Western Illinois University

by Michele Aurand
(Macomb, IL)

Contact: Michele Aurand, Academic Advisor
MJ-Aurand@wiu.edu -or- (309) 298-2586

Students can choose from one of the three Renewable Energies Bachelor of Science Degree programs housed within the Interdisciplinary Studies Program:

Renewable Energy & Biofuel Technology
Renewable Energy & Wind Technology
Renewable Energy: Policy, Planning & Management

Renewable Erergy & Biofuel Technology will focus on the technological aspects of using plant materials to produce ethanol and biodiesel. Students will take courses in agriculture, chemistry, biology, physics, GIS, management and finance, among an array of courses. Students will be expected to understand the fundamentals of feedstock production, fermentation, fractionation, supply chain management, and plant management. Students choosing this option might pursue careers in private sector or cooperative biofuel production facilities. They might also find jobs in local planning agencies, non-profit advocacy groups, non-profit environmental groups, state agencies, or federal regulatory departments.

Renewable Energy & Wind Technology will emphasize the technological aspects of using wind to generate electricity. Students will be required to take a series of technical courses in physics, engineering technology, GIS, meteorology, materials science, management, and finance. Students will understand how to locate, finance, develop, and manage a community-scale or utility grade wind power facility. Students pursuing this concentration can expect to find jobs working for private sector wind consulting companies to locate and develop wind projects, municipal and state planning agencies, and in the non-profit sector, among a range of career options.

Renewable Energy: Policy, Planning & Management will emphasize the myriad public policies that affect the development and utilization of renewable energy. Students will understand how laws, contracts, and regulations operating at the local, regional, state, federal, and international scale affect renewable energy development. Students will also gain an understanding of many technical aspects of renewable energy such as commodity and energy markets, facility site location and the general operations of bio-fuel processors and wind turbines. Students choosing this option might pursue careers in local planning agencies, non-profit advocacy groups, non-profit environment groups, state agencies, federal regulatory departments, on in the private sector.