Clarkson University Supports Power Industry Workforce Needs Through Online Master’s Degree in Power Engineering

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As rising electricity demand, grid modernization and workforce retirements reshape the energy industry, Clarkson University is helping utilities develop skilled engineers through its online Master of Science in Power Engineering.

Developed by Clarkson's Center for Electric Power Systems Research (CEPSR) with industry partners, the Power Engineering Cohort Program allows working professionals to earn a 30-credit graduate degree entirely online while continuing their careers.

Since 2019, the program has supported more than 300 engineers from utilities, consulting firms, equipment manufacturers and energy organizations across the United States. Industry partners include National Grid, Central Hudson Gas & Electric and Avangrid.

Utilities increasingly need specialized engineering talent as they integrate renewable energy resources, electric vehicles and distributed energy systems while responding to growing electricity demand. At the same time, they must maintain reliable, affordable and resilient service while preparing for the retirement of experienced engineers.

"The energy industry is evolving at an unprecedented pace, creating exciting opportunities for engineers who can navigate complex technical and operational challenges," said Leo Y. Jiang, associate professor and director of CEPSR. "The industry requires a new generation of engineers equipped with advanced power system knowledge. Developing this workforce is essential to ensuring a reliable, resilient and sustainable electric grid."

Building the Power Industry Workforce

National Grid has partnered with Clarkson for decades on workforce development. More than 130 National Grid engineers have enrolled in Clarkson's Power Engineering Cohort Program over the past eight years.

"Building and operating the grid of the future requires highly skilled engineers who understand both the fundamentals of power systems and the rapidly changing needs of customers and communities," said Casey Kirkpatrick '23, director of group strategic engineering at National Grid. "Clarkson's Power Engineering Cohort Program has been an important partner in helping National Grid strengthen that talent pipeline, giving our engineers practical, industry-relevant knowledge they can apply directly to the work of modernizing the grid, integrating new technologies and maintaining safe, reliable service."

The asynchronous program is designed to be completed in approximately 2½ years. Students study power systems analysis, grid operations, power system protection, renewable energy integration and emerging energy technologies.

"Programs like Clarkson's Power Engineering Cohort are essential to building the workforce we need to operate a stronger, smarter and more resilient electric system," said Matt Barnett '05, Interim President, National Grid New York. "The value of this program is that it connects classroom learning with the real-world challenges our engineers face every day - from modernizing infrastructure and integrating new technologies to meeting growing customer demand safely, affordably, and reliably."

"One of the strengths of Clarkson's Power Engineering Cohort Program is its ability to evolve with the industry while remaining responsive to the needs of working professionals," said Ryan Yakush '15, manager of grid intelligence at Central Hudson. "The program combines academic rigor with real-world perspective, creating a learning experience that stays relevant as technologies, industry priorities and workforce demands continue to evolve."

Expanding Industry Education

Clarkson and CEPSR also connect students and professionals with industry leaders through workforce development initiatives. In spring 2026, Clarkson launched Introduction to Energy and Utilities, a seminar series covering topics including power generation and transmission, renewable energy, energy storage, smart grids, artificial intelligence and infrastructure security.

"The energy industry is increasingly shaped by digital technologies, advanced analytics, automation and artificial intelligence," said Fram Akiki, president of Joun Technologies, a Clarkson trustee who also teaches at the University.

Clarkson has also launched a Certificate Program in Digital Transformation to help engineers, technical professionals and industry leaders develop skills in emerging digital technologies.

Together, these efforts support Clarkson's broader work with industry to prepare engineers for a changing energy sector.