ENERGY ENGINEERING

Energy engineering focuses on energy efficiency, power generation, energy services, and sustainable energy solutions. This modern field blends mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, environmental science, and economics. Energy engineers are tasked with finding efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective methods for operating buildings, power plants, and manufacturing processes. Weber State University's Energy Engineering Degree in Utah includes core mechanical engineering courses, supplemented by electrical engineering and specialized energy topics, and culminates in a senior-year capstone project.

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What is Energy Engineering?

The energy engineering definition is the branch of engineering that deals with energy efficiency, power generation, energy services, facility management, environmental compliance, sustainable energy and renewable energy. One of the more recent engineering fields to emerge, energy engineering combines the fields of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, environmental science and economics.

What does an Energy Engineer do?

The daily routine of graduates of the energy engineering degree can vary depending on their role and industry. Typical tasks may include evolving around optimizing energy use, improving efficiency, implementing sustainable practices, and contributing to the broader goal of reducing environmental impact through innovative energy solutions.

Energy Engineering Degrees and Programs

Study energy engineering at Weber State to develop innovative solutions for sustainable energy, improve energy systems, and address global challenges, offering diverse career opportunities while contributing to environmental and economic advancements.

Bachelor of Science

The Bachelor of Science in Energy Engineering at Weber State University prepares students to solve real-world energy challenges through a foundation in engineering, science, and mathematics. The program integrates mechanical and electrical engineering coursework with specialized study in renewable energy, power systems, energy efficiency, and sustainability. Students gain hands-on experience through labs, internships, and senior capstone projects, including applied work with industry partners such as the Weber Industrial Assessment Center.

Energy Engineering (BS) - Catalog

How to Become an Energy Engineer

To become an Energy Engineer, students typically start by earning a bachelor’s degree in Energy Engineering.

Steps to become an Energy Engineer

Apply to Weber State University and declare Energy Engineering as your major.
Complete foundational courses in math, physics, chemistry, and introductory engineering.
Take core engineering classes such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, electrical systems, and engineering economics.
Move into energy-focused coursework, including renewable energy, power systems, energy efficiency, HVAC, and electric vehicles.
Gain hands-on experience through labs, projects, internships and the Weber Industrial Assessment Center.
Complete a senior capstone project to apply what you’ve learned to real-world problems.
Graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Energy Engineering and enter careers in energy, sustainability, or power systems.

What jobs are available in Energy Engineering?

Energy Engineering: Focuses on improving energy efficiency and implementing energy management strategies in buildings, industrial facilities, or utilities.
Renewable Energy Engineering: Specializes in designing, developing, and implementing renewable energy systems such as solar photovoltaic (PV), wind turbines, geothermal systems, and biomass energy technologies.
Energy Analyst: Analyzes energy data and trends to optimize energy consumption, reduce costs, and improve efficiency.
Energy Consultant: Provides expert advice and consulting services to clients on energy management, renewable energy adoption, energy policy compliance, and sustainability initiatives.
Energy Efficiency Specialist: Focuses on identifying opportunities for energy savings and implementing efficiency measures in residential, commercial, or industrial buildings.
Sustainability Engineering: Integrates sustainability principles into engineering practices, focusing on reducing environmental impact and promoting resource conservation.

What is the salary for an Energy Engineer?

The salary for an energy engineer in Utah can vary based on experience, education, and the specific region within the state. According to data from the Utah Department of Workforce Services, the median annual wage for engineering professionals, including energy engineers, is around $80,000 to $100,000, with variations depending on factors such as industry and location within Utah.

The average salary for an energy engineer in the U.S. is around $160,768 per year, with a typical range between $142,975 and $177,258*. Salaries can vary by location. *salary.com

Frequently Asked Questions About Energy Engineering

What is the difference between energy engineering and mechanical engineering?

energy engineering	mechanical engineering
Focuses specifically on the production, conversion, distribution, and efficient use of energy in various forms.	Capable of identifying, defining, and solving intricate engineering problems.
Renewable energy technologies, energy conservation, power generation, and energy efficiency.	Focuses on the theoretical and conceptual aspects of engineering.
May work on designing and optimizing power plants (both conventional and renewable), improving energy efficiency in buildings and industrial processes.	Grounded in theory, emphasizing mathematics, physics, and fundamental engineering principles
Require knowledge of energy sources, thermodynamics, and sustainable practices.	Career paths include design engineers, research engineers, project managers, or consultants in various industries.

What is the difference between energy engineering and aerospace engineering?

energy engineering	aerospace engineering
Focuses specifically on the production, conversion, distribution, and efficient use of energy in various forms.	Specifically concentrates on designing, developing, and testing aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems.
Renewable energy technologies, energy conservation, power generation, and energy efficiency.	Involves aerodynamics, propulsion systems, avionics, materials science related to aerospace applications, and the complexities of flight dynamics.
May work on designing and optimizing power plants (both conventional and renewable), improving energy efficiency in buildings and industrial processes.	Involved in optimizing performance, efficiency, and safety of aerospace vehicles and systems.
Require knowledge of energy sources, thermodynamics, and sustainable practices.	Career paths include in aerospace companies, government agencies (such as NASA), defense contractors, and research institutions.

What is the difference between energy engineering and civil engineering?

energy engineering	civil engineering
Focuses specifically on the production, conversion, distribution, and efficient use of energy in various forms.	Primarily focuses on the design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure and large-scale systems that serve society.
Renewable energy technologies, energy conservation, power generation, and energy efficiency.	Focuses on static structures, materials properties, geotechnical engineering, environmental engineering, transportation systems, and urban planning.
May work on designing and optimizing power plants (both conventional and renewable), improving energy efficiency in buildings and industrial processes,	Skills includes structural analysis, geotechnical engineering, construction management, environmental engineering, and urban planning.
Require knowledge of energy sources, thermodynamics, and sustainable practices.	Carrer paths include work as structural engineers, transportation engineers, geotechnical engineers, environmental engineers, and construction managers.

What is the difference between energy engineering and electrical engineering?

energy engineering	electrical engineering
Focuses specifically on the production, conversion, distribution, and efficient use of energy in various forms.	Focuses power generation and distribution systems, telecommunications networks, electronic circuits and devices.
Renewable energy technologies, energy conservation, power generation, and energy efficiency.	Knowledge of circuit theory, electronics, electromagnetism, digital systems, signal processing, and power systems.
May work on designing and optimizing power plants (both conventional and renewable), improving energy efficiency in buildings and industrial processes,	Use software tools for circuit design, simulation, and programming, along with testing and measurement equipment for electronic devices.
Require knowledge of energy sources, thermodynamics, and sustainable practices.	Career paths include power systems engineers, electronics engineers, telecommunications engineers, and control systems engineers.