Ph.D. in Energy Engineering

Lead the way in tackling today's pressing energy problems with a high-quality graduate engineering education at UND

The world’s energy problems are significant, and require the most advanced research and the top minds to solve them. As a world leader in energy-related research and education, you’ll benefit from one of the strongest doctoral programs in energy engineering.

Why earn a Ph.D. in energy engineering at UND?

Today's energy-strapped world needs leaders with the highest level of knowledge and research expertise. This University of North Dakota graduate program focuses on energy engineering fundamentals, along with independent research and career preparation. You will have the flexibility to earn your degree online or on campus and to customize your doctoral program according to your greatest interests.

UND is a world leader in energy-related research and education. You'll benefit from a strong doctoral program that will help you:

• Master fundamental topics in energy engineering and be able to apply them to research problems with practical significance.
• Be proficient at research, with the skills you need to formulate, assess and document a hypothesis.
• Be proficient at designing, conducting and managing independent energy or energy-related research project.
• Broaden your opportunities in a variety of energy-related industries, or choose a career path in academia.

Research Opportunities in Energy Engineering

You'll have the opportunity to perform research ranging from fundamental to applied – including technology development, demonstration, and commercialization efforts.

Research interest falls into the following broad categories:

• Stationary power generation including increasing energy efficiency from existing and new systems, renewable energy systems, clean coal technologies, carbon sequestration and hydrogen production.
• Production of liquid and gaseous fuels (ethanol, biodiesel, hydrogen, methane for example) and specialty chemicals from biomass, fossil fuels and other resources, including infrastructure development.
• Transmission and distribution systems, including approaches to integrate distributed generation produced from renewable resources.
• Environmental cleanup and protection of air, water and soil focusing on energy and industrial generated sources.
• Integration of social, political, regulatory and legal into the development and implementation of new technologies.

Energy Engineering at UND

• Gain extensive expertise in a specialization (track), as well as proficiency in executing on energy-related research.
• Develop the expertise and research proficiency to invent and develop new energy technologies and future advances.
• Work with faculty from related disciplines to create the interdisciplinary and integrative research paradigms needed for comprehensive research.
• Choose research projects of interest to your company, allowing you to work on your doctoral degree without leaving your current job.
• Participate in research conducted with the Institute for Energy Studies or in collaboration with the world-renowned Energy & Environmental Research Center.

About UND

The University of North Dakota has always been ahead of its time.

Founded in 1883, six years before the state itself was established, UND gave North Dakota its name when the former Dakota territories separated into two distinct states. Today, UND is a busy 521-acre campus, the state’s largest. We've emerged as an innovator in engineering, medicine, aviation and unmanned aircraft systems.

• Location: Grand Forks, North Dakota
• Enrollment: 13,581
• Employees: 2,369
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Carnegie classification: RU H (Research Universities - High Activity)

Key Facts About UND

• 225+ Fields of study, including bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree
• 38% Increase in 4-year graduate rate over the past 3 years
• 24 Average class size
• 17 NCAA Division I athletics teams
• 13% Lower tuition and fees than similar institutions in the 11-state region
• 240+ Student clubs and organizations
• 4# Most military-friendly school in nation

Data provided by University Analytics & Planning.

Best Value University

Every accredited college or university offers education, but not every school prepares students to make a real impact on the way UND does. UND is increasingly regarded as one of the top academic and research institutions in the nation. In fact, the National Science Foundation ranks UND #151 in the nation.

We consistently rank among the best for educational quality, affordability and career outcomes. Search our database of 225+ academic programs to find what interests you.

Explore Campus

Few times in history has UND experienced such extensive physical change. Our Chester Fritz Library is undergoing major renovations, as is the historic home of UND’s first president, which will become an inviting new engagement center for graduate students. Work also is underway on a brand-new Memorial Union.

The Engine of Opportunity

As the only university in the state with graduate, law and medical schools, UND continues to lead in educating the region's doctors, lawyers, engineers, scientists and business professionals.

• 3,126 Secondary jobs created from UND business activity
• $300M Annual state-wide economic impact of UND research

"Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt

About UND College of Engineering & Mines

We educate world-class leaders in computer science, engineering and geology.

Knowledge to Lead. Skills to Impact.

Our graduates make a difference, are competitive in a global market and contribute to our state, nation and the world. UND CEM graduates can expect a range of opportunities in high-demand careers.

Our Programs

The College of Engineering & Mines has seven departments, with several certificates majors, minors, combined degrees and graduate programs. Many of our programs are available online and recognized by U.S. News & World Report as top online engineering programs.

We are extremely proud of our students, alumni and our nationally accredited programs. We pride ourselves on the first-class facilities and technology available for students to use.

Real Research. Real Results.

We are home to an array of centers and institutes, where engineering researchers are bridging disciplines and sharing insights at the farthest edge of discovery. Our advanced student training and our deep relationships with key industry partners further strengthen our stature as intellectual leaders.

Our Vision

Our vision is founded in six building blocks.

Graduates: We will produce graduates who will advance society, be competitive in a dynamic global market and contribute to the economic development of North Dakota, the nation and the world. Education: We will provide students with a personalized education fostering innovation and emphasizing technical, leadership and entrepreneurship skills. Research: We will be internationally recognized for excellence in research fostering discovery, serving societal needs and stimulating technology transfer. Work Environment: We will foster an inspiring, supportive, high-performance and team-based work environment. Community: We will engage the community to promote engineering and innovation, inspire young minds, help the regional economy thrive and display civic responsibility. Alumni: We will promote the accomplishments of our alumni, engage them in school initiatives and serve as a resource for the advancement of their success.

Accreditation

All undergraduate engineering programs, as well as computer science, are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET and supported by dedicated faculty, small class sizes and well-equipped laboratories.

Online Programs

Our online delivery mode offers students an opportunity to complete the majority of their undergraduate degree coursework in our accredited undergraduate programs online.

In most programs, students are required to complete their laboratory requirements through accelerated summer courses at UND. Since our online students experience the same lectures and coursework requirements as our on-campus students, we consider this educational experience to be essentially equivalent and online graduates receive the same accredited degrees as on-campus students.