Energy Systems Engineering: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Energy Systems Engineering is a rigorous, interdisciplinary field focused on the advanced design, optimization, and evaluation of modern energy infrastructure. Students gain the analytical and technical expertise needed to address global energy challenges by integrating sustainable practices with high-efficiency system performance across generation, storage, conversion, and distribution networks.
- Conventional Energy Systems: Study of fossil fuel-based power generation, including thermodynamics, combustion processes, and efficiency optimization in traditional power plants.
- Renewable Energy Technologies: Exploration of solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, and biomass systems, emphasizing integration, scalability, and environmental impact assessment.
- Energy Storage Solutions: In-depth examination of battery technologies, pumped hydro, thermal storage, and emerging methods for stabilizing energy supply and enabling grid resilience.
- Electrical Power Systems: Analysis of transmission and distribution networks, power quality, fault analysis, and the role of smart grid technologies in modern energy delivery.
- System Design and Integration: Application of engineering principles to model, simulate, and optimize complex energy systems for performance, reliability, and sustainability.
Energy Systems Engineering Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Energy Systems Engineering Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Energy Systems Engineering degrees, including Architectural and Engineering Managers, Engineers, All Other and Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 401,000 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Architectural and Engineering Managers 11-9041 | $167,740 | $111,450 - $239,200 | 210,340 | $80.64 |
| Engineers, All Other 17-2199 | $117,750 | $62,840 - $183,510 | 150,750 | $56.61 |
| Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1032 | $106,120 | $59,790 - $200,650 | 39,910 | N/A |
Salary Comparison
Energy Systems Engineering Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $103,617 in Arkansas to $153,590 in New Mexico—a 48% difference. The highest-paying states include New Mexico, California, and District of Columbia. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 401,000 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Energy Systems Engineering by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 14 institutions offering Energy Systems Engineering programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Energy Systems Engineering is found at University of Michigan (U‑M), Ann Arbor (37 graduates), Oregon Institute of Technology (OTI) (18 graduates), Villanova University (18 graduates), Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) (16 graduates), and Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) (11 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 149 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Admissions | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Michigan (U‑M) |
Master's
|
37 |
SAT: 1350-1530 ACT: 31-34 |
Ann Arbor, Michigan | Public | umich.edu |
| Oregon Institute of Technology (OTI) |
Bachelor's
|
18 |
SAT: 1045-1300 ACT: 22-26 |
Klamath Falls, Oregon | Public | oit.edu |
| Villanova University |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
18 |
SAT: 1400-1510 ACT: 32-34 |
Villanova, Pennsylvania | Private | villanova.edu |
| Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) |
Postbac Cert.
|
16 | N/A | Monterey, California | Public | nps.edu |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) |
Master's
|
11 | N/A | Tempe, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| Massachusetts Maritime Academy (MMA) |
Bachelor's
|
9 | N/A | Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts | Public | maritime.edu |
| University of Dayton (UD) |
Master's
|
8 |
SAT: 1195-1370 ACT: 26-31 |
Dayton, Ohio | Private | udayton.edu |
| Indiana University (IU Indianapolis) |
Bachelor's
|
7 |
SAT: 1040-1230 ACT: 21-28 |
Indianapolis, Indiana | Public | indianapolis.iu.edu |
| Alfred University |
Bachelor's
|
6 |
SAT: 1100-1280 ACT: 24-31 |
Alfred, New York | Private | alfred.edu |
| Michigan Technological University (MTU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
5 |
SAT: 1120-1330 ACT: 25-31 |
Houghton, Michigan | Public | mtu.edu |
| Texas Tech University (TTU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
5 |
SAT: 1090-1270 ACT: 22-28 |
Lubbock, Texas | Public | ttu.edu |
| University of Connecticut (UConn) |
Postbac Cert.
|
3 |
SAT: 1210-1420 ACT: 29-33 |
Storrs, Connecticut | Public | uconn.edu |
| University of Wyoming (UW) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | N/A | Laramie, Wyoming | Public | uwyo.edu |
| Stanford University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
3 |
SAT: 1510-1580 ACT: 34-35 |
Stanford, California | Private | stanford.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Energy Systems Engineering programs
How much can I earn with a Energy Systems Engineering degree?
Salaries for Energy Systems Engineering graduates vary by role and location. Architectural and Engineering Managers earn a median of $167,740 annually, while Engineers, All Other earn around $117,750. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in New Mexico average $153,590 compared to $103,617 in Arkansas. Approximately 401,000 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Energy Systems Engineering programs?
Currently 14 accredited institutions offer Energy Systems Engineering degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Michigan (U‑M), Ann Arbor (37 graduates), Oregon Institute of Technology (OTI) (18 graduates), and Villanova University (18 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
What career paths are available with a Energy Systems Engineering degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Architectural and Engineering Managers, Engineers, All Other, and Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 401,000 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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