The University of Southern California (USC) Viterbi School of Engineering launched a new MS degree in energy engineering program set to begin in spring 2025 to train future energy technology leaders. The multidisciplinary program addresses the increasing global demand for energy and the industry's transition towards diverse and sustainable solutions.
“Energy engineering is at the forefront of technology. Without energy, the world cannot function,” said Andrea Hodge, Fluor Professor in Engineering and chair of the Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science. “Energy affects a wide range of fields, from transportation to food to communications. Every aspect of our life demands energy.”
The program, housed in the Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, provides foundational knowledge in energy processes, materials science, and subsurface engineering. Students can specialize in energy production and storage, artificial intelligence (AI) and data science for energy transition, and energy process design. The curriculum includes electives in areas like digital energy, carbon capture, and machine learning.
Key faculty members include experts in composite materials, mass transfer in porous materials, and sustainable catalysts. The program aligns with USC's ongoing energy research efforts, such as the Ershaghi Center for Energy Transition and the newly established Donald L. Paul Chair in Energy and Technology Management.
The initiative aims to equip graduates with the skills to navigate energy diversification, optimize legacy infrastructure, and integrate emerging technologies, preparing them for leadership roles in the evolving energy sector.