Engineering Technology - Clean Energy

Student in composites lab

Engineering Technology - Clean Energy - Certificate

 

Note: This program will not be accepting new students starting in Spring 2023.

According to the US Energy Information Administration, global energy consumption has significantly increased and is expected to continue rising through 2035 (Energy Outlook, 2012). The energy industry is working to increase energy efficiency and looking toward innovative technologies to meet the growing demand. Prominent energy companies like BP and Phillips 66 are starting new departments focused on alternative energy and investing in technology development and production.

New energy technology career categories are emerging at an unprecedented pace, and skill sets associated with energy technology cut across both traditional and emerging industries. The number of green jobs in Washington rose 32% in the last few years, and these trends are expected to continue as the demand for energy increases and resources decrease. In Whatcom County alone, there are over 3,600 green jobs (Source: WA Employment Security Department, 2010). Many emerging green energy jobs will be technical jobs that require more than a high school diploma but less than a bachelor’s degree.

 

Employment Information

Data are provided on a program (not credential) level

83% BTC graduate placement rate1

$55,424 starting annual wage2
$69,892 average annual wage2
$83,584 potential annual wage2

  • Employment and Wage Data Sources

    1Employment data come from the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) and reflect WA/OR employment for students enrolled at BTC between 2017-18 and 2019-20. Students are included in the employment rate if they left with a credential. Rates are not shown for programs with fewer than 10 students meeting the above criteria.

    2Whatcom County and WA State wage data come from Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD) 2021 Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates and reflect 2018-21 employment. Wage data represent occupations that BTC faculty have identified as the most relevant career paths for program graduates. Note that these wages reflect employees with varying educational levels/credentials. For cases in which multiple occupations have been identified by faculty, a weighted percentile is calculated using each occupation’s percentile wage and employment size estimate. Wages are not shown for programs for which occupations do not meet the ESD’s minimum thresholds for publishing. If the program has wage data from the Washington SBCTC that involves shift work, these ESD wages reflect the same number of hours used in the annual wage calculation. Starting wage = 25th percentile, median wage = 50th percentile, wage potential = 75th percentile.

Estimated Program Costs

Entry Information

When Can I Start?

Students may begin working toward this certificate quarterly.

What are the Minimum Entry Requirements?

Admissions application and assessment testing in Reading, Math and Writing is required. Your score on the test and/or your previous transcripts will determine where you begin your course sequence. Contact Admissions at 360.752.8345 or at admissions@btc.edu for assistance with academic planning.

What are My Next Steps?

1. Apply to BTC and Financial Aid
2. Assess Your Starting Point
3. Advising & Registration
4. Prepare to Attend

 

Classes

Total Program Credits: 13

  • Current Students: Learn how to use this page to register for classes

  • Engineering

  • CENG 101Energy & Society3 CR
  • CENG 201Energy Politics and Policy5 CR
  • CENG 220Energy Generation and Conservation5 CR

Program Outcomes

  • Describe and evaluate the impact of renewable energy within the context of sustainability, economics, policy, and society
  • Describe and apply a working knowledge of energy resources and their technological systems
  • Demonstrate critical thinking as well as technical and information literacy skills
  • Communicate effectively using writing, speaking, and graphics skills
  • Apply ethical and professional practice within the field of renewable energy and engineering technology

Employment Outlook

New energy technology career categories are emerging at an unprecedented pace, and skill sets associated with energy technology cut across both traditional and emerging industries. The number of green jobs in Washington rose 32% in the last few years, and these trends are expected to continue as the demand for energy increases and resources decrease. In Whatcom County alone, there are over 3,600 green jobs (Source: WA Employment Security Department, 2010). Many emerging green energy jobs will be technical jobs that require more than a high school diploma but less than a bachelor’s degree.

Graduates of this program can also choose to transfer into the Western Washington University Institute for Energy Studies program.

This two-year degree prepares graduates to enter into the industry for wide variety of job titles including, but not limited to, the following:

  • Engineering Technician*
  • Electronics Technician
  • Electronics Engineering Technician*
  • Wind Energy Technician
  • Wind Turbine Service Technician

The average annual wage for this field is $79,144, with an earning potential of $92,331 per year.

*Indicates careers that are currently considered “in demand” by the Washington State Employment Security Department. Graduates of this program can also choose to transfer into the Western Washington University Institute for Energy Studies program.

Faculty & Support