B.S. DEGREE IN NEW ENERGY

Not only the smartest major on campus but the coolest.

ISU to offer degree in renewable energy
Jan Dennis, July 5, 2007 (AP via Elgin Courier-News)

WHO
Illinois State University (ISU)
He just found out he can major in renewable energy.

WHAT
ISU will offer a Bachelor of Science degree in renewable energy.

WHEN
- Program approved in May. Pending approval, the major will launch in Fall 2008.
- 2005: 1st such degree at Oregon Institute of Technology

WHERE
Normal, Illinois

WHY
- Approval necessary from Illinois Board of Higher Education.
- Program to train students in ethanol and biofuels, wind and solar energy.
- Prospective employers are already contacting ISU.
- Observers say qualified employees in these fields are hard to find. Given federal, state and local incentives for renewable energy, jobs opportunities are expected to keep growing. A Union of Concerned Scientists analysis sees 355,000 jobs in electrical production due to increasing renewable portfolio mandates.
His major is renewable energy and his future is so bright, he's go to wear shades.

QUOTES
- Tehri Parker, executive director of the Midwest Renewable Energy Association: "It's still cutting edge, so it's like those folks who got into the computer field before everybody had a PC. They'll be that far ahead of the game…"
- David Loomis, ISU econ professor/program developer: "That gives you a lot of confidence if employers are already beating down our door asking for graduates and the program hasn't even started yet…"
- Jeff Deyette, analyst, Union of Concerned Scientists: "There certainly are going to be lots of opportunities for students. The industry is growing so fast…”