Energy engineering science FAQs
Q: I’m very interested in the Energy Engineering Science major, but I’m already a freshman/sophomore. Can I switch in?
A: Students with a minimum 3.3 GPA applying before the end of their sophomore year have the best chance of successfully switching majors to Energy Engineering. Detailed information for change of college is located on the Berkeley Engineering Change of college website.
Q: What are the requirements to change to this major if I am in COE?
A: You must have completed at least one semester at Cal with a minimum technical GPA of 3.3, and can show that you will complete the major in 8 semesters. See your Engineering Student Services Adviser in 230 Bechtel.
Q: I am interested in energy engineering but I can’t fit the EnE major into my remaining course load or wasn’t able to switch into the College of Engineering. What can I do?
A: Look into taking a minor! The Engineering Science Program is offering an Energy Engineering minor that contains many of the core courses key to the EnE major. Visit the Energy Engineering minor section of our website.
Q: How is the Energy Engineering (EnE) major different from the Environmental Engineering Science major?
A: Environmental Engineering Science (EES) is another major within the Engineering Science Program that offers an energy concentration within its cluster course offerings. It is very possible to design a path in both majors that has 75% of the same courses. The key differences between the two majors lie in the added degree of depth in technical engineering courses as well as a specially designed Energy Engineering freshman seminar and senior capstone course. While EES provides greater opportunities to explore the breadth of environmental problem-solving through classes in water quality, ecology and environmental science, EnE provides greater focus on energy-related issues and the technology behind clean energy. The freshman seminar (E93) provides an opportunity for students to learn more about energy-related topics though guest presentations, while the senior capstone course (E194) gives EnE seniors an opportunity to work together on a group research project in collaboration with top-notch Berkeley professors and research centers working on the forefront of energy engineering.
Q: What kind of employment can I find after completing this major?
A: There are many job opportunities for students who major in Energy Engineering, especially in green energy. Companies are hiring Energy Engineers, Clean Energy Specialists, Energy Conservation Engineers, Energy Efficiency Engineers, Energy Systems Engineers, Solar Energy Specialists, etc. Employment fields will include Renewable Energy, Photovoltaic Engineering, Waste Management and Recycling, Oil and Gas Production, Fuels Engineering, Energy Systems, Energy Generation, Energy Storage, Energy Transmission, and Energy Consumption, etc. both domestic and global. Some of these jobs may not require a master’s or Ph.D.
Q: Are there graduate programs that would find me competitive after completing this major?
A: There are many colleges, both domestic and international, that offer graduate programs in energy engineering fields. A natural fit for your major could be the Energy and Resources Graduate Group (ERG) at UC Berkeley. Graduate Energy Engineering programs can also be found at UC Davis, UC Santa Barbara, and UC San Diego. Or you could search in the Peterson’s Guide to Graduate Studies to find additional colleges/graduate programs that meet your research and career goals.
Q: With whom can I speak to if I have questions about the Energy Engineering major?
A: Contact the Engineering Science advisor, at 750 Davis, to learn more about the Energy Engineering major. Please email engineeringscience@berkeley.edu.