Next-Generation Power and Energy Systems Subplan, Professional Master's Program

Learn more

Through flexible course options, students enrolled in the Next Generation Power & Energy (NGPES) subplan in our Professional Master's Program may pursue a 30-credit hour MS degree. The degree can be completed online, with the majority of classes having an online section option. 

Renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, are increasingly being integrated into the electric power grid, while the power system becomes more tightly intertwined with other systems, such as buildings, natural gas pipelines, and the transportation sector.

Today’s rapid changes create industry demand for professionals who understand new power electronic interfaces, improved modeling and simulation capabilities, and knowledge of advances in communication, control, and optimization to mitigate the impacts of variability and uncertainty in power systems generation.

Our subplan in NGPES helps engineers and decision makers prepare for this next generation — with deep foundational knowledge, modern technical skillsets, and the ability to effectively participate in multidisciplinary teams to solve new challenges. Adjoint professors from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) teach subplan courses with CU faculty to bring practical industry knowledge to classroom discussions.

Students have opportunities to explore energy systems integration themes from the Renewable and Sustainable Energy Institute (RASEI), a joint program between CU Boulder and NREL that addresses important, complex problems in energy to expedite solutions that transform energy by advancing renewable energy science, engineering, and analysis through research, education, and industry partnerships.

 

Core Courses

  • ECEN 5407 Renewable Energy and the Future Power Grid
  • ECEN 5797 Introduction to Power Electronics
  • ECEN 5417 Power Systems Analysis
  • ECEN 5437 Distribution System Analysis
  • ECEN 5427 Power Systems Operations and Planning

Elective Courses

  • AREN 5570 Building Electrical Systems Design 1
  • ENVM 5005 The Business of Renewable and Sustainable Energy
  • ECEN 5447 Power Systems Dynamics with Renewable Energy
  • ECEN 5457 Energy Systems Optimization
  • ECEN 5467 Data Analytics and Data-Driven Decision Making for Modern Power and Energy Systems
  • ECEN 5517 Power Electronics and Photovoltaic Power Systems Laboratory
  • ECEN 5737 Adjustable-Speed AC Drives
  • ECEN 5007 Special Topics: Protection of power systems with renewable & distributed energy resources
  • ECEN 5007 Special Topics: Electrified Transportation Systems
  • ECEN 5007 Special Topics: High Voltage AC & DC Transmission 

All courses are 3 credit hours.

*See our spreadsheet for when courses are generally taught. 

The NGPES courses are a subplan in the Professional Master of Science degree. Students must apply and be admitted to the Professional MS program and the NGPES subplan.  

NGPES MS subplan requirements:

  • Complete all five core NGPES courses.
  • Five open 5000-level electives, either NGPES elective, other ECEE, or other technical coursework in College of Engineering and Applied Science departments (must be approved by academic advisor).
    • Students may take one nontechnical elective, if approved by academic advisor. 

Students graduate with a Master of Science in Electrical & Computer Engineering, Subplan: Next Generation Power & Energy Systems

 

 

"The subplan gave valuable insight into renewable development from experts active in the field. The courses provided me the knowledge to advance into new roles in a rapidly changing industry."

~Charlie Gerten
Senior Engineer, Eirgrid

 

 

Charles Gerten portrait

 

 

"Next Generation Power and Energy Systems brings students to the cutting edge of the energy transition. Coursework are based on recent innovation at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory encouraging students to reimagine power systems for a more versatile, decarbonized and interconnected energy future."

~Frank Bergh
Senior Engineer, NRECA International

 

 

Frank Bergh headshot