Abstract

North Carolina State University (NC State) is developing an intensive professional Master’s degree program for power system engineers and managers to develop and deploy next generation Smart Grid systems. The Master of Electric Power Systems Engineering (MEPSE) covers both core power engineering topics, Smart Grid applications, and cross-disciplinary courses, including risk management, communication skills, project management, engineering economics, and technical writing. MEPSE targets new graduates in the utility industry, displaced workers seeking a new career, and current utility industry employees seeking to enhance their skills. It is an intensive systems-focused, hands-on program designed for training a population with diverse backgrounds in approximately 10 months. NC State plans to grow the program through an innovative, real-time distance learning component to accommodate a broader audience.