University of Rochester
AC-4: Graduate Program

Humankind increasingly demands efficient, reliable and renewable energy supplies. The objective of this M.S. Alternative Energy degree program is to educate and prepare students to enter green technology fields involving sustainable energy generation, distribution and consumption. Students are exposed to a range of technologies including solar cells, wind, biofuels, fuel cells and batteries. The curriculum includes opportunities to design energy devices and systems, develop computer and data science skills, model and predict energy markets, network with alumni & students, and to perform research supervised by chemical engineering faculty.

Research in the department is a healthy blend of field-oriented studies, laboratory research and theoretical approaches. Field research projects range from local problems in Appalachian geology, to problems in the Cordilleran mountain chain, and to areas as far a field as India, the high Arctic and South America. Typically, research projects are funded by the National Science Foundation or similar agencies. Laboratory research is done both within the University, and on cooperative projects at other universities or at the U.S. Geological Survey. The section on research provides an overview of current and recent research projects. PhD students are expected to spend 3 to 5 semesters in intensive coursework (both within the department and in other departments) before taking their qualifying examinations. They are encouraged to start research as early as possible, and are expected to spend all their time on research after having passed the qualifying exams. An integral part of the education is the involvement of graduate students in undergraduate teaching in the early years at the University of Rochester.

The department has a MS program, which also emphasizes the involvement in research projects. Typically, students joining the MS program do course work during the first year and complete MS research and thesis in their second year.