Energy literacy
Certificate, undergraduate
Overview
Related Topics
From theory to thermal systems
If you're interested in deepening your expertise in thermal energy systems, the thermal energy system design and analysis academic certificate at University of Idaho offers specialized knowledge and skills in this core area of mechanical engineering. This program gives you an interdisciplinary foundation for understanding modern energy systems and the technical, economic, environmental and societal forces that shape them.
Designed to complement any undergraduate major, this 12-credit certificate begins with Energy in the Modern World and economics before allowing you to customize half of the program around your academic and career interests. Explore subjects such as renewable and sustainable energy, power generation and distribution, energy and environmental auditing, net-zero building design, cybersecurity, energy markets, petroleum systems and energy transitions, natural resource management, thermal energy systems and the geography and history of energy.
You’ll learn how technical limitations, natural resources, environmental concerns, economics and market forces interact within complex energy systems. You’ll also develop the ability to understand common energy terminology and calculations, evaluate the costs and benefits of energy choices and think critically about problems involving competing priorities and constraints.
Energy literacy can add valuable context to careers far beyond the energy industry. Students in engineering, business, architecture, environmental science, natural resources, geology, technology and other disciplines can tailor the certificate to strengthen their understanding of how energy affects their field. The goal is not simply to teach you about energy technologies, but to help you ask better questions, evaluate tradeoffs and make informed energy decisions in your personal and professional life.
This program could be a good fit if you:
- Are pursuing or have completed a degree in mechanical or a related engineering field and wish to specialize in thermal energy systems
- Aspire to a career in fields like renewable energy, power generation or energy consulting
- Plan to pursue advanced studies in thermal energy systems
- Want hands-on experience designing, analyzing and optimizing thermal systems
- Enjoy applying engineering principles to real-world energy challenges
Engineering energy
Curriculum
The energy literacy undergraduate certificate is a 12-credit program combining coursework and applied learning experiences. Students build technical expertise while gaining hands-on experience in the field.
You’ll complete courses like:
- Energy in the Modern World
- Principles of Macroeconomics or Principles of Microeconomics
- Six credits of approved energy-related electives
Elective options span sustainable and renewable energy, net-zero design, environmental auditing, cybersecurity, energy and environment, energy history, financial markets, energy geography, petroleum systems and energy transitions, power generation and distribution, natural resource management, and thermal and sustainable energy systems. Some electives require prerequisite coursework. All certificate coursework must be completed with a grade of C or better.
Career outcomes
Clubs and involvement opportunities
The College of Engineering offers 20+ clubs and organizations tied to international and national engineering organizations, including national competition teams.
Clubs related to your major include:
- American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
- Humanitarian Engineering Corps (HEC)
- National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
- Robotics Club
- Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
- Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)
- Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
- Tau Beta Pi - Engineering Honor Society (TBP)
- Vandal Atmospheric Science Team (VAST)
- Vandal Motorsports (SAE-Baja Competition)
Financial aid and scholarship opportunities
U of I’s certificate programs are not eligible for financial aid or scholarships on their own. However, students enrolled in a bachelor's or associate degree program may apply their financial aid and scholarships toward a certificate if they are pursuing both simultaneously.
For more information or to explore funding options, contact the Financial Aid Office at finaid@uidaho.edu or call 208-885-6312.
Idaho LAUNCH
This degree is approved for Idaho LAUNCH, a grant that supports Idaho students pursuing high-demand careers. Students enrolling under the 2026–27 Academic Catalog may be eligible for up to $4,000 per year / $8,000 total in scholarship funding through the Idaho LAUNCH program.
Learn about eligibility and application deadlines at nextsteps.idaho.gov/launch, or see our full list of approved U of I programs on the in-state scholarships page.
Recognized STEM Program
This program is recognized as a STEM program by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and may be eligible for the 24-month STEM optional practical training extension for international students.
Application instructions
Admission criteria for undergraduate certificates are the same as those for U of I undergraduate degree programs. View our admission requirements to learn more.
Undergraduate certificate application process
Students interested in adding a certificate to their bachelor’s or associate degree program should speak with their academic advisor.
Students interested in earning an undergraduate certificate as a standalone program should contact the Admissions Office at 208-885-6326 for information on how to apply.
Have questions?
Not sure if this program is the right fit? Connect with your admissions counselor or request more information to get personalized guidance on program details, requirements and next steps.
Find your admissions counselor
Request more information
Connect with program faculty
Why study energy literacy?
Energy decisions rarely have simple answers. Cost, reliability, technology, natural resources, environmental impacts, infrastructure and public priorities can all influence which solutions work and where.
The energy literacy certificate helps you understand those relationships rather than examining energy from a single perspective. You’ll learn the terminology and basic calculations used in energy discussions, examine the economic forces affecting producers and consumers, and consider the environmental and human consequences of energy-intensive societies.
That perspective can strengthen your primary field of study. An engineering student might explore renewable energy systems. An architecture student could examine net-zero design. A geology student could study petroleum systems and energy transitions, while a business student could investigate markets and economics. The curriculum is intentionally flexible so you can connect energy literacy to your own academic and professional goals.
Energy literacy certificate FAQ’s
Do I need to be an engineering major to earn the energy literacy certificate?
No. The energy literacy undergraduate academic certificate is designed to be valuable for students in any undergraduate major. Its interdisciplinary curriculum allows you to choose energy-related electives that complement your degree and interests. Some elective courses may have prerequisites.
What will I learn in the energy literacy certificate?
You’ll learn about the technical, economic, environmental and historical factors that influence modern energy systems. The program also develops your understanding of energy terminology and calculations, energy markets and prices, and the tradeoffs involved in complex energy decisions.
How many credits is the energy literacy certificate?
The certificate requires 12 credits: three credits in Energy in the Modern World, three credits in macroeconomics or microeconomics, and six credits of approved electives.