Program Overview

Program Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Solar Energy is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of solar energy systems, including project development, system design and analysis, and process improvement. This online certificate program is offered by Penn State World Campus and is developed by the Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering.

Program Details

• The program consists of 12 credits and can be completed online.
• The tuition rate is $1,037 per credit for the 2025-26 academic year.
• The program is embedded within the Master of Professional Studies in Renewable Energy and Sustainability Systems.
• Students can earn the graduate certificate by successfully completing each course with a grade of C or better.

Required Courses

• AE 868: Commercial Solar Electric Systems (3 credits)
• AE 878: Solar Project Development and Finance (3 credits)
• EME 810: Solar Resource Assessment and Economics (3 credits)
• EME 812: Utility Solar Power and Concentration (3 credits)

Career Opportunities

• Solar energy project manager
• Solar PV design engineer
• VP of business development in a commercial solar sector
• Solar research analyst
• Project engineer in solar energy

Admission Requirements

• A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or a tertiary degree deemed comparable to a four-year bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution.
• Official transcripts from each institution attended.
• English proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS scores for international applicants).

Faculty

• Mark Fedkin, Assistant Teaching Professor
• Erich Schienke, Research Associate
• Mohamed Amer Chaaban, Adjunct Instructor
• Mark D. Kleinginna, Instructor

Program Benefits

• Gain skills to move renewable energy projects forward.
• Evaluate solar energy systems using techno-economic, performance, and/or cost/benefit analyses.
• Use the principles of solar energy science, including resource availability, resource intermittency, renewable energy technologies, and options for solar energy conversion systems.
• Identify stakeholder preference for solar goods and services in a given locale and solar industry.
• Evaluate project development and/or sustainability decisions in the broader context of society's interests.

Stackable Credentials

• The Graduate Certificate in Solar Energy can serve as a stand-alone credential and as a step on the journey toward the Penn State Master of Professional Studies in Renewable Energy and Sustainability Systems.
• Up to 15 credits earned in the certificate program may be transferred to the master's degree in renewable energy and sustainability systems, subject to restrictions outlined in GCAC-309 Transfer Credit.