Master of Energy Engineering Program
Introduction
The Master of Energy Engineering (MEE) at UIC is a multidisciplinary graduate program designed to prepare students for leadership roles in the rapidly evolving energy sector.
Our restructured 36-credit-hour curriculum provides a strong technical foundation in energy systems, sustainability, HVAC, industrial energy efficiency, and power generation while allowing students to customize their degree through 20 credit hours of flexible electives.
Rooted in engineering fundamentals and aligned with modern industry needs, the program equips graduates to tackle challenges in renewable energy integration, decarbonization, building energy systems, industrial optimization, and emerging clean technologies.
Apply Now/Contact Us
Admissions
Applicants must submit transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work, three letters of recommendation, and a personal statement through the UIC Graduate Application portal. The requirements listed below are current as of Spring 2026. To view the latest admission requirements, please visit the UIC Academic Catalog.
Admission Requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree in engineering, mathematics, computer science, physics, chemistry, or a related technical field.
- Completion of at least one course in Thermodynamics and one in Heat Transfer, or completion of up to 9 credits as a non-degree student to fulfill prerequisites.
- Minimum GPA of 3.00/4.00 for the final 60 semester credit hours.
- Proof of English proficiency for international applicants (TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE meeting Graduate College criteria).
*Students without a thermo-science background may begin as non-degree students and transition once prerequisites are completed.
Curriculum
The MEE program consists of 36 semester credit hours. This curriculum is designed to support personalization while maintaining rigor and relevance to current industry demands such as decarbonization, renewable energy, and energy-efficient technologies.
Below is an overview of our curriculum and sample course schedule. For the latest degree requirement information, please visit the UIC Academic Catalog.
Core Coursework
12 hours of core coursework, establishing foundational fluency in HVAC, renewable energies, sustainability, and industrial energy management.
- ENER 453 – Sustainable Engineering and Renewable Energies
- ENER 482 – Building Heating, Ventilating, and Air-Conditioning
- ENER 483 – Industrial Energy Management and Conservation
Breadth Course
1 required breadth course chosen from four specialized technical options in combustion engines, combined heat and power, air pollution, or power generation.
- ENER 451 – Electric Power Generation
- ENER 484 – Internal Combustion Engines
- ENER 420 – Combined Heat and Power, Design and Management
- ENER 485 – Air Pollution Engineering
Electives
20 hours of electives, offering opportunities to explore advanced topics across Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, and related areas.
- At least 16 credit hours must be 500-level courses
- Remaining 4 hours may be at the 400 or 500 level
- Exclusions: ME/IE 596, 598, 599
All electives must be approved by the advisor and Director of Graduate Studies.
Integration with the Energy Resources Center (ERC)
A defining strength of the MEE program is its close integration with UIC’s Energy Resources Center (ERC). In addition to teaching several courses within the MEE curriculum, ERC professional staff are actively engaged in externally-funded energy projects supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, other federal and state agencies, and industry partners.
Through these funded projects, the ERC regularly employs MEE students and provides hands-on training in real-world energy engineering practice. Students work alongside experienced professionals on active projects involving energy efficiency, onsite energy generation, sustainability planning, energy resiliency, and applied energy analysis across commercial, institutional, and industrial sectors.
This structure allows MEE students to build technical expertise while contributing directly to impactful, mission-driven work. The close alignment between ERC’s funded projects and the MEE curriculum enhances the academic experience and ensures that graduates enter the workforce with practical skills, professional confidence, and a strong understanding of current industry needs.
Salary Potential and Job Outlook
-
$ 117,750 Average annual salary for energy engineers in the U.S. Source: O*Net OnLine (Accessed February 2026)
-
9,300 Projected annual job openings in the U.S. (2024-2034) Source: O*Net OnLine (Accessed February 2026)
Program Outcomes
Graduates of the MEE program will be able to:
- Analyze and model energy consumption in buildings and industrial systems using thermo-fluid fundamentals.
- Design and evaluate sustainable and renewable energy systems, understanding decarbonization and clean energy strategies.
- Apply engineering methods to improve energy efficiency, determine savings potential, and implement practical conservation strategies in real-world applications.
- Demonstrate multidisciplinary competency by tailoring elective choices to specialized career pathways in areas such as HVAC, power systems, combustion, modeling, controls, sustainability, and energy policy.
- Translate theoretical foundations into practical solutions.
- Enter the workforce career-ready, with training that merges technical rigor with practical, industry-focused applications.
Top companies where our alumni have been hired:
- Fermilab
- Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago
- Sargent & Lundy
- Exelon
- Siemens
- General Motors
- Peoples Gas
- Argonne National Laboratory
- ComEd
- U.S. Department of Energy
- Uline
- Microsoft
- Expedia Group
- Target
- United Nations
- Nicor Gas
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an engineering degree to apply?
No. Students with strong math, physics, and chemistry backgrounds may apply. Completion of the Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer courses is required before progressing into the main curriculum.
Can I start as a non-degree student?
Yes. Students may take up to 9 non-degree credit hours to complete prerequisites.
Is a thesis required?
No. The MEE program is a coursework-only program.
When does the restructured curriculum begin?
The restructured 36-credit-hour curriculum goes into effect Spring 2026.
Does the MEE program offer online or hybrid learning options?
Currently, the MEE program is available on campus only.
Hear From Our Students and Alumni
My favorite part of being an MIE student is the collaborative atmosphere in our energy engineering classes. Whenever we discuss new technologies, the supportive environment and the accessibility of our faculty make these interactions truly inspiring. It feels great to be in a place where professors are so approachable and genuinely invested in our success.
The MS in Energy Engineering program has given me hope again. Not only for the future of the planet, but also so I can find a career path that aligns with my skills and values in the sustainability field.
The MEE curriculum was very much on the application side, which prepared me to tackle real-world challenges in the energy industry. Working at the UIC Energy Resources Center as a student gave me hands-on experience in my core focus: energy auditing.
| Energy Engineer, Energy Resources Center
What I appreciated most about the Master of Energy Engineering program was its strong focus on real-world applications. While building solid theoretical foundations, many courses and projects were designed to mirror real professional scenarios. This approach helped me develop practical skills and prepared me to transition smoothly and quickly into the workforce.
| Research Engineer, Energy Resources Center
The MEE program strongly prepared me for the workforce through coursework and projects focused on HVAC system design, energy-efficient building design, energy auditing, and combined heat and power (CHP) systems. These areas provided a solid foundation in both theoretical principles and practical applications, including system analysis, efficiency optimization, and real-world problem solving aligned with industry needs.
| Mechanical Engineer, Affiliated Engineers Inc