Santa Clara University

What you'll study

The programme covers the technical foundations and systems‑level challenges of contemporary energy systems. Core study areas typically include power systems analysis, renewable energy technologies (solar, wind, and distributed generation), energy storage and battery technologies, power electronics and grid interconnection, control systems for microgrids, energy systems modelling and optimisation, and power system protection and reliability.

• Core modules: power systems fundamentals, grid integration of renewables, energy storage engineering, and control and protection of electrical networks.
• Electives: topics frequently available include smart grids and communications, demand response and energy markets, advanced power electronics, sustainable transportation and electric vehicles, energy policy and economics, and computational methods for energy system simulation.
• Laboratory and practical work: students gain hands‑on experience with power electronics benches, battery test facilities, microgrid hardware‑in‑the‑loop, and software tools for load flow, transient and optimisation studies.
• Capstone project or thesis: the programme culminates in a team‑based capstone or individual research thesis that addresses a real technical challenge, often in collaboration with industry partners, utilities or research centres.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, energy engineering, physics, or another closely related STEM discipline. Admissions typically consider the academic transcript, statement of purpose, and professional experience; applicants are usually asked to provide letters of recommendation and a current résumé or CV.

• Academic background: prior coursework in circuits, signals and systems, thermodynamics or basic power engineering is advantageous.
• Standard documentation: official transcripts, personal statement, two or more recommendations, and a résumé. GRE requirements, if requested, vary by programme and applicant profile.
• English language: applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency through recognised tests or equivalent evidence where applicable.

Career prospects

Graduates go on to technical and engineering roles across utilities, renewable developers, original equipment manufacturers, consulting firms, and technology start‑ups. Common job titles include energy systems engineer, power systems engineer, renewables integration engineer, battery systems engineer, microgrid designer, grid‑interconnection specialist, and energy analyst.

• Employment sectors: electric utilities, grid operators, renewable project developers, energy storage companies, transportation electrification firms, engineering consultancies, and government or regulatory bodies.
• Professional pathways: graduates may focus on engineering design and implementation, project development and management, R&D in energy technologies, or technical consulting and policy advisory roles.

Why study at Santa Clara University

Santa Clara University’s location in Silicon Valley provides ready access to technology companies, cleantech start‑ups and utilities, creating opportunities for internships, collaborative projects and industry engagement. The university emphasises a practical, applied approach delivered in relatively small classes, enabling close interaction with faculty who work at the intersection of power engineering, controls and sustainable energy technology.

• Industry connections: proximity to regional industry and a network of alumni in technology and energy sectors supports project collaborations and job placement.
• Hands‑on learning: access to engineering laboratories, simulation tools and capstone projects ensures graduates have practical skills for system design and deployment.
• Interdisciplinary perspective: the programme balances technical depth with system‑level thinking, preparing students to address technical, economic and policy aspects of energy transitions.