Welcome to The Advanced Energy Systems Graduate Engineering Program
Developing secure, resilient, and adaptive energy infrastructure that fosters economic growth while reducing environmental impact presents the most pressing challenges—and greatest opportunities—of our time. To meet these important challenges and opportunities requires the next generation of thought leaders to capably and creatively guide the vital energy sector transition.
Through a unique interdisciplinary graduate engineering program, Colorado School of Mines (Mines) and National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) are cultivating the rich opportunity landscape needed to develop these future innovators. The Mines/NREL Advanced Energy Systems (AES) graduate engineering degree program prepares researchers at the doctoral level and energy professionals at the master’s level to address the full complexity of tomorrow’s infrastructure, economic, and environmental challenges.
Students take advantage of this unique opportunity to:
- Attend a world-class university and work with leading researchers at Mines and NREL
- Access and use Mines and NREL’s state-of-the-art tools, equipment, and facilities
- Work toward solutions to pressing energy and environmental challenges
- Collaborate with Mines and NREL’s diverse industry, government, research, and nonprofit partners
- Network with leaders in the energy economy
- Jump-start high-impact careers in the energy sector
Mines/NREL Advanced Energy Systems Degree Program: A Transformational Graduate Program
Fall 2025 Applications
Mines and NREL Join Forces To Shape the Future of Energy
News
- Mines, ACC team named first-year champions of Battery Workforce Challenge
The Mines-ACC team beat out collegiate automotive powerhouses across North America for the first honor of the three-year competition. In this first year, teams were judged on the design of their elect … - Mines' Potential Gas Agency provides guidance for assessment of natural gas supply and demand
Mines alum Stephen Sonnenberg ’81 led the most recent report of the Potential Gas Committee, with support from Cathy Farmer ’79, MS ’81. - Solid oxide fuel cell at Colorado Fuel Cell Center now helping to power Mines campus
The first-of-its-kind prototype is capable of generating almost 30 kilowatts of electric power from natural gas and low-carbon fuels. - USGS, Mines break ground on new facility focused on energy and minerals research
Representatives from the U.S. Geological Survey and Colorado School of Mines began a new chapter of their partnership on Nov. 13, breaking ground on an innovative USGS Energy and Minerals Research Bui …