Arizona State University has launched a master's degree in solar engineering program beginning with the Spring 2011 semester. The 12-month program is trains graduates for jobs in the solar energy sector. Students have to complete an applied research project as part of the course requirements and put in 30 credit hours towards studies in solar energy policies relating to land usage and government funding, and solar engineering technical studies.
Crowder College in Neosho, Missouri, offers an associate of arts degree in the alternative energy area, with a focus on solar energy. This program allows engineering and science students with an interest in solar energy to get a foundation in solar technologies and applications. The community college has developed the curriculum for the program in collaboration with the school of engineering at the Missouri University of Science and Technology. Program input is in the form of classroom learning as well as applied research projects.
If you're looking for a career in the area of photovoltaic installation, the photovoltaic installation associate degree from Santa Monica College provides training to get you started. The program provides both applied skills and theoretical input in the area. The community college says the degree trains graduates for jobs in installation repair, and solar installation and design. The course requirements include the completion of at least 60 semester units.
Students graduating from degree programs in the area of nonrenewable energy such solar energy have promising career opportunities, according to the Oregon Institute of Technology. The college, the first in the U.S. to offer a four-year undergraduate degree in renewable energy, says that its graduates are in demand, according to a New York Times report. Starting salaries for graduates, as of 2008, range from $35,000 to $45,000 for graduates of two-year programs. And graduates of four-year programs can expect to earn $45,000 to $60,000.