Geology: Green energy
Concentration
Overview of the green energy concentration
The Earth is calling! Are you ready to answer by making a difference in the clean energy transition? The Green Energy Concentration brings critical raw materials and clean energy solutions to your Earth science education. This is a flexible path that gives you the skills to become a leader in the flied of sustainable energy sources.
The Green Energy Concentration prepares you to understand the science behind clean energy. This program builds on the core courses of the geology major. You'll choose a set path of electives that will guide you through key ideas and green energy systems.
You'll analyze the formation of resources needed for modern technologies and learn about strategies for responsible development and environmental protection. This concentration prepares you for rewarding renewable energy careers where you can contribute meaningfully to solving global change.
Program Snapshot
What is the green energy concentration, and why should you add it to your geology major?
Geoscientists help create a sustainable future by studying green energy sources and the Earth's processes. They balance the need for energy, water and materials with the need to protect the environment. In this concentration, you'll learn how to find and use important materials for batteries, wind turbines and solar technology responsibly.
You'll build the skills today's scientists need to compete for jobs working with green energy sources. As you complete the core geology requirements, you'll take four course electives that prepare you to tackle today's energy and environmental challenges. You'll gain the knowledge, hands-on skills and experiences essential to prepare scientists for renewable energy careers. Best of all, you'll do it without adding extra credits—just a smarter path to making an impact in the field of green energy.
Highlights of the green energy concentration
By choosing a green energy concentration, you'll:
- Shape the future of energy: Enroll in Michigan’s first Green Energy geoscience program and prepare for a meaningful career in renewable energy.
- Experience hands-on learning: Use state-of-the-art equipment in lab and fieldwork to explore the link between green energy, the environment and natural resources.
- Build your career: Study critical resources for the energy transition while sharpening problem-solving and communication skills essential for jobs in modern geoscience careers.
- Join real-world adventures: Take exciting field trips and work on clean energy research alongside CMU scientists. Present at professional conferences shaping clean energy's future.
- Grow your network: Learn from specialists (some are CMU alumni!) and hear about the pros and cons of various career paths before finding your fit in the energy industry.
Careers in green energy
CMU alumni are helping lead the shift to green energy in Michigan and beyond. They work in areas like carbon capture, hydrogen storage, mining and and minerals, geothermal energy and environmental protection. Many also continue their education in graduate school and go on to become researchers and leaders in universities, industry and government.
| Career | Projected Salary |
|---|---|
| Mining and Geological Engineer |
$101,020 |
| Geoscientist | $99,240 |
| Geophysicist | $99,240 |
| Hydrologist | $92,060 |
| Environmental Scientist | $80,060 |
| Environmental Engineering Technician | $58,890 |
| Geological and Petroleum Technician | $50,510 |
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