Are there any Universities that have solar energy programs?

Solar Energy: Will the professional since master's (PSM) help me to do phd or not?

• I am an electrical engineer, and I am very keen on studying Solar Energy systems, I found a great program at ASU, which is the Professional Science Master’s (PSM) in Solar Energy Engineering & Commercialization, but I am going to do phd after that. Do you think this program would help me to do phd after graduation since it focuses on practical work more than research ? I didn't find too many universities that gives master in Solar Energy. For this reason, Sometimes I think to study it in Germany since it is they have the latest technology in Solar Energy, what would you recommend?  here is the program link at ASU: http://engineering.asu.edu/semte/Solar.html your help is appreciated and respected in advance. Thank you

• Answer:

  There is a thing to consider with US-based graduate programs - funding. If you are accepted to an engineering school for full time PhD, it is very likely that you will be fully funded for 4-5 years. (tuition + stipend). If you go to a US-based masters program, especially a "professional" masters (no research) it is almost certainly unfunded. Keep in mind that the completion rate for USA PhD programs may be around 50% (with a wide variation between programs) so many students are accepted into PhD programs and end up with a masters degree instead. All that being said, you have an undergrad in EE. I urge you to go for an EE program or energy engineering program with power management focus, not a "solar energy" program. I am concerned (in general) that "solar" grad school programs may not have enough technical depth or may not be recognised for employment purposed. Many EE's are employed for design and implementation of solar. MANY. And you can possibly get an employer paid part time masters degree if you really want one.