Program Overview

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Sustainable Energy Program

The Sustainable Energy program at Brown University is a one-year, on-campus master of science degree that prepares students to tackle global climate change and lead the transition to a decarbonized energy future.

Program Overview

The master's in sustainable energy program equips students with the interdisciplinary knowledge and skills to deploy sustainable energy systems, positioning them at the forefront of a historic transition toward a decarbonized energy future. The program addresses the urgent and growing demand for technically and scientifically literate practitioners, preparing students to join cross-disciplinary teams in both the public and private sectors, crafting transition pathways and advancing sustainable energy solutions.

Degree Offered

• Master of Science (Sc.M.)

Curriculum

The curriculum integrates a broad range of cross-disciplinary topics, including science, engineering, policy, economics, and business. Students gain a forward-thinking framework that not only covers current practices but also explores potential pathways for the energy system's evolution over the next two to three decades. Through hands-on engagement with energy system analysis and modeling, students develop expertise in the practical issues of deploying sustainable energy systems, preparing them to lead efforts in electrification and decarbonization.

Course Content

Course content includes:

• Sustainable energy science and technology
• Policy and economics of energy transitions
• Electrification and decarbonization
• Energy and climate system modeling

Focus Areas

Students select a focus area drawing on selected topics from across the Brown curriculum, including courses taught by faculty in the Institute at Brown for Environment and Society (IBES) and the Watson School of International and Public Affairs. Focus areas may include:

• Science and technology of energy generation and power systems
• Materials for energy applications
• Policy and economic dimensions of energy and the environment, including climate change

Career Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, students are prepared for roles in renewable energy, electrification, decarbonization, and climate mitigation. Graduates pursue careers as staff scientists, program managers, R&D analysts, policy leads, and more. The program's practical focus also provides a solid foundation for those considering Ph.D. studies in engineering, physical sciences, or environmental studies.

Application Information

Application Deadlines

Fifth-Year Students	International Students	Final Deadline
Spring Start: November 1, 2025	October 1, 2025	November 1, 2025
Fall Start: May 1, 2026	April 1, 2026	April 1, 2026

Application Requirements

• GRE Subject: Not required
• GRE General: Recommended
• TOEFL/IELTS: Required for non-native English speakers
• Official Transcripts: Required
• Letters of Recommendations: Three (3) recommendations required
• Personal Statement: 1,000-word personal statement
• Resume/CV: Required

Tuition and Funding

Graduate Tuition & Fees: Please visit the Student Financial Services Office for up-to-date tuition rates.

Completion Requirements

The core of the Sc.M. in Sustainable Energy includes three required courses:

• Sustainable Energy Science and Technology
• Policy and Economics of Energy Transitions (½-credit course)
• Energy and Climate Systems Modeling (½-credit course)
• Electrification and Decarbonization

There is no capstone or thesis requirement. For their remaining five courses in the 1-year / eight-credit program, students shall select one focus area consisting of at least three related courses, with the remaining courses being free electives.

Leadership

• Program Director: Rod Beresford
• Dean of Engineering: Tejal Desai
• Associate Dean of Educational Initiatives: Celinda Kofron

Contact and Location

• School of Engineering
• Location Address: Brown University, Box D, 184 Hope Street, Providence, RI 02912