Power grab: New graduate track combines engineering management and technical power industry fundamentals

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Introducing the Masters in Engineering Management–Concentration in Power degree

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The power industry is undergoing a huge transformation, evolving from simply “keeping the lights on” to becoming the central backbone for powering an increasingly technology-driven world.

“Everything is about power generation, transmission and distribution, from utilities to electric vehicles to AI to drones. Power used to be just about keeping the lights on but that’s changing right now,” said Dr. Jennifer Goodrich, an engineering management lecturer in the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga College of Engineering and Computer Science.

UTC’s new Master of Science in Engineering Management-Concentration in Power is geared for technical professionals looking to advance their careers who are working in the power and utilities industry or those interested in moving into the field. The program is scheduled to begin in fall 2024 and is currently recruiting students.

“This new addition to our nationally recognized engineering management master’s program will be an ideal choice for those in the power-related fields who want career boosting and curriculum flexibility,” said Dr. Seong Dae Kim, an associate professor in engineering management at UTC.

According to Intelligent.com, UTC’s engineering management master’s program is recognized as the best thesis program in the nation and the 3rd-best program overall.

Looming ‘power’ vacuum

The utility sector is facing a generational shift, with a significant percentage of its seasoned workforce approaching retirement, according to the U.S. Labor Department.

Coupled with groundbreaking technological innovations, new energy sources and shifting regulatory policies, utility companies are poised to undergo unprecedented modernization.

“Professionals who want to rise through this massive transition through our new program will get both the technical fundamentals and managerial leadership knowledge they need to converse on an executive level in the power industry,” Goodrich said.

Master of Science in Engineering Management-Concentration in Power provides essential technical expertise, she said, “but really goes deep on how to lead engineers.”

Graduates with the power concentration also have two main paths, either working directly for a utility or “any of the supporting industry to the utilities such as engineering consulting,” Goodrich said.

While the program is perfect for people already working in this growing field, those with degrees in chemical engineering or civil engineering would also be well-suited to apply.

“This degree is really for those with an engineering mindset—someone who can take complex projects and problems, break them down, and put them back together again and solve them,” Goodrich said. “Graduates of the program will know enough to look at a project, process or organization and say, ‘This is what we need to do’ in terms of an overall strategy and specific actions.”

Fostering industry connections

The program combines technical and managerial expertise through hands-on, project-based coursework and connects students with other aspiring leaders in the power industry.

Goodrich said the program’s hybrid blend of online and in-person learning is pivotal in creating a web of vital connections among students, laying the foundation for their future success in the industry.

She added that the online option allows busy working professionals to successfully engage in both school and work.

This format allows for diverse students from various geographical locations and backgrounds to enroll, enriching the learning process through a broader range of perspectives and experiences.

In-person sessions, on the other hand, provide an invaluable opportunity for students to network, collaborate on projects and engage in face-to-face discussions with peers and faculty. Workshops, seminars and group projects during these sessions encourage teamwork and foster a sense of community among students, facilitating the exchange of ideas and experiences.

Designed to integrate real-world scenarios and interactions with industry professionals, the Master of Engineering Management-Power Concentration will also feature guest lecturers, industry site visits and practical case studies to expose students to current industry challenges and trends.

“By the time students graduate, they will have built a robust network of peers and industry contacts. This network can be a valuable resource for career advancement, collaborative projects and staying informed about industry developments,” Goodrich said.