Ivy Tech School of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering & Applied Science
Energy Technology
Power our world
What You'll Learn
Ivy Tech’s Energy Technology program empowers students to choose their own path through the associate degree and a variety of certificate programs.
As an Energy Technology student, you will take hands-on labs where you can put your classroom knowledge into practice. Your concentration area will influence what you’ll learn in the classroom. Here’s a peek into our curriculum, organized by focus area.
Renewable Energy Technology students will design, install, and maintain wind turbines, battery systems, solar photovoltaic systems, solar thermal systems, renewable energy HVAC systems, electrical infrastructure, raceways, generation systems, energy monitoring, home automation, and energy audits.
Industrial Wind Technology students will learn concepts such as site selection, topographic map reading, meteorology, wind turbine construction, wind power system components, wind turbine safety, and climbing and rigging methods. They'll also become familiar with how to maintain and troubleshoot relevant mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical systems.
Electric Line Technology students will study the electrical principles required for installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting power lines. They'll also learn about transformers, grounding, protective equipment, climbing techniques and tools, and rigging.
Natural Gas Technology students will learn the characteristics and hazards of natural gas, how to prevent accidental ignition, emergency conditions, inside and outside leaks and investigation methods, instrumentation, carbon monoxide detection, basic external corrosion prevention, natural gas pipeline materials, joining techniques, coating maintenance, blowing gas scenarios, repair methods, and natural gas safety precautions.
Career Options
The energy technology industry is rapidly growing and opportunities abound for the passionate.
Students learn from a curriculum created in partnership with local employers, including Centerpoint Energy, Siemens Gamesa, General Electric, AEP Energy, EDF Renewables, EDP Renewables, NextEra Energy, Nordex Energy, Apex Clean Energy, Vestas Energy, Upwind Solutions, AES Global Energy Solutions, Pattern Energy, E.ON Energy, Invenergy, Sky Climber Renewables, Green Alternatives, Accutek Solar, Huston Solar, NIPSCO, Duke Energy, AES Corporation, and CleaResult.
Think this could be the path for you? Ivy Tech prepares students for the following energy technology roles. Picture yourself in one of them.
Electric Power Lineworker
Wind Turbine Technician
System Operator
Natural Gas Technician
Solar Photovoltaic Technician
Solar Thermal Technician
Energy Auditor
Construction Electrician
Industrial Electrician
Green Electrician
Energy Practitioner
Entry Level Production Worker
Substation Technician
Project Engineer
Project Manager
Industrial Maintenance Technician
Energy Management Analyst
Grid System Operator
Wind or Solar Farm Manager
Degree Types Offered
Credential Type
Associate Degree – Transferable or Career-Ready
Long-Term Certificates
– known as Technical Certificates (TC)
Note: Program availability varies by location and not all program tracks are offered at each campus/location.
Associate Degree – Transferable or Career-Ready
Power your career with the AAS in Energy Technology. This program allows you to choose your focus area through elective courses and the completion of a technical certificate. You'll blend your technical knowledge with soft skills via general education courses.
Long-Term Certificates
known as Technical Certificates (TC)
Students pursuing the Electric Line Technology Technical Certificate (TC) gain real-world experience through hands-on instruction. They take courses in climbing, rigging, industrial wiring principles, and more.
Earn a Certificate on the Way to Your Associate Degree
If your goal is to earn an associate degree in Energy Technology, you can earn this technical certificate on your way. The certificate is designed to provide a gateway into entry-level energy technology careers. That means you may be able to enter the workforce in your desired field even before you graduate if your plan includes working while in school.
Required Courses
Graduates of the Electric Line Technology TC must complete a total of 34 credit hours:
Students in the Industrial Wind Technology Technical Certificate (TC) program take courses on wind power, electrical power distribution, wind turbine mechanical systems, and more. They graduate well set up to pursue a career as a Wind Turbine Technician.
Earn a Certificate on the Way to Your Associate Degree
If your goal is to earn an associate degree in Energy Technology, you can earn this technical certificate on your way. The certificate is designed to provide a gateway into entry-level energy technology careers. That means you may be able to enter the workforce in your desired field even before you graduate if your plan includes working while in school.
Required Courses
Graduates of the Industrial Wind Technology TC must complete a total of 34 credit hours:
Students pursuing the Natural Gas Technology Technical Certificate (TC) master subject matter such as natural gas pipe joining, natural gas construction techniques, and regulatory and compliance issues. They graduate with the skills to work as a Natural Gas Technician.
Earn a Certificate on the Way to Your Associate Degree
If your goal is to earn an associate degree in Energy Technology, you can earn this technical certificate on your way. The certificate is designed to provide a gateway into entry-level energy technology careers. That means you may be able to enter the workforce in your desired field even before you graduate if your plan includes working while in school.
Required Courses
Graduates of the Natural Gas Technology TC must complete a total of 34 credit hours:
The Power Plant Technology Technical Certificate (TC) program focuses on power plant fundamentals, steam systems, and power plant equipment. You'll learn essential skills so you can start working immediately upon graduation.
Earn a Certificate on the Way to Your Associate Degree
If your goal is to earn an associate degree in Energy Technology, you can earn this technical certificate on your way. The certificate is designed to provide a gateway into entry-level energy technology careers. That means you may be able to enter the workforce in your desired field even before you graduate if your plan includes working while in school.
Required Courses
Graduates of the Power Plant Technology TC must complete a total of 34 credit hours:
The Renewable Energy Technology Technical Certificate (TC) program takes you through an employer-approved curriculum on photovoltaic system installation, solar thermal systems, small wind installation, geothermal systems, energy auditing, and more.
Earn a Certificate on the Way to Your Associate Degree
If your goal is to earn an associate degree in Energy Technology, you can earn this technical certificate on your way. The certificate is designed to provide a gateway into entry-level energy technology careers. That means you may be able to enter the workforce in your desired field even before you graduate if your plan includes working while in school.
Required Courses
Graduates of the Renewable Energy Technology TC must complete a total of 34 credit hours:
The CEWD workforce certification gives you a solid introduction to the energy industry. The curriculum covers many of the most fundamental and essential concepts of energy including the difference between energy and power, information about energy efficiency, different ways of generating energy (plus the advantages and limitations of each), cybersecurity, decarbonization objectives, and more.
Students who successfully complete the program will earn an industry recognized credential, showcasing their interest in and aptitude for energy careers – a competitive advantage when applying for internships and jobs.
The CEWD Workforce Certification can be obtained by students pursuing the Energy Technology associate degree, but students can also enroll for a single class if they are just needing the certification. You can achieve the certification by taking a three-credit course called ENRG 100 Energy Industry Fundamentals Course over one semester, or about two months.
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The OSHA Outreach Training Program for General Industry provides training for entry-level workers and employers on the recognition, avoidance, abatement, and prevention of safety and health hazards in workplaces in general industry. The program also provides information regarding workers' rights, employer responsibilities, and how to file a complaint. Through this training, OSHA helps to ensure that workers are more knowledgeable about workplace hazards and their rights.
Through this training, students:
Develop a safety mindset and learn valuable skills for their future
Know their worker rights, employer responsibilities, and how to file a complaint
Receive a wallet card from the OSHA Training Institute (OTI) that demonstrates to employers that they have received safety training needed in the workplace
Become more employable, gaining a competitive advantage in the job market
The OSHA 10-Hour Workforce Certification can be obtained by students pursuing the Energy Technology associate degree, but students can also enroll for a single class if they are just needing the certification. You can achieve the certification by taking a three-credit course called ENRG 100 Energy Industry Fundamentals Course over one semester, or about two months.
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Program Details
Energy Technology is offered at 8 Ivy Tech locations in Indiana. Each location offers a unique combination of certificate and degree options:
Energy technology roles are often well-paid and can provide an exciting array of tasks. Professionals in this field work in substation yards, trenches, coal power plants, and natural gas power plants.
They also work on wind farms, solar farms, wind turbines, gas pipelines, and power lines along roadways. These roles might appeal to those who enjoy being outdoors and like variety in their day-to-day.
In addition to technical, job-related skills, energy technology careers often involve:
Comfortability working outdoors
Climbing and working at heights
Problem-solving skills
Teamwork
Communication
Project management
Ethical decision making
Critical thinking
Sound Like You?
If you identify with the traits above, energy technology may be the path for you! Take the next step to get started or speak with your local advisor to learn more.
There are no prerequisite courses you must take prior to enrolling in the Energy Technology program at Ivy Tech. But all students entering this program must take assessment tests in MATH, ENGL, and COMM.
No Expiration of Credits
There is no expiration date for course credits that were earned in previous years from Ivy Tech Community College.
Transfer Credit for Prerequisite Courses
Prerequisite courses completed at colleges other than Ivy Tech will only be considered for general education selection points if transfer credit has been awarded and courses appear on the Ivy Tech transcript prior to the application deadline.
TR grades are not recognized by the online application. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that transfer credit has been awarded and that TR grades are updated to transfer letter grades (TA, TB, TC) on their Ivy Tech transcript.
It is recommended that college transcripts be submitted to the Registrar’s office for evaluation and transfer credit at least 4 weeks prior to the program application deadline to ensure adequate time for processing.
Energy Technology Courses
Descriptions of Energy Technology courses can be found in our online course catalog. View required classes and course descriptions for:
See when specific courses will be offered by searching our course list in Schedule Builder. First, select the semester you’re looking for and then enter the name of the course in the search bar.
If you’re a current student, upcoming courses are easy to find in Schedule Builder in MyIvy.
Course Formats
Energy Technology courses are offered via traditional, in-person and hybrid formats.
Applying to Ivy Tech is Free & Easy
The Ivy Tech application is free and easy—you don’t need a certain test score, GPA, or class rank to get started at Ivy Tech. Applying takes about 10-15 minutes and can be completed entirely online.
No Application Deadlines
Ivy Tech does not have a deadline for admission. Our 8-week class sessions start throughout the year—in January, March, June, August, and October—and there is no hard deadline for applying for any of the start dates. It's important, though, to apply early enough that you'll be able to complete all the degree planning, financial aid, and registration activities that need to happen before your first day. We recommend you apply about one month before you intend to start classes. See upcoming start dates
Steps to Apply
(1) Apply to Ivy Tech
If you’ve never applied to Ivy Tech Community College before (or if it’s been two years since you last attended classes here), your first step is to apply to Ivy Tech. You can apply online or in person. To apply in person, reach out toyour local admissions team and arrange a meeting. Or, stop by any campus on any Tuesday for Tuesdays@TheTech to receive personal assistance with applying and registering for classes.
After you submit your application, you'll be asked to upload documentation—such as SAT/ACT/PSAT scores or high school and college transcripts—that can assess your readiness for college-level coursework and help us make sure you are taking classes that are the right fit for you. How to upload assessment documents
If you don't have your scores or transcripts at your fingertips, don’t worry. Go ahead and submit your application. You can go back to upload assessment documents at any time until the end of the term for which you applied.
(3) Look for a Confirmation Email
Once your application is processed, you will receive a confirmation email at the email address provided on your application. Typically the email will arrive within 1-2 business days of submission, but during peak processing periods (April-June) could take up to 5-10 business days.
The email will contain instructions on how to register for classes, as well as important information regarding your Ivy Tech student portal (MyIvy account), tuition, payment options, and more.
(4) Create an Account in MyIvy
MyIvy is Ivy Tech's online student portal. Students use MyIvy to check e-mail, register for classes, pay tuition, manage financial aid, get the latest news and announcements, and much more. MyIvy also contains "QuickLinks" to the Ivy Tech websites and online tools you will use most often. Learn more about MyIvy
Before you can register for classes you will need to submit documentation or complete an assessment test. Your test scores can help us determine the best English and math starting classes for you. See the Test Score Course Placement Chart
If you submitted assessment documentation during the application process, your advisor will likely be able to work with those documents to determine course placement and you won't need to take any further steps. If you don't have any of those documents or the scores don't meet minimum thresholds, don’t worry! Your advisor will direct you to complete our freeKnowledge Assessment to help develop your customized learning path to better prepare you for courses.
(6) Register for Classes
Once you have completed the steps above, you may register for classes. Ivy Tech students register for courses using the Schedule Builder tool which can be accessed withinMyIvy. If you are a new, first-time Ivy Tech student, we recommend that you meet withyour advisor who will help you develop your Academic Completion Plan and help you sign up for courses that are the best fit for you.
For a complete list of registration steps, including detailed registration steps, deadlines, and information about holds, withdrawals, waitlists, and refunds, visit our Registration 101 page.
(7) Pay Your Tuition
After registering for your courses, your bill can be viewed in yourMyIvy account > Student Dashboard- > View/Pay Balance. Payments can also be made in your MyIvy account. For complete information about payments, including payment options, payment plans, how to make immediate payments, due dates, information about refunds, and more, visit our Payments page.
“Ivy Tech's Energy Technology program helped me build a solid foundation for my career in renewable energy. Now working for the Owner & Operator of one of the nation's largest wind farms, right here in Indiana, I am able to have a well-paying job close to home.”
–Cody Kolger '14 | Energy Technology AAS
“Without a doubt, my AAS degree in Energy Technology from Ivy Tech is the smartest investment I have ever made. I learned the skills and knowledge I needed to start an amazing career in the power industry without a mountain of student debt. Now I get to do work that I love while making a wonderful living for me and my family.”
–Alex Patrevito '14 | Energy Technology AAS
“I spent two great years in Lafayette at Ivy Tech’s Energy Technology Program. I gained not only a general knowledge of how electricity works but countless hours of hands-on experience with everything from running new conduits to battery storage. I went into the program with many doubts about my abilities and left with the confidence I needed to succeed in the field.”
–Rose Werner '19 | Energy Technology AAS, Renewable Energy Technology LTC, Industrial Wind Technology LTC
Featured Faculty & Staff
John Roudebush
Program Chair & Professor
Kay Parra Mendez
Program Chair
Majid Mohseni
Department Chair
Valparaiso
John Roudebush
Program Chair & Professor
Kay Parra Mendez
Program Chair
Majid Mohseni
Department Chair
Valparaiso
John Roudebush is currently the program chair and professor of the Energy Technology program at the Lafayette IVY Tech campus. Prior to his career in adult education, John attended Purdue University, Indiana University, and Ivy Tech. He has an education in psychology, labor studies, the fine arts, and electrical science. Upon graduating from college, John joined a labor union to expand upon his education in labor studies and the sociology of work and careers.
John decided to finish a five-year electrical apprenticeship to complement his college studies and spent the next 10 years working all over the United States as a Journeyman Electrician. It was during this time that John found a love for renewable energy and the joy of creating sustainable energy generation systems. Three years prior to his current career at Ivy Tech, John worked for Henkel’s and McCoy’s Wind Construction division. During this time, John built approximately 800 industrial-sized wind turbines in Indiana and throughout the U.S.
He now serves his community by teaching others how to build, design, maintain, and troubleshoot renewable energy systems. He has been in this position for over a decade. John and his students worked hard to build the community at the Craig Porter Energy Center, a training facility for Energy Technology students in Lafayette. With his education, experiences, and a cutting-edge laboratory, John hopes to share his passion and experiences with others who want to start a career in renewable energy.
It is a joy watching someone start at the beginning of the program and end their education in a professional career.
— Professor Roudebush
After getting his BS in Mechanical Engineering, Kay worked for over ten years in the manufacturing industry and the oil industry.
His philosophy of teaching is "learning by doing." He is a strong believer in the power of diversity and inclusion because it brings new ideas, changes, and, therefore, progress.
What his students love the most is the hands-on experience gained during class. Moreover, Kay's experience in the field and the use of the technology available at Ivy Tech ensure that all Energy Technology students can do their best to successfully take their professional careers to the next level, helping grow our community and forming the workforce of the fourth Industrial Revolution.
Majid Mohseni is the Department chair of the Energy program at the Valparaiso campus in Indiana. He received his bachelor's and master's degree from the University of Wyoming in petroleum engineering. He worked in the oil field in Louisiana for 3 years. Since 1998 he has been working in the education field in different programs. His passion is working with the students and making sure that they would be successful with their careers.
Watching students' progress has been the most rewarding experience anybody can expect.
— Majid Mohseni
Find Local Admissions Contact Info
Don't see a nearby location?
Call 1-888-489-5463 and we'll get you started.
Madison Advising Center
590 Ivy Tech Drive
Madison, IN 47250
Fax 812-265-4028
Zoom Video Calls Available by appointment only. Call 812-256-2580, ext. 4502 to make an appointment.
Advising Team Tricia Miracle 812-265-2580 ext. 4137 tmiracle2@ivytech.edu Text during business hours 812-510-3844 Virtual Drop-In Advising Hours: Wednesdays 9:00am-1:00pm & Thursdays 2:00pm-5:30pm Zoom Link
Lisa Kelley 812-265-2580 ext. 4163 lkelley3@ivytech.edu Text during business hours 502-414-1597 Virtual Drop-In Advising Hours: Tuesdays 1:30pm-5:00pm & Thursdays 8:30am-12:00pm Zoom Link
Starting Oct. 28th Tuesdays: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. All other days by appointment from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. **Special Saturday December 7 @ 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
1 Source: US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2022 State Occupational Employment and Wage estimates: Indiana.(2023). Lightcast™, lightcast.io. Occupational Overview for Indiana, 2023-2024
2 Associate degree cost is determined by tuition for an in-state, full-time student. Certificate and technical certificate costs are determined by tuition for an in-state, part-time student. Additional fees may be applied. Visit the Tuition & Fees page to learn more.
