What are the Electrical engineering schools in America that offer specialisation in Energy field?

[mbsid786]

Hello!

I'm looking for Engineering universities that show research interest in Energy and Power sector, in particular, Power distribution techniques and Smart grid. I tried to find some but it seemed no one was interested at Power area. Like MIT, Harvard, UCB all are rather motivated for research in Computer sciences. 

I want to get schools and researchers that have impact in America's Electrical power history and can become a reason for the question why do I choose this school. 

Also what are prospects of Smart Grid in America and worldwide? Is it really a good field for Electrical/Electronic engineers to Masters in? 

Thank you.

Edited October 12, 2013 by mbsid786

[Phdseeking14]

Dear mbsid786,

 

I would recommend you look at the websites for a number of good EE schools, and then find faculty that are doing work in that area. I thought there are a few faculty at MIT for example that are working in this area. You can then email those PIs and see if they have openings. 

 

Another, and potentially more fruitful path, is to look on Google Scholar or IEEE and find papers on Power Systems, etc. that interest you and then see who the authors are on those papers and their affiliations. This can be very useful because it will help you not only find the school/people that work in your area, but also the specific research that you find interesting. 

 

Best wishes,

-DV

[PBD]

Colorado School of Mines- (their motto is Earth, Energy, Environment). This is from the EE Master's Program website:

 

"Energy Systems and Power Electronics is focused on both fundamental and applied research in the interrelated fields of conventional electric power systems and electric machinery, renewable energy and distributed generation, energy economics and policy issues, power quality, power electronics and drives. The overall scope of research encompasses a broad spectrum of electrical energy applications including investor-owned utilities, rural electric associations, manufacturing facilities, regulatory agencies, and consulting engineering firms."

 

The other thing about this school is that graduates generally have the highest starting salaries in the nation (though that statistic is probably skewed a bit by the large number of petroleum engineering graduates), so in terms of jobs the prospects are quite good. They have an excellent relationship with industry.

 

Good luck!