adaptability and Resiliency Planning 3
This course explores adaptability and resiliency planning for future climate change. Topics include current evaluation methods and applications to assess practical options for adaptation. Resiliency is considered from the viewpoint of system vulnerability, risk evaluation, risk exposure and sensitivity to change. Case studies will be used to investigate municipal and regional solutions. The course will have an applied focus and will cover best practices and protocols relevant to community and municipal infrastructure. Learning outcomes include a holistic understanding of how socio-ecological systems can be ‘future-proofed’ by developing and implementing strategic adaptation solutions.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
ENVT 755 Sustainability and Life Cycle Assessment 3
Sustainability and Life Cycle assessment refers to the evaluation of all environmental, social and economic negative impacts and benefits in decision-making processes towards more sustainable products throughout their life cycle. It is the carbon footprint of a product or service and the total amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases emitted over the life cycle of that product or service, expressed as kilograms of CO2 equivalents. It is a technique that is used to assess the environmental aspects associated with a product over its life cycle. The carbon footprint figure captures the mix of energy sources used in producing and delivering a product/service, as well as non-energy related greenhouse gas emissions (such as methane and nitrous oxide) from production, use and disposal of the product. The course will utilize IS0-14040/44 standards. Classroom Hours- Laboratory and/or Studio Hours- Course Credits: 3-0-3

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
ENGY 830 Internship Program 3
Students enrolled in this course will be given the opportunity to work in a field assigned in the area of their specialization and will be asked to meet professional standards set down by the organization to which they are assigned. Conferences will be held with the student during this period and the organization using the service will be asked to cooperate by reporting on the progress of the student. A written evaluation of performance is provided by the sponsoring agency or professional. 150 working hours are required to complete the internship.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
    Total: 9 Credits
 
Please Note: Not all courses are offered each term.

Total Program Required Credits = 30