Sustainable energy isn't just an engineering problem—it's a human challenge that touches every field.
Add the Sustainable Energy Systems Certificate to any major. Be part of the solution.
The Sustainable Energy Systems Certificate Program is a multidisciplinary initiative that prepares students to address the world's most pressing energy challenges. Building on OU's century-long legacy of excellence in energy education, the program bridges traditional energy expertise with cutting-edge sustainable solutions. Launched in 2024, the SES program is the first campus-wide certificate at OU that draws from expertise across all colleges to create a comprehensive approach to energy sustainability. The program's unique focus combines courses from every major and every department to prepare students for diverse careers in the rapidly evolving energy sector. Students choose from a wide variety of courses covering renewable energy systems, carbon management, energy policy, life cycle analysis, energy finance, climate science, strategic communications, and other specialized areas. Graduates leave OU with the interdisciplinary skills needed to succeed in many areas of the sustainable energy field, including renewable energy development, energy efficiency consulting, carbon management, energy policy and regulation, energy finance, environmental consulting, corporate sustainability, research and development, and various other professional pathways.
Sustainable Energy Systems students typically have interests in:
The Sustainable Energy Systems Certificate is a comprehensive, multidisciplinary program at the University of Oklahoma designed to prepare students to address complex challenges in sustainable energy production and consumption. The program focuses on energy and the carbon cycle, encompassing technical, environmental, economic, social, and policy aspects of sustainable energy systems. It is available as both an undergraduate certificate (standalone) and graduate certificate (added to a Master's or Doctoral degree).
The SES program emphasizes that sustainable energy is about finding balanced solutions that consider environmental impact, economic feasibility, and societal goals. There is no single "right answer" - the program teaches you to think critically about tradeoffs and develop integrated, innovative solutions.
Sustainable energy isn't just an engineering problem—it's a human challenge that touches every field. The pursuit of sustainable energy solutions requires collaboration among many disciplines including:
This multidisciplinary approach fosters innovative, systems-thinking approaches that balance environmental sustainability, economic viability, and societal needs.
The University of Oklahoma has a century-long legacy of excellence in energy-related education and research. Oklahoma is uniquely positioned in the energy landscape:
Building on this foundation, OU offers cutting-edge expertise in advanced refining technologies, energy law and policy, environmental sustainability, electric power systems, and emerging areas like hydrogen production, geothermal energy, carbon sequestration, and fusion energy.
The SES undergraduate certificate is open to all undergraduate students at OU, regardless of major. The program successfully launched in Fall 2024 with students representing diverse majors across campus including Engineering, Atmospheric and Geographic Sciences, Earth and Energy, Arts and Sciences, Architecture, and Business.
SES 2113: Fundamentals of Earth Systems, Energy & Sustainability covers:
SES 2123: Energy in Society: A Systems Perspective on Energy Transitions covers:
The undergraduate certificate requires 15 credit hours, consisting of:
Two Core Courses (6 hours):
Three Elective Courses (9 hours): Selected from a diverse list of over 40 approved courses across multiple colleges
You can choose any elective course from the approved SES elective list. There are no required pathways or tracks—you’re free to select the courses that best match your interests and goals.
Our elective offerings span a wide range of topics such as climate and renewable energy, sustainability, communication, business and policy, subsurface and storage, the built environment, and more.
To explore all available options, visit the approved elective course list:
Some elective courses also satisfy OU general education requirements.
Yes! The SES program offers undergraduate scholarships for qualified students. These scholarships are designed to attract and support motivated students committed to sustainable energy studies. Contact the program for current scholarship opportunities and application procedures.
A complete list of SES elective courses is available on the program website, and we are alwasy adding new courses. Visit www.ou.edu/mcee/ses for the current course list. Reach out if you do not see a course listsed!
Elective courses are organized into multiple areas and topics including:
Areas:
Content Topics:
Some elective courses also satisfy OU general education requirements.
The SES graduate certificate is open to all graduate students currently enrolled in a Master's or Doctoral program at OU. Please note: This is not a standalone certificate. Students must be enrolled in a graduate degree program at OU to add the SES certificate.
The certificate is designed as an overlay to enhance existing graduate programs, meaning your degree will include both your disciplinary program name and a Sustainable Energy Systems certificate designation.
The graduate certificate requires 15 credit hours, consisting of:
Two Core Courses (6 hours):
Three Elective Courses (9 hours): Selected from approximately 40 graduate-level approved courses
SES 5113: Evaluation of Sustainable Energy Systems focuses on:
SES 5121: Seminar in Sustainable Energy Systems provides:
Yes! The SES program offers scholarships for admitted graduate students. Graduate students are encouraged to inquire about SES fellowship opportunities. Contact the program for current scholarship availability and application procedures.
Applications for both undergraduate and graduate certificates can be submitted through the SES program website at www.ou.edu/mcee/ses.
Yes! The SES certificate is designed to complement your primary degree program. The program tagline is "Add the Sustainable Energy Systems Certificate to any major. Be part of the solution." Many students complete the certificate requirements within their normal course of study. The certificate enhances your degree with specialized knowledge and skills in sustainable energy systems.
Upon completion of all requirements, the certificate will appear on your official OU transcript. For graduate students, the degree name will include both your base disciplinary program and the Sustainable Energy Systems certificate designation.
Many SES elective courses are regular departmental offerings that are open to all students. However, to receive the certificate designation on your transcript, you must formally apply to and be admitted to the SES certificate program and complete all requirements.
The sustainable energy sector is experiencing rapid growth and transformation, with global energy demand projected to grow by 25% through 2040 and international commitments to achieve net-zero carbon by 2050. Career opportunities span numerous sectors including:
Employers increasingly seek candidates with multidisciplinary knowledge who can address complex energy challenges from multiple perspectives.
The SES certificate distinguishes you by demonstrating:
This combination makes you more competitive in the job market and better prepared for leadership roles in the energy sector.
The SES program was developed by a task force of over 30 faculty members representing 10 colleges across the OU Norman Campus. The task force met throughout Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 to design a comprehensive, multidisciplinary program that addresses the complex challenges of sustainable energy systems. The program is supported by a Steering Committee with representatives from multiple colleges.
SES students have access to:
The global energy sector is undergoing profound transformation driven by:
According to the International Energy Agency, sustainable energy production and usage will remain a topic of worldwide interest for decades to come.
Oklahoma is uniquely positioned in the energy landscape:
This positions OU students to understand the full spectrum of energy systems and transitions, creating solutions that can scale from Oklahoma to the world
The program covers essential concepts including:
Whether you are studying engineering, business, journalism, architecture, law, or liberal arts, the SES program enhances your degree with valuable energy systems knowledge with credentials.
Students engage with real energy challenges through internships, industry partnerships, and collaberative projects that address both global and Oklahoma-specific energy opportunities.
The University of Oklahoma's Sustainable Energy Systems program is a groundbreaking, multidisciplinary initiative that prepares the next generation of energy leaders to tackle the world's most pressing energy challenges. Building on OU's century-long legacy of excellence in energy education and research, our program bridges traditional energy expertise with cutting-edge sustainable solutions.
Oklahoma is uniquely positioned to lead the energy transition:
Our students work on projects that leverage these advantages while addressing global energy challenges, creating solutions that can scale from Oklahoma to the world.
If you have questions or need more information, email ses@ou.edu.
