<p>Since this is in the engineering forum, I'm questioning what would be the best route for this in engineering. I wanted to major in the environmental engineering program at my school but it starts to look like air quality/water quality. That just sounds boring.</p>
<p>Renewable energy is something I would love to be a part of. Now, I know that renewable energy is a very broad topic and it could vary from anything like alternative fuel to solar, and the whole spectrum in between. But, as a whole, what major would have the best opportunities to be a part of this field? (I saw a very old thread about this topic, but a lot has changed since 2009 I believe. Also, I stalked that thread and was unable to find a clear answer to this question.)</p>
<p>Renewable energy? I would think the number one need is for lobbyist (to rack in federal subsidies!). </p>
<p>Outside of that…EE or ME may be the most common, but it’s a field that’s open to most engineers, which is why it’s hard for you to find a clear answer. There is none.</p>
<p>You may want to check out some Industry websites, to see what jobs are available (and where).</p>
<p>[SEIA</a> | Solar Energy Industries Association](<a href=“http://www.seia.org/]SEIA”>http://www.seia.org/)</p>
<p>Thank you! Your advice is greatly appreciated. That website has helped a lot.</p>
<p>IMO, I thought that petroleum engineering is a good way to enter the renewable sources field, mainly because a lot of engineers are transitioning this way.</p>
<p>Petroleum? Never thought that would be a key to open up renewable energy, but I will keep an open mind for that! Would petroleum be more linked to like ethanol or what would that tie into?</p>
<p>Also, what about stuff besides solar? Like wind or alternative fuel?</p>
<p>Alotta schools have a petroleum and natural gas degree program. Its pretty much a safeguard for when everything starts going natural.</p>
<p>A friend who’s a professor in a very well known West Coast school has done considerable research on renewables from battery chemistry to fuels and he’s a ChemE. </p>
<p>There are a few schools that have specific Energy Engineering program, you may want to take a peek and see. My guess is ChemE for anything chemical related, EE for electrical related, Mech E for building the thing. It is a very inter disciplinary approach.</p>
<p>You need to do some online research since this field is so broad, start by looking at universities that are engaged in research in this area (also see alternative energy, sustainability etc.). Here are a few -
US Dept of Energy links - <a href=“EERE STEM and Education | Department of Energy”>EERE STEM and Education | Department of Energy;
NY Times article - <a href=“Colleges See Rising Demand for Programs Addressing Green Industries - The New York Times”>Colleges See Rising Demand for Programs Addressing Green Industries - The New York Times;
[Cornell</a> University - Sustainability](<a href=“http://www.cornell.edu/sustainability/]Cornell”>Sustainability | Cornell University)
[Renewable</a> and Sustainable Energy Institute (RASEI)](<a href=“http://rasei.colorado.edu/]Renewable”>http://rasei.colorado.edu/)
[Center</a> for Renewable Energy | Center for Renewable Energy | Illinois State](<a href=“http://renewableenergy.illinoisstate.edu/]Center”>http://renewableenergy.illinoisstate.edu/)</p>
<p>I’d say if you want to be involved in the more cutting edge research, I’d go with physics or engineering physics.</p>
<p>The only response you need to read is the first one up there from Gator88NE.</p>
<p>There is no answer. Nearly every engineering field is required for these types of technologies.</p>