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
- Payne Institute for Public Policy to convene on minimizing methane emissions
The Payne Institute for Public Policy at Colorado School of Mines is pleased to announce two upcoming events focused on strategies to reduce methane emissions in the production and distribution of nat … - Mines professor considers best practices for sustainable energy future
Sociotechnical thinking is an essential component for integrating new energy solutions, says Mines Electrical Engineering Professor Katie Johnson. - New article in Science focuses on empowering Tribes through the just extraction of energy resources on their lands
A rapidly changing energy system, increasing energy and critical minerals demand and related national security imperatives present Native American Tribes with a generational economic opportunity, acco … - Mines professor assessing role of metals markets in energy transition
Economics and Business' Ian Lange leads a federal subcommittee to examine the role of critical metals in transitional energy sources.