Department Contact:
Chair: Dr. Rachel Wagner, rwagner@francis.edu, 814-471-1266
Program Description:
Students interested in energy topics and looking to complement their existing major with a specialization can choose to minor in Energy Technology and Policy. Energy professionals tackle global energy problems dealing with energy production, natural resource extraction, energy efficiency, and energy policy. This broad field of work offers flexibility to each student to pursue many successful career directions.
Energy professionals are involved in:
- Designing, developing and constructing energy technologies;
- Using mathematical and computer models to design and solve complex energy problems;
- Conducting lab experiments and adjusting them to large-scale industrial processes;
- Preparing detailed energy project work scopes, feasibility studies, and cost estimates;
- Performing site inspections and ground conditions for energy development suitability;
- Negotiating service agreements such as power purchase agreements;
- Managing energy project costs and budgets;
- Negotiating with fuel providers, specialist contractors, geologists, permitting agencies, and other relevant organizations;
- Integrating renewable energy production with existing power systems infrastructure;
- Keeping current with energy policy and environmental standards and ensuring systems and processes meet compliance;
- Understanding building science and energy efficiency applications;
- Monitoring new technologies or applications and developing performance metrics;
- Developing technical expertise in all matters to do with energy and environmental control.
In addition to the listed functions, energy leaders at Saint Francis will be educated and knowledgeable about more global issues such as how energy extraction, distribution, and usage affect habitats, ecosystems, communities, and the atmosphere. This whole systems approach gives the minor a focus on specific Franciscan values and differentiates it from other energy programs.
Energy experts are needed to solve a wide variety of energy problems. Students will learn the fundamentals of the energy industry and be capable of performing an assortment of different tasks within the industry. Graduates with the Energy Technology and Policy minor program will have opportunities to work for utilities, electric generating stations, renewable energy companies, energy distribution, research organizations, or as energy policymakers. Additionally, a minor in energy well positions any student to pursue a graduate or additional degree in a similar field.
Total Credits Required:
15 credits