degree · Master · v1
Program Overview
Degree abbreviation
M.S. in Faith-Based Renewable Energy
Total program length
93 graduate semester credit hours
Normal completion time
Two academic years of full-time study
Advanced Faith-Based Renewable Energy core
27 credit hours
Research, assessment, and program evaluation
12 credit hours
Professional application and field experience
12 credit hours
Graduate capstone requirement
9 credit hours
Program Facts
Program Description
The Master of Science in Renewable Energy with a **Minor in Faith-Based Sustainability & Green Technology** is a professionally oriented, research-driven graduate degree designed to develop advanced technical competence, systems-level understanding, and ethical leadership in the rapidly evolving global renewable energy sector. Grounded in science, engineering analysis, policy understanding, and sustainability principles, this program prepares graduates for **leadership, technical innovation, and applied research roles** in industry, government, nonprofit sectors, and faith-based sustainability organizations.
The program emphasizes **rigorous analytical skills**, **multidisciplinary problem-solving**, and **ethical stewardship**, integrating advanced energy technologies with frameworks of sustainable business, environmental justice, community-centered implementation, and faith-inspired stewardship.
Students develop expertise in renewable energy technologies such as solar photovoltaic and thermal systems, wind energy, biomass and bioenergy, energy storage, and grid integration, while also mastering advanced methods in energy systems modeling, optimization, data analytics, policy analysis, and research methodology. The curriculum combines **core theory**, **specialized technical study**, **field-relevant practicums**, and a **thesis research project** that culminates in an original contribution to the field.
The accompanying **minor in Faith-Based Sustainability & Green Technology** provides students with a unique competency in ethically grounded sustainability leadership, enabling graduates to lead or consult in faith-based organizations, community development initiatives, and mission-driven sustainability enterprises. The minor emphasizes the integration of **moral and theological perspectives on stewardship** with practical strategies in sustainable technology adoption, social entrepreneurship, resource management, and environmental advocacy.
Program Goals
Graduates of the MS in Renewable Energy will be able to:
1. **Demonstrate advanced technical mastery** of renewable energy systems including design, performance analysis, and integration into complex infrastructures.
2. Apply rigorous analytical and research methods** to model, evaluate, and optimize energy systems under real-world constraints.
3. **Critically evaluate energy policy, economic frameworks, and regulatory environments** affecting energy systems at local, national, and global levels.
4. **Translate technical expertise into sustainable, mission-driven solutions** with attention to ethical, social, and environmental impacts.
5. **Collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary teams**, communicate complex technical findings, and advocate for scalable, sustainable energy strategies.
6. **Integrate faith-inspired stewardship values** with secular technical expertise to design and implement energy solutions that prioritize justice, resilience, and community wellbeing.
Curriculum Structure
The program is structured to integrate **foundational coursework**, **specialized technical domains**, **applied practica**, and **independent research leading to a thesis**. Students complete advanced professional courses in renewable energy science and engineering, systems analysis, data modeling, policy and economics, and energy integration, followed by a practicum experience and thesis research sequence.
The **thesis research requirement**—a defining hallmark of doctoral-oriented graduate curricula—enables students to pursue a substantial research question related to renewable energy and sustainability, develop meaningful findings, and contribute to academic, industry, or policy discourse.
The **minor in Faith-Based Sustainability & Green Technology** is interwoven across the graduate curriculum and complements the technical focus by building competencies in ethical leadership, sustainable business strategy, community engagement, and organizational stewardship.
The curriculum also positions students for **continued doctoral study**, professional licensure pathways, and careers in academia or high-level research institutions.
The 93-credit master's program provides advanced preparation in Faith-Based Renewable Energy theory, human behavior, ethics, assessment awareness, research, program evaluation, crisis response, leadership, referral, and faith-based renewable energy-support services.
The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based renewable energy-support program; A professional training manual; A program-development and evaluation project; Another faculty-approved scholarly project.
The program is designed for completion within two academic years by students maintaining the University's prescribed full-time course load. Part-time students may require additional time.
Florida establishes a minimum of 24 semester credits beyond the bachelor's degree for a master's program. The University's 93-credit requirement is an institutional academic standard that exceeds that minimum.
Learning Outcomes
Admission Requirements
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree in a relevant field and submit GRE scores. A personal statement outlining the candidate's interest in renewable energy and sustainability is also required. Career Opportunities Renewable Energy Consultant Sustainability Project Manager Policy Analyst for Environmental Agencies Energy Efficiency Specialist Non-profit Program Director Corporate Sustainability Officer Green Technology Research Scientist Important Notices The program educates ethical professionals who demonstrate technical excellence, servant leadership, professional integrity, and a commitment to apply sound principles to advance faith-based organizations, strengthen communities, and contribute responsibly. HBIU is a lawfully operating nonpublic faith-based postsecondary institution that maintains its status under section 1005.06(1)(f), Florida Statutes. The University annually affirms its compliance with the requirements applicable to faith-based institutions in Florida through Commission for Independent Education. HBIU accreditation from QAHE (for quality assurance in pre-tertiary and higher education mechanisms). QAHE offers globally recognized accreditation and quality assurance for higher education, training providers, and professional institutions worldwide. Students should consider the nature and scope of this recognition in relation to their individual certification and professional goals. Transfer credit is evaluated individually based on course content, credit hours, grades, institutional documentation, program requirements, and applicable university policies. Although HBIU provides academically structured programs, no institution can guarantee that another college, university, employer, licensing board, or credential-evaluation service will accept its credits or credentials. Students are encouraged to obtain advance written confirmation from the intended receiving organization. The program develops academic knowledge and applied competencies for service in faith-based organizations, nonprofit institutions, community programs, and related professional environments. Some occupations associated with the subject area may be regulated by governmental or professional authorities. A degree from HBIU demonstrates completion of the University's academic requirements but does not, by itself, confer professional licensure or legal authority to perform regulated services. Where a program is related to an external certification, eligibility is determined exclusively by the applicable certifying organization. Certification bodies may establish additional requirements involving education, examinations, experience, background screening, continuing education, or membership. HBIU does not guarantee certification eligibility or examination approval unless a formal written agreement expressly provides otherwise. Career and occupational information is provided to help students make informed educational decisions. Employment outcomes depend on factors such as the graduate's experience, geographic location, professional qualifications, employer requirements, economic conditions, interviewing ability, and any applicable licensure or certification requirements. Completion of a program does not constitute a promise of employment, promotion, job placement, or a particular occupational title. This program is delivered through online instruction. Students must have access to the technology, equipment, internet service, software, and learning resources identified in the University's technology requirements. Internship or field-experience participation is subject to academic eligibility, site availability, supervisor approval, and the requirements of the participating organization. The University assists students with the placement process but cannot guarantee placement with a particular organization, supervisor, location, or schedule. Students are responsible for reviewing the catalog, understanding program requirements, providing accurate information, meeting academic and financial obligations, and verifying whether the program supports their intended educational or professional goals. Completion of a University program does not authorize a graduate to use a professional title that is protected or restricted by law. Graduates must use titles that accurately reflect their education, credentials, employment role, and current licensure or certification status. Degree abbreviation | M.S. in Faith-Based Renewable Energy Total program length | 93 graduate semester credit hours Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study Advanced Faith-Based Renewable Energy core | 27 credit hours Research, assessment, and program evaluation | 12 credit hours Professional application and field experience | 12 credit hours Graduate capstone requirement | 9 credit hours Elective coursework | 33 credit hours Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites MRE 601 | Advanced Renewable Energy Systems | 3 | None MRE 602 | Applied Engineering Mathematics for Energy Systems | 3 | None MRE 603 | Energy Data Analysis & Scientific Computing | 3 | None MRE 604 | Research Methods in Energy Science & Engineering | 3 | None MRE 611 | Advanced Thermodynamics for Renewable Energy | 3 | None MRE 612 | Power Systems & Electrical Integration for Renewables | 3 | None MRE 613 | Energy Storage Systems & Battery Technologies | 3 | None Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites MRE 614 | Power Electronics for Renewable Energy Applications | 3 | None MRE 621 | Solar Photovoltaic & Solar Thermal Systems | 3 | Bachelor's degree in a relevant field or consent of the instructor MRE 622 | Wind Energy Systems & Aerodynamics | 3 | Basic knowledge of fluid dynamics and renewable energy principles MRE 623 | Biomass, Bioenergy & Waste-to-Energy Systems | 3 | None MRE 624 | Hydrogen, Fuel Cells & Emerging Energy Technologies | 3 | None MRE 631 | Smart Grids, Microgrids & Grid Modernization | 3 | None MRE 632 | Energy Systems Modeling & Optimization | 3 | None Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites MRE 633 | Cybersecurity for Energy & Critical Infrastructure | 3 | None MRE 641 | Energy Policy, Regulation & Utility Markets | 3 | None MRE 642 | Energy Economics, Finance & Project Valuation | 3 | None MRE 643 | Energy Project Management & Professional Practice | 3 | None MRE 651 | Graduate Internship / Practicum in Renewable Energy | 3 | None MRE 699A | Master's Thesis I: Proposal, Literature Review & Methodology | 6 | None MRE 699B | Master's Thesis II: Research, Defense & Publication | 12 | None Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites MRE 699C | Graduate Research Seminar | 3 | None FBST 701 | Biblical Foundations of Stewardship & Creation Care (Graduate) | 3 | None FBST 711 | Faith-Based Environmental Ethics & Climate Justice | 3 | None FBST 721 | Sustainable Community Development & Energy Access | 3 | None FBST 731 | Green Technology Innovation & Social Entrepreneurship | 3 | None FBST 741 | Faith-Based Sustainability Practicum & Advocacy | 3 | None
Protected Curriculum
Program titles, descriptions, outcomes, admissions information, and career opportunities remain available publicly. The official semester-by-semester course sequence, credits, prerequisites, and internal curriculum requirements are available to verified applicants, enrolled students, and authorized university personnel.
Career Opportunities
Additional Official Information