Bismarck State College offers new renewable generation technology program

North Dakota's Bismarck State College will offer a new program in Renewable Generation Technology beginning in August. The program, available on campus and online, is designed to provide students with a broad background in the electrical generation industry and prepare them for high paying positions in emerging generation areas.

Kari Knudson, vice president of BSC’s National Energy Center of Excellence (NECE), said the Renewable Generation program is a natural extension of the Power Plant Technology program, which has been serving the energy industry for over 30 years.

“Students will learn about the fundamentals of power generation and then will expand into the renewable generation aspect,” said Knudson.

The program builds on a foundation of courses already in place at BSC by adding specialized courses in biomass, hydro, wind, solar, tidal, geothermal, and fuel cell generation of electricity.

Dan Schmidt, program manager, NECE, said the college is working with industry to develop the curriculum for the second year of classes. “We are also forming an advisory committee of leaders from the renewable generation field to continue with curriculum development in this evolving field,” he said.

Students can earn a certificate or an associate in applied science degree. The program will be located within BSC’s NECE, where it joins five established energy technology programs and the Energy Management bachelor’s degree program.

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