Clean Energy Systems, PhD
Automation, Autonomous Vehicles, Batteries, Connected Vehicles, Controls, Electrified Transportation Systems, Energy Conversion, Energy Storage, Fuel Cells, Power Electronics, Smart Grids, Solar Photovoltaics, approved for STEM-OPT extension
Do you have a passion for clean energy? Are you interested in engineering solutions for the global energy economy that is rapidly transitioning to a low-carbon and no-carbon future? Gain fundamental clean energy knowledge and problem-solving skills while participating in transformative research in technology and systems design.
The Doctor of Philosophy in clean energy systems is a research-driven program designed to develop the next generation of leaders and innovators in the rapidly evolving clean energy systems sector around the world. This interdisciplinary program offers a unique opportunity to address the world's most pressing energy challenges by focusing on sustainable, renewable and efficient energy solutions. Students engage in advanced studies that combine engineering, environmental science and policy to create systems that reduce carbon footprints, enhance energy efficiency and promote global sustainability. Students gain fundamental clean energy knowledge and problem-solving skills while participating in transformative research in technology and systems design. With access to state-of-the-art laboratories, industry partnerships and expert faculty, students may complete coursework in solar photovoltaics, hydrogen, energy storage technologies, power electronics, and connected and automated vehicles.
Whether the goal is to advance technological innovations or shape energy policies, the PhD program in clean energy systems prepares students to be key players in the global transition to clean energy. Graduates are equipped to excel in academic, governmental and private sectors, contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable future.
GI Bill® benefits
This new program is not yet approved for use with GI Bill® benefits.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/.
This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.
The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.
- College/school:
Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering
- Location: Polytechnic
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
84 credit hours, an oral comprehensive exam, a written comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation
Required Core (9 credit hours)
EGR 602 Principles of Independent Research (3)
EGR 603 Advanced Clean Energy Systems (3)
EGR 604 Modeling and Simulation of Clean Energy Systems (3)
Restricted Electives (6 credit hours)
Foundations (3 credit hours)
ALT 515 Alternative Energy Reliability and Standards (3)
ALT 535 Applied Photovoltaics (3)
EGR 538 Batteries and Electric Vehicle Technologies (3)
EGR 560 Vehicle Dynamics and Control (3)
EGR 598 Special Topics (3)
Electives and Additional Research (42 credit hours)
Research (12 credit hours)
EGR 792 Research (12)
Culminating Experience (12 credit hours)
EGR 799 Dissertation (12)
Additional Curriculum Information
Restricted elective coursework must be approved by the research faculty supervisor and include one course from subjects ALT, EGR, EEE, RAS, MAE or CEE in the areas of energy conversion and storage, solar photovoltaics, power electronics, or electric and autonomous vehicles. Approved EGR 598 Special Topics options for the restricted electives requirement are Alternative Energy and Power Electronics for Transportation Electrification.
Elective coursework should be based on the doctoral student's research area. These courses must be chosen in consultation with the research faculty supervisor and should be designed to develop a depth of expertise in the research area of interest.
Foundation coursework should be selected in consultation with the program advisor. The approved topics for EGR 598 include Alternative Energy, Energy Efficiency of Connected and Automated Vehicles, Microgrid Design and Operations, and Power Electronics for Transportation Electrification.
Up to 24 credit hours of research is allowed on the plan of study. Students with research hours in excess of 12 will add these credit hours to their electives and additional research section of their plan of study.
When approved by the student's supervisory committee and the Graduate College, this program allows up to 30 credit hours from a previously awarded master's degree to be used toward the electives and additional research requirement for this degree. If students do not have a previously awarded master's degree, this coursework is made up of electives to reach the required 84 credit hours.
Students require an override to enroll in EGR 799 and must have successfully completed the comprehensive exam prior to enrollment in EGR 799 Dissertation credit hours. Consideration can be made for EGR 799 enrollment for students planning to complete the comprehensive examination in that term with faculty supervisor approval.
Submission of a written dissertation prospectus and its oral defense are required. It is expected that the submission of a written dissertation prospectus and its oral defense will take place no later than the end of the fourth year.
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in clean energy systems, engineering or a related field from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
Applicants are required to submit:
- graduate admissions application and application fee
- official transcripts
- personal statement
- professional resume
- three letters of recommendation
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency. Global Launch at ASU offers an online alternative to standardized testing for international students who are seeking admission to ASU but need proof of English proficiency.
If the applicant does not meet the minimum GPA requirements, the application may still be considered. In certain cases, demonstrated aptitude through professional experience or additional postbaccalaureate education is considered.
The statement of purpose should include the applicant's background and life experiences, as well as cultural, geographical and educational opportunities or challenges. Additionally, it should include the applicant's motivation for pursuing the graduate program at ASU and clearly identify personal and professional goals. It should also expand on research interests, intentions regarding the clean energy systems PhD, and the applicant's life beyond ASU.
Contact information for recommenders qualified to address the applicant's academic potential is needed. The program recommends selecting references who can speak to the applicant's research capabilities and interest and commitment to clean energy systems. References may include current or former instructors, advisors, mentors, supervisors and colleagues. Applicants should ensure the selected people can effectively communicate their unique strengths, research capabilities and ability to succeed in the doctoral program.
Unofficial transcripts may be submitted at the time of application. If admitted, applicants must then submit official transcripts to ASU Admission Services.
The clean energy systems program admits highly qualified candidates into the PhD degree, which is designed to support and empower doctoral students to pursue rigorous, interdisciplinary and original research in the alternative and renewable energy systems, power electronics and automotive systems areas. The PhD in clean energy systems is typically earned in four years beyond the Master of Science in engineering or other science disciplines.
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 05/01 | Priority |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 08/15 | Priority |
Graduates are prepared for opportunities in the diverse industries of alternative and renewable energy systems, power electronics and automotive technologies. They can work in large corporations, small businesses or various government agencies. Career examples within clean energy systems and technologies include:
- bioenergy chemist
- bioenergy engineer
- fuel cell development engineer
- mechanical engineer
- power electronics engineer
- power electronics systems integration research associate
- wind energy engineer
- solar microinverter manufacturing engineer
Engineering Programs
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SUTON 240
polygrad@asu.edu
480-727-1874
Admission deadlines
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
