Brice Smith, chair
Moataz Emam, graduate coordinator
Physics Department
Bowers Hall, Room 342
607-753-2821
Fax: 607-753-4973
cortland.edu/physics

Overview

Discover ways to maximize energy efficiency and how to develop renewable resources to meet today’s energy needs and those of future generations by combining sound scientific principles with effective business practices as you study for the M.S. in sustainable energy systems at SUNY Cortland.

Program Highlights

Through advanced study in the physics of sustainable energy systems, you’ll explore engineering mechanics, energy and sustainability, fundamentals of thermodynamics and the thermodynamics of building design and technology. You’ll also investigate the physics of renewable energy technology, as well as power electronics and circuit elements and devices. Key business topics include accounting, marketing, management and professional writing.

Culminating Experience

In a six-credit-hour culminating experience, you’ll successfully complete a professional internship with a renewable energy company, engineering firm, building performance company or a company that designs and installs high-efficiency heating, cooling or lighting systems.

Career Potential

With the M.S. in sustainable energy systems from SUNY Cortland, you’ll be well prepared to pursue careers in engineering, manufacturing, construction and building performance, architecture and design, energy security or renewable energy, as well as nanotechnology, biomass gasification, solar thermal power, biorefinery technologies, geothermal energy, ocean energy and other third-generation energy technologies.

Graduate Admissions

Evaluation Policy

At the State University of New York College at Cortland we seek a diverse and academically strong student body. Our admission policy and practice will not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability, national origin or marital status.

Required Materials

1. Completed online Graduate School Application — Apply Now
2. Official transcripts from all institutions of higher learning attended to be forwarded directly to SUNY Cortland Graduate Admissions Office.
   Note: Candidates for admission must present evidence of bachelor’s degree conferral prior to the start of their academic program.
3. A resume or curriculum vitae.
4. A one- to two-page statement of educational and professional goals relating to the M.S. program.
5. Three letters of recommendation from former professors or professional colleagues who can speak to the candidate’s preparation for the M.S. program, submitted online with the application.

Admissions Criteria

Applicants are generally required to have an undergraduate cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. However, circumstances including, but not limited to, endeavors following completion of a bachelor's degree and performance in the last two years of a bachelor's degree program will be considered in reviewing applications from students with lower grade point averages. Students who feel they are qualified in spite of an undergraduate grade point average below a 2.5 are encouraged to contact the department before applying for admission.

Applicants are expected to have a sufficient background in physics and calculus prior to applying. Exceptional applicants who do not meet all of the admission requirements may be considered on an individual basis. If admitted, these students may be required to complete additional requirements for the degree beyond those stated above. These additional requirements will be determined by the graduate coordinator of the degree program and may include specific courses, limited in number, based on the student's prior academic background in physics and mathematics.

Deadlines

Fall semester applications: July 1
Spring semester applications: Dec. 1

Applications submitted after the deadline may be considered on a space availability basis.
Please contact the Graduate Admissions Office at 607-753-4800 to check on availability.