The Wind Energy Undergraduate Certificate (WEUC) is a program designed to give students the training necessary to apply their undergraduate degrees to careers in the wind energy industry. Wind energy is now a mainstream power conversion technology that will likely grow substantially in the future. Along with this growth will come the need for many new businesses and professionals working in the industry.
The WEUC is a 15-credit program that will be available to undergraduate students in engineering, the physical sciences and math. Two undergraduate, wind-energy focused courses concentrating on the fundamental electrical, mechanical and wind flow aspects of wind energy are required for all students. These courses provide students with the foundational material necessary to understand wind energy conversion systems. Three additional courses, selected from several possible course topics and disciplines, may be selected by the student to tailor their certificate toward the specialty in which they wish to work. Students enrolled in the program may complete the requirements concurrent with their B.S. degrees.
Students that complete the undergraduate certificate in wind energy will be prepared for professional practice in the wind industry. This includes the ability to design wind turbines and/or wind turbine components, as well as understand the salient aspects of wind power plant design, including project economics, interactions with the electrical grid and environmental impacts.
To receive an undergraduate certificate (at least 15 units) at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject matter areas with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0.
Please be aware that federal financial aid is not available for some certificates, if the certificate is pursued and completed as a stand-alone certificate (i.e., not completed concurrently with a degree program). See the "Details" tab for additional information.
In addition to University Requirements:
Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.
| Minimum Units for Completion | 15 |
| Highest Mathematics Required | MAT 239 |
Purpose Statement
The purpose of this 15-credit Undergraduate Certificate in Wind Energy is to prepare students for professional careers in the wind industry and in wind energy research and development. Students in engineering, the physical sciences, or math will have the opportunity to learn in-depth how to analyze and design wind turbine mechanical, electrical, and control systems. They will also be introduced to wind resource assessment and wind power plant design. Beyond these technical topics, students will become conversant in the broader societal, environmental, regulatory and economic aspects of wind energy necessary for professional practice. Recipients of an undergraduate certificate will have a broad understanding of the multi-disciplinary nature of wind energy. Courses are taught by faculty with experience and expertise in wind energy applications and research.
The certificate program is designed for students with backgrounds appropriate for engineering math or the physical sciences. Students may earn a certificate concurrently with their BS degrees at NAU. The certificate requires two core classes (6-credit hours) that are focused on wind energy, plus three elective courses (9-credit hours). These electives may be selected from a wide array of approved course that are of direct relevance to wind energy, allowing students the flexibility to tailor the certificate to their specific interests.
Due to its low cost and environmentally desirable characteristics, wind energy is rapidly being adopted around the world and is now a mainstream energy generation technology. It is a quickly growing field with many professional opportunities for certificate recipients both in the United States and abroad. Though now an established technology, wind energy continues to evolve as turbines grow larger and more sophisticated for utility applications, become more practical and reliable for off-grid and microgrid applications, and are utilized both on-shore and off-shore. This program seeks to inspire innovation and creativity in its graduates, grounded in the principles of good scientific and engineering practice.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the certificate program, students will be able to:
More Information
Take the following 15 units:
Select from (6 units)
*EE 280 is a prerequisite for EE 402.
In addition to these courses, students may select from a variety of disciplinary courses in which the content applies to wind energy.Select additional from (9 units):
You may select EE 280, ME 392, or ME 395 if not used toward your major.
Additional undergraduate-level electives beyond this list may be selected in consultation with the certificate advisor if they are of relevance to wind energy.
If you are also pursuing a Mechanical Engineering BS, you may only use 6 units from this certificate to also apply to a Mechanical Engineering BS.
Track for Civil Engineering; BS Majors
Select from (6 units):
Track for Computer Engineering; BS Majors
Select from (6 units):
This certificate may be pursued and completed concurrently with a degree program or as a stand-alone certificate. Under both circumstances, federal financial aid can be used for this certificate.
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.