Energy Systems Management
Graduate Certificate Program
Note: GWSB-affiliated students interested in these two programs should reach out to the GWSB Admissions Office and apply through their office for these programs.
Offered through the Department of Engineering Management and Systems Engineering, the graduate certificate in Energy Systems Management is designed for professionals in engineering, business management, and related disciplines who are required to manage organizations faced with complex and rapidly changing energy requirements in the United States and throughout the world. The program provides advanced education across the full spectrum of subjects central to the practice of energy management, including not only the policy, management and high-level technical understanding underlying challenges in the energy management area, but also the statutory and regulatory framework in which they are embedded, as well as social and policy considerations that are critically important in modern society.
Students in the graduate certificate program learn about alternative energy generation and energy resources management and open up new opportunities in a rapidly growing job sector as energy auditors, energy analysts, energy project managers, and related positions. Students explore the latest information in energy-efficient building design, microgrid, renewable energy development, and advanced materials research while learning the economics of energy, the art of managing energy projects, and analytical methods of analyzing the viability and feasibility of energy projects.
GW’s proximity to the federal government, major energy organizations, and high-tech firms in the Washington, D.C. area allows certificate students to integrate their academic study with real-world practical experience and exposure to decision-makers and top players in the energy management field.
All courses are held in-person on GW's main campus in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood of Washington, D.C. Courses are typically held in the late afternoon or early evening to accommodate working professionals. Please note: Course offerings are dependent on a number of factors, and course availability may change. Students will be notified of any changes by their academic advisor before the start of the semester.
Course Structure
The following requirements must be fulfilled: 12 credits, including nine credits in required courses and three credits in elective courses.
Required Courses
- EMSE 6260 Energy Management
- EMSE 6285 Analytical Tools for Energy Management
- EMSE 6200 Policy Factors in Environmental & Energy Management
Electives (choose one)
- EMSE 6225 Air Quality Management
- EMSE 6230 Hazardous Waste Management & Cleanup
- EMSE 6235 Water Quality Management
Admissions Requirements
Prospective students must fulfill the certificate admissions requirements through submission of a complete online application form and other documents as listed by the deadlines noted.
Please note: First-time international applicants may not apply directly to a certificate program.
Current SEAS graduate students who wish to complete a certificate along with their master's or doctoral program must also follow the certificate admissions requirements, but may opt to have their transcripts and documents transferred from their previous application. Please contact [email protected] to make the request.
Transfer to Master's Program
Upon successful completion of a certificate program, students have the option to transfer credits to a full master's program at SEAS, pending successful completion of the master's program admissions requirements.
Please note: You must receive a B or higher in each course in order for it to transfer. Additionally, you must submit a new application for the selected master's program and provide the required documents and exam scores listed as part of the master's program admissions requirements.
For any questions, please contact [email protected].