In the United States, buildings represent one of our biggest energy consumers and make up a part of every business’s bottom line. As a result, employers are seeking those who are skilled in monitoring energy consumption and recommend energy reduction strategies to reduce costs and dependence on carbon-based fuels. Energy Managers will examine the built environment and how it relates to energy using the latest research, tools, and technology available. You will gain hands-on experience working with community projects and living laboratories in Southwest Tech’s state-of-the-art facilities. Graduates will work within a variety of business sectors: utility companies; energy equipment companies, government agencies; and heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and refrigeration contractors.

The focus of the program is to prepare you for entry-level work in the growing renewable energy, energy efficiency, and building systems industry. Having these unique skills will give you a competitive advantage in the job market.
  • Overview

  • Is This Program for You?

    Do you love problem-solving and diverse work? Do you find exploring enjoyable while seeking reliable information? Do you enjoy finding solutions through effectiveness, accuracy, and authenticity? Are you detail-oriented and ambitious? If you possess these attributes and you love innovation, you have may have what it takes to pursue a career in energy management.

    Program Basics

    • Associate degree, requiring a minimum of 60 credits to complete.
    • Online learning, face-to-face classes.
    • High school articulation courses accepted.
    • Financial aid available.
    • Classes start in August.
  • Curriculum & Costs

  • Schedule for Fall of 2023

    Sustainable Energy Management - 1st Year

    Thursday

    Introduction to Renewable Energy

    9:30-11:20am
    Format: Hyflex/Blended

    Introduction to DC/AC (lecture)

    12:30-2:20pm
    Format: Blended

    Introduction to DC/AC (lab)

    2:30-3:20pm
    Format: Blended

    Solar Photovoltaic Technology

    5:00-8:00pm
    Format: Face-to-Face
    Lecture 1 hour F2F and 1 hour blended. Lab is 2 hours.

    Friday

    Construction Fundamentals (lecture)

    9:30-11:20am
    Format:Face-to-Face

    Construction Fundamentals (lab)

    11:30am-1:20pm
    Format:Face-to-Face

    Online Offerings:

    Beginning Microsoft Excel

    Intermediate Excel

  • Requirements

  • Admission and Program Requirements

    • Submit Application
    • To make sure your classes are the right fit, we consider any previous college credit you've earned, Accuplacer or ACT scores, high school GPA, or an assessment at your registration session. Submit High School Transcripts, College Transcripts, and Test Scores to: Southwest Tech, Attn: Admissions, 1800 Bronson Blvd, Fennimore, WI 53809

    Helpful Academic Background

    • Math and science
    • Written and oral communications
    • Electricity, electronics or mechanics

    Program Fees

    • This program is eligible for Financial Aid.
    • Estimated cost for each semester can be found under the Curriculum tab. Please note that costs are approximate and are based on the current academic year.
    • Please discuss additional fee questions with the program advisor or instructor.

    Additional requirements

    Students must have eye wear protection (safety glasses with side shields or wrap around safety glasses over prescription glasses) and must meet OSHA Z87.1 or greater while they are conducting operations that are deemed hazardous in nature. These glasses can be purchased at the College Bookstore.

  • Outcomes

  • Program Outcomes

    At the completion of the program, students are expected to be able to:

    • Evaluate the energy use patterns for commercial buildings and recommend operational, energy efficiency and alternative energy solutions for buildings
    • Monitor building performance and detect possible equipment failures
    • Recommend energy efficiency upgrades
    • Explore properties of energy
    • Incorporate building science principles in practical applications
    • Read and interpret utility bills, mechanical blueprints, and control drawings
    • Advocate for sustainable building practices
    • Write technical proposals for energy projects
    If you are unable to access documents here, please contact Technical Skill Attainment Team (tsa@swtc.edu, 608.822.2464)
  • Career Opportunities
    • Construction and Building Inspectors
    • Energy program coordinator
    • Energy Auditors
    • Control System Specialist
    • Energy Conservation Representative
    • Environmental Field Technician
    • Weatherization Inspectors

    Southwest Tech's Career Connections Center offers Services to assist students looking for job placement.