Master of Science in Renewable and Clean Energy

You'll commit to one of our world's biggest challenges — a more sustainable world — when you apply to our renewable and clean energy master's program (RCL). 

RCL attracts the best and brightest from around the globe, including Fulbright scholars. Word traveled fast when the University started the program in 2009; we attracted three times the projected number of students. In 2011, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy named center director, Dr. Kelly Kissock, a champion of energy efficiency. Kissock also has served on the Midwestern Governors Association Energy Efficiency Advisory Group.

Join us and address the need for stable, clean and economical energy sources. Click here to download an RCL Flyer (PDF).

Career Outlook and Highlights 

You can help determine the future of clean and economical energy sources and alternatives.

• Thirty-six states have adopted renewable, clean energy or energy reduction requirements
• Utility companies say that 40 percent of their workforce is expected to retire within 10 years. They will need new experts — they will need you — to move forward to meet regulations and the needs of our planet.
• The University of Dayton provides access to the Building Energy Center and the Industrial Assessment Center.

Plan of Study

University Catalog for Master of Science in Renewable and Clean Energy (M.S.)

A minimum of 30 semester hours:

• Thesis option: 24 semester hours of course work (8 classes) and 6 semester hours of research credit
• Non-thesis option: 30 semester hours of course work (10 classes). (Suggested for International Students.)

Areas of Research

Program Details

Our program will help you to develop your skills to design renewable energy systems and improve the energy efficiency of existing systems. In-depth courses in solar, geothermal, wind, biofuels, building and industrial energy efficiency develop your skills to design, analyze and optimize these systems. You have the flexibility to take courses at the University of Dayton, Wright State University and the Air Force Institute of Technology either in a traditional classroom setting or as an online program. The online program is ideal for students unable to attend on-campus class sessions or for students for whom self-paced learning is more desirable.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the online application, you should submit the following:

1. Official academic records of all previously attended colleges or universities must be submitted directly from the colleges or universities to the Office of Graduate Admission Processing. Hand-carried transcripts, official copies marked Issued to Student and unofficial copies are not acceptable.
2. Three letters of recommendation from professors or employers.
3. A personal statement or résumé.
4. Results from the GRE are not required. However, candidates are welcome to submit a score in support of their application.

Applicants must have an undergraduate degree from an accredited program in engineering, physics, chemistry, applied mathematics or other appropriate program of study. Applicants with a different undergraduate degree may be required to complete prerequisites. Applicants should have at least a 3.0 cumulative grade-point average on a 4.0 scale. Some programs require higher GPAs for admission. In some cases, applicants with a GPA below 3.0 may be admitted on a conditional basis.

Additional requirements apply for international students.

Application Deadlines

Applications accepted on a rolling basis with the following approximate general deadlines:

• Fall Term: June 15th
• Spring Term: November 15th
• Summer Term: March 15th

Please contact your department chair to follow up on exact deadlines.