What engineering degree for Geothermal energy?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on recommendations for undergraduate degrees that would prepare individuals for a career in geothermal energy production. Participants explore various educational paths, including petroleum engineering, mechanical engineering (ME), and civil engineering (CE), while considering the relevance of specific courses and specializations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Debate/contested, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that petroleum engineering is relevant due to its focus on fluid injection and recovery from the earth, while others argue for the value of mechanical or civil engineering degrees.
  • Another participant expresses frustration at a perceived lack of constructive feedback and emphasizes the need for diverse input on the topic.
  • A different viewpoint proposes that a mechanical engineering degree would be suitable, recommending that students take relevant courses in their final year and consider Earth science electives.
  • There is a recognition that the path to a career in geothermal energy may require creativity in skill acquisition due to the absence of a clear career trajectory.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best undergraduate degree for a career in geothermal energy, with multiple competing views presented regarding the most suitable educational paths.

Contextual Notes

Some limitations include the lack of clarity on specific career paths within geothermal energy and the potential need for further specialization at the graduate level.

Catsworth
Messages
11
Reaction score
0
Does anyone have any recommendations for an undergraduate degree that would prepare one for a career in geothermal energy production. Petroleum engineering deals with the injection and recovery of fluids from the earth, but strong arguments can be made for the value of an ME or CE path. Any feedback would be appreciated.

Thank You
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Catsworth said:
Does anyone have any recommendations for an undergraduate degree that would prepare one for a career in geothermal energy production. Petroleum engineering deals with the injection and recovery of fluids from the earth, but strong arguments can be made for the value of an ME or CE path. Any feedback would be appreciated.

Thank You

I believe you've answered your own question.
 
Clearly, I have not answered my own question. The question was about what others could add to my my own observations. If i did not need others' input I would not have posted the topic. If multiple internet searches did not deliver sufficient answers, I would not have posted the topic. Keep your snotty, smart *** comments to yourself if you have nothing to add.
 
IMO, a ME degree would be perfect. In your last year just take courses in which you feel would have the most applications to geothermal energy. And if you have any science electives take some Earth science courses. After you graduate you can do a masters degree in your specialization, since it is probably easier to find a graduate program in that than an undergraduate program. Also, if you change your mind it would not be a big deal at all to specialize in another area.

Just my 2 cents.
 
Thanks for the feedback. With the lack of a clear career path, I think that this will require some creativity in acquiring the desirable skills.
 

Similar threads

Other Masters in Physics after working in Engineering
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Studying Should I pursue a masters degree after 4.5 years working in IT?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Courses Help choosing modules for electrical engineer - electronics degree
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
What's the best major between Physics & Chemistry for entering MS in Nuclear Engineering?
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
4K
Programs What Is a Doctor of Engineering Degree and How Does It Work?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
Online Mechanical Engineering program
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Programs Electrical Engineering PhD or Applied Physics PhD?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Programs Can an Electrical Engineering Degree Lead to a Career in Astronomy?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
4K
Programs Certificate Program in Medical Physics - Advice for a Bioengineer
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Other Extra Year of Study for Graduate Physics Research: A Possibility?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K