Program Requirements

What undergraduate courses are necessary for admission?

Graduates of any accredited undergraduate engineering program will have the necessary undergraduate coursework to complete this program. Graduates of physics and mathematics programs will need to have successfully completed at least one year of physics, chemistry and mathematics courses up to and including differential equations.

What standardized tests are required?

We no longer require the GRE. 

The TOEFL or IELTS exam is required for all international students unless the student has completed his/her undergraduate degree in the United States. TOEFL / IELTS requirements can be found HERE

How do I apply, and what are the associated deadlines?

To be considered for financial aid through the ESE program all applicants must submit a completed application as early as possible. ESE now accept applications for Spring, Summer II, and Fall Semester starts.

Deadline for a Spring Semester start is by December 15th.
Deadline for a Summer II start by May15th. 
Deadline for a Fall Semester start is by July 15th.

Detailed application instructions can be found HERE.

Can students with a non-engineering background apply?

Yes. In addition to graduates of engineering programs, students who have earned undergraduate degrees in physics, mathematics, or a related descipline will be considered. All applicants will need to have successfully completed at least one year of physics, chemistry, and mathematics courses up to and including differential equations.

Can I transfer credits into the program?

We can accept up to 6 transfer credits of technical electives toward the 30 credit master's degree, as long as those credits did not count toward any prior degree, and the student obtained at least a B (3.0). Three of the transfer credits would need to be in engineering, and all would need to be related to a master's of engineering degree in energy systems.

Which department administers this program?

The Energy Systems Engineering M.Eng. degree is multi-disciplinary, and therefore not administered within a single department. Prospective students APPLY directly to the Lehigh Energy Systems Engineering program.

What are the admissions requirements for international students?

In addition to the general ESE program admission requirements, international students must complete the TOEFL or IELTS exam. Upon acceptance into the program, international students must also submit proof of financial support.

About the Program

What is the program's main focus? What are the core courses?

The main focus of the Professional Master’s Degree Program in Energy Systems Engineering is to prepare new engineering graduates for energy-oriented careers -- a new generation of technical leaders for the energy and power industries. As such, the program is designed for students with B.S. degrees in Engineering or related disciplines. It is a 10-month intensive program that focuses on skills directly relevant to the energy and power industries, and offers significant support mechanisms for students to identify post-graduation employment opportunities. Graduates of the program acquire a level of specialized knowledge and experience that allows them to tackle the challenges of the U.S. utility infrastructure, its operations, and its environmental impact.

The program consists of five CORE COURSES: Energy Generation, Transmission and Distribution: Smart Grid, Energy and the Environment, Energy Systems Project Management and ESE Seminars and Field Trips. Additionally, each student in the program completes a 3-6 credit project. These projects are devised to solve real-world problems, and are conceived to respond to the needs of the ESE's industry partners.

What is the academic schedule for the program? Can this program be completed on a part-time basis?

The ESE M.Eng. program is composed of 30 credits of coursework completed over a 10-month time-frame. The program normally begins during Lehigh's second summer session (1st week in July), however we do accept Fall & Spring semester starts.  Traditional full-time students will complete two courses (6 credits) in the summer session, four courses (12 credits) in the fall semester, and four courses (12 credits) in the spring semester. The program can be completed on a part-time basis over a period of up to 3 years. The Director will customize the program for part-time students.

Are there GA, RA or TA positions available?

Since this is a 10-month intensive professional Master's program and not a research program we are unable to offer any GA, RA, or TA positions. Any tuition assistance for the ESE Master's program is offered from our scholarship funds to qualified students based on merit.

Do your program electives include alternative and renewable energy systems?

Yes. Along with the program's CORE COURSES, Lehigh currently offers several TECHNICAL ELECTIVES in the area of alternative and renewable energy systems.

Can this program be completed through online learning?

Due to the design of the curriculum, the program is now offered on Lehigh's campus as well as online remote learning.

After completing this program can I continue on to pursue a Ph.D?

While the majority of graduates from the ESE M.Eng. program opt to enter the energy industry, it is possible to continue their studies and earn a Ph.D. in Engineering. Lehigh does not currently offer a Ph.D. program in Energy Systems Engineering. If a student is interested in bridging their M.Eng degree into Ph.D. level studies, they should discuss this with the program director as soon as possible.

What are the possibilities for industry partnership projects?

The opportunity for students to engage in industry partnership projects are central to the program's educational mission and its focus on workforce development. These projects are devised to solve real-world problems, and are conceived to respond to the needs of the society we live in. CLICK HERE TO SEE SOME OF ESE'S PAST PROJECTS.

What kind of career opportunities can a graduate of the program expect?

There are many exciting opportunities for young, innovative minds to help the electric power industry to transform itself to address the new challenges and opportunities it faces. Students will also be well prepared for careers in energy-related endeavors on behalf of government, research institutions, and other associated industries such as control technologies and alternative-energy sourcing.

Career Opportunities

What kinds of support can I expect from Lehigh in my efforts to find employment?

The ESE program maintains several mechanisms of interaction with its industry sponsors to promote student access to post-graduation employment opportunities. These include on-campus meetings where students present their research to representatives of the sponsoring firms. Along with these, Lehigh University’s OFFICE OF CAREER SERVICES provides resources to support the career development of Lehigh students at all stages of their education.  Students of the M.Eng program are encouraged to work closely with them in developing their resume and polishing their interviewing skills.

Financial Aid and Tuition Information

What types of financial aid and/or scholarships are available to students?

The ESE M.Eng. program offers a limited number of partial tuition scholarships. These are awarded based upon academic performance.

Graduate students who are U.S. citizens may also apply for low interest government loans.  For additional information, please contact Ms. Tami Bauder at LEHIGH’S FINANCIAL AID OFFICE.

What is the estimated cost for the ESE program?

The estimated cost for the program is as follows: (this is an estimated calculation, this amount may vary)

Tuition (2023-24 academic year) $45,000
Books, supplies, fees $600
Health Insurance $1,970
Twelve month living expenses $14,400
(estimated $1,200 / month)
TOTAL $61,970

If you are the recipient of the ESE tuition award, this will be divided as follows: Summer 20%, Fall 40% and Spring 40%.
Please click HERE for the Graduate Fee Schedule. Any specific questions regarding tuition can be directed to the BURSAR'S office.