When gas prices rose sharply at the beginning of the 21st century, the United States and other nations faced a frightening reality. One of which was our dominant energy supply, fossil fuels, was more unstable than previously thought. As a result, it has been become a major topic of discussion on various fronts. From politicians to the world’s engineers, it is a topic that has also sparked the need for additional careers in sustainable energy. As noted by a top keynote speaker, many of these formal and informal discussions were centered on the subject of sustainability.

What is sustainability? According to the United Nations and other resources, sustainability gives an entity the ability to develop practical alternatives today without compromising the future. With this in mind, companies all over the world are producing a generation of green careers to assist with these initiatives. Preparation for these careers will involve a variety of different things including educating people who are interested in this field. Due to the diversity in responsibilities, some colleges may not offer a set career path in sustainable energy. However, there are colleges and university that offer higher education opportunities in energy. Listed below are several programs that are available to people who are interested in pursuing a career in this industry. These colleges and universities are dedicated to both energy education as well as workforce development.

Alternate Energy Institute

The Alternative Energy Institute can be found at West Texas A&M University. Their primary focus is in wind energy, although solar energy is a part of their research and education.

Bismarck State College

Bismarck State College offers broad-based training in 6 sectors of this industry, and they include energy management, generation, distribution, transmission, process technology, and system operations.

Boston University-Center for Energy and Environmental Studies

Boston University offers both undergraduate and advanced studies in environmental and energy studies.

Even though the colleges listed above have their own specific concentration in sustainable energy, there is still a wide host of others programs in the United States and abroad. Based on an individual’s personal career interest, these programs are usually very diverse, since the area of concentration can range from the biochemical engineer to the solar panel installer. Therefore, it is important for each individual to research the career that fits their specific situation. For instance, if the individual is interested in pursuing a career in solar water heating, they may want to research the program that is offered at NC State University. NC State University Solar Center focuses on Advancing Clean Energy for a Sustainable Economy. This program involves a wide variety of educational support that includes K-20. With renewable energy technology diploma series and certificate in renewable energy management, their goals are providing a comprehensive knowledge of sustainable energy sources, while also providing certificates that qualify the workforce to perform specific job functions.

Due to sustainable energy concerns for the present and well as the future, companies all over the United States and abroad are developing their own initiatives. Supported by government laws and legislation, there are also financial incentives to assist with getting everyone involved the knowledge needed. Which means, getting the proper education should be on the top of the list for anyone who wants to pursue this area as a career.

This article was written by the assistant to a Florida motivational speaker. His office is a supporter of higher education and wind energy.