The Development of an Alternative Energy Minor at Robert Morris University

Energy experts have identified seven energy sectors as strategically important for the economy of the Unites States.These energy sectors are: coal, natural gas, nuclear, solar, wind, transmission & distribution and intelligent building.Along with Chicago and Detroit, Pittsburgh is among the only three cities in the nation with high employment across all of these seven energy sectors.Additionally, Pittsburgh is the only city that also resides on a natural resource base of coal and shale gas fields.In consideration of the existing energy activities in the Pittsburgh region, these energy sectors are addressed in the School of Engineering Mathematics and Science (SEMS) energy curriculum.In the fall semester of the 2010 school year at Robert Morris University, SEMS began laying the groundwork for what is now an alternative energy minor.This is an interdisciplinary minor that was developed through the combined efforts of engineering and science faculty.The curriculum was based on the currently available expertise in environmental science and engineering.The initiative began as a collaborative effort and after multiple meetings and the consent of the university registrar; the minor was offered to the students and has achieved a very promising enrollment in the first semester of its offering.The alternative energy minor is comprised of three capstone courses and two elective courses, totaling 15 credits.The minor also has two tracks, one tailored to SEMS students and another which has a background in business sustainability.These two tracks open this minor to the entire student population at RMU.This paper discusses the steps taken to enact the minor, as well as the lessons learned in the course development process.In particular, the classes currently offered as part of the minor are discussed and the reasons for developing these courses are detailed.