<p>Hello all,</p>
<p>Im really interested in doing work with renewable/alternative energy(solar power, wind power, etc.) I have heard Mechanical and Electrical Engineering are the best ways to get into that field. However, I am more interested in Civil/Environmental Engineering. Could I enter the field with a degree in that field? Possibly alongside a minor in Electrical Eng? </p>
<p>Any input helps, thanks.</p>
<p>I am in the same situation as you, so I’ll comment so this remains on the front page longer and more people see it. Sorry that I can’t provide any helpful input however :/</p>
<p>Electrical for sure.</p>
<p>Any reasons in particular?</p>
<p>I guess EE,ME,CHe engineers are the ones who are involved in the Energy industry.
what can a Civil engineer do in that field??
the 3 majors I listed above have the major role in this industry ,maybe a civil can have a minor role or something.</p>
<p>Would going into environmental sciences be any better or worse than environmental engineering or any of these other majors? I’m talking about in terms of getting a good job for a renewable energy company.</p>
<p>Most of the engineering majors can land a job with just a Bachelor’s. But most of the sciences (including environmental), evidently, need at least a Masters to get a relevant job.</p>
<p>In terms of job prospects, green jobs are becoming more prevalent as people become more aware. So I presume more renewable energy companies would be hiring.</p>
<p>What sort of renewable energy are you interested in? Also, what aspect of those are you interested in? Do you want to design new materials for solar cells? Try to figure out the optimal placement of turbines for a wind farm? Discover new geothermal sites? Install solar cells on peoples houses?</p>
<p><a href=“Majoring in Renewable Energy - The New York Times”>Majoring in Renewable Energy - The New York Times;
A little old, but may be useful. Have you done any research about this field?
Looks like there are lots of approaches…</p>
<p>@RacinReaver</p>
<p>Im interested in like you said, the placement and building of turbines for a wind farm, along with creating more energy-smart/environmentally friendly buildings. I just want to make a difference in the “green” field and would like to know if I could do it through Civil engineering which interests me more than electrical or mechanical. Maybe some of those concepts overlap into civil? Or like a said before minor in electrical?</p>
<p>As said before green jobs are beginning to rise and I think there is a chance its a big field in the future and i’d like to be a part of it.</p>
<p>@BeanTownGirl</p>
<p>Thats a very helpful article, thanks for posting it.</p>
<p>I have heard about the program at Oregon Institute of technology. I’d love to be part of it but its unrealistic for me to go there(too far from home, cost, etc) Although the part about community college programs was very interesting, maybe it’s possible to go through one of those courses than transfer to get a bachelors in a related field?</p>