Questions? Contact Us!

Phone:
800-656-4723 (U.S. Students)
978-934-2390 (International Students)

Email
Graduate_Admissions@uml.edu

Lead the transition to clean, sustainable energy with UMass Lowell’s Ph.D. in Energy Engineering.

Ph.D. in Energy Engineering

Take your engineering career to the forefront of global innovation with UMass Lowell’s Ph.D. in Energy Engineering. This research-focused program prepares you for leadership in industry, academia and government, empowering you to design tomorrow’s energy systems for a cleaner, more secure world. 

Choose from two concentrations: 

  • Nuclear Engineering concentration: UMass Lowell has one of the few university-operated nuclear reactors in the country, giving you direct access to reactor-based research and experimentation. The curriculum is designed to develop thought leaders in sustainable energy who are ready to impact society-wide challenges.
  • Renewable Energy concentration: As a Ph.D. student in the Renewable Energy concentration, you’ll work at the forefront of sustainable energy technologies—designing systems, analyzing data and driving innovation in collaboration with top faculty, researchers and industry partners.

For complete program details and course descriptions, please visit the UMass Lowell Academic Catalog.

For program-specific questions and to connect with our current students, please contact the Doctoral Graduate Coordinator.

Research

A birds-eye view of the Nuclear Reactor on UMass Lowell's North Campus.

The Renewable Energy Engineering department aims to embed service learning within its course work. Conduct cutting-edge research in a world-class, R1 research environment alongside faculty at our Center for Energy Innovation and access millions in annual research investment, including industry partnerships in clean energy, smart grids, advanced materials, sustainable fuels and more.

Sample research topics include:

  • Solar cell and fuel cell design
  • Wind turbine aerodynamics
  • Energy storage systems (batteries, flow systems)
  • Smart grid and cyber-resilient power systems
  • Nuclear materials and reactor safety

Research and Outreach

Funding Opportunities

UMass Lowell strives to provide financial support for all admitted Ph.D. students. This includes funding through Teaching Assistantships (TA), Research Assistantships (RA) and summer research support. Assistantships are contingent upon availability and may be subject to change.

Admissions

  • Application:
  • Application Fee: $75
  • Statement of Purpose: Outline goals, experience and achievements (max 2 pages)
  • Letters of Recommendation: Two (2) for master's, three (3) for doctoral applicants.
  • Transcripts: You may apply with unofficial transcripts, but if accepted, official transcripts are required.
  • Test Scores: Please send test scores to EngineeringCAS using school code 4530. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required for all Doctor of Philosophy programs and for the Master of Science in Engineering in Computer Engineering and Electrical Engineering. It is accepted but not required for other master's applicants.

All materials must be received before your application is reviewed. To add documents before review, log in and select “Program Materials.”

International Applicants

English proficiency is required. If English is not your country’s national language, please submit one of the following scores:

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): 79+
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 6.5+
  • Duolingo: 115+
  • ASC English: Level 6+
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE): 53+

For the TOEFL, please send your scores to EngineeringCAS using the school code B887.

Take the Next Step

Start your online application today!

Take a Virtual Tour of UMass Lowell

Launch virtual tour

Explore UMass Lowell from anywhere in the world. See the spaces where our students study, create, learn and live through a self-guided, interactive tour.