Program Overview

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Sustainable Energy, PhD

The Doctor of Philosophy degree in Sustainable Energy integrates social, environmental, and technical knowledge of energy systems, preparing students to address the challenges in energy transitions. This flexible, interdisciplinary program trains students to develop transdisciplinary solutions that guide society toward a sustainable energy future.

Program Description

Society is in the midst of a transition toward sustainable energy. The global energy system is a complex, sociotechnical system, requiring the next generation of leaders to possess a transdisciplinary perspective comprising both technical and societal dimensions of energy. Students enter the program from diverse backgrounds in engineering, planning, business, policy, and natural and social sciences.

At a Glance

• College/school: College of Global Futures
• Location: Tempe
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes

Degree Requirements

The program requires 84 credit hours, including:

• A written comprehensive exam
• An oral comprehensive exam
• A prospectus
• A dissertation

Required Core (17 credit hours)

• SOS 571 Sustainable Energy Technologies and Systems (3)
• SOS 572 Sustainable Energy Transitions (3)
• SOS 573 Sustainable Energy Policy (3)
• SOS 574 Data Analytics for Sustainable Energy (3)
• SOS 575 Sustainable Energy Research Seminar (4)
• SOS 589 Community of Graduate Student Scholars (1)

Electives or Research (42 credit hours)

• Other Requirement (13 credit hours): SOS 792 Research (13)
• Culminating Experience (12 credit hours): SOS 799 Dissertation (12)

Additional Curriculum Information

Students take SOS 575 in four different semester terms for 1 credit hour each term. Electives can be chosen from applicable courses in various areas, including:

• engineering of matter, transport and energy
• future of innovation in society
• geographical sciences and urban planning
• life sciences
• molecular sciences
• physics
• sustainability
• sustainable engineering and the built environment

Other electives may be used with approval from the academic unit. Student electives are customizable based on the student's area of research.

Admission Requirements

• General university admission requirements
• A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program
• Official transcripts
• Resume or curriculum vitae
• Statement of intent
• Three letters of recommendation
• Proof of English proficiency

Tuition Information

Tuition fees vary; students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options.

Application Deadlines

• Fall: December 15 (final deadline)

Global Opportunities

Studying abroad is encouraged for graduate students. The Global Education Office offers more than 50 program opportunities, with programs on every continent.

Career Opportunities

Professionals with expertise in sustainable energy are in high demand across industries, including academia, business, planning, and government. Career examples include:

• Chief sustainability officer
• Director of policy advocacy
• Energy analyst
• Professor
• Project manager
• Renewable energy project manager
• Researcher
• Science and technology policy advisor
• Senior policy analyst
• Sustainability consultant
• Sustainability specialist
• Urban and regional planner

Research Areas

The program focuses on sustainable energy, including:

• Alternative energy
• Bioenergy
• Biofuels
• Energy science
• Energy technology
• Energy policy
• Geothermal energy
• Policy
• Sustainability
• Technology
• Wave energy
• Wind energy
• Renewable energy
• Solar energy
• Sustainable energy

This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months, allowing international students to gain skills and experience in the U.S.