Offshore Wind Energy

Offshore Wind Energy

Gain essential skills for specific roles in Maine’s growing offshore wind industry with this graduate certificate program.

The University of Maine is leading the State’s efforts in offshore wind turbine technology development with several federally-funded research programs together with the patented VolturnUS technology. With rapid advancement in the offshore wind industry, thousands of new jobs will also be created in Maine which will require offshore wind-specific expertise in engineering, manufacturing, construction, maintenance, environmental impact, and navigation.

The Offshore Wind Energy Graduate Certificate is beneficial for graduate students and recent graduates aiming to pursue a career in offshore wind, as well as professionals looking to redirect their careers and enter the offshore wind energy industry. By completing this certificate, you will gain essential skills for specific roles in Maine’s growing offshore wind industry, including understanding socio-economic and political factors, core wind energy industry concepts, hydrodynamic and structural design of floating platforms, offshore wind farm planning and operation, and offshore wind system-specific numerical engineering analysis techniques.

program objectives

With the completion of this graduate certificate program, students will gain the ability to:

  • Identify, formulate, and solve complex offshore wind engineering problems by applying engineering, science, and mathematical principles.
  • Apply engineering design to produce offshore wind technology solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of stakeholder issues.
  • Communicate effectively with a range of offshore wind stakeholders.

The Program Plan

This certificate program requires completion of 4 courses (12 total credits) divided into two categories of core and supporting courses as described below. A maximum of one course (or 3 credits) at 400 or 500 level may be transferred from outside of UMaine to the program for credit. The Certificate program shall be completed within 3 years from the date of acceptance into the program.

Core Courses

Choose a minimum of 2, must include at least 1 marked with an asterisk (*)

  • * Wind Energy Engineering
  • * Offshore Floating System Design
  • * Offshore Wind Farm Engineering
  • Water Wave Mechanics
  • Smart Grid and Enabling Technologies

Supporting Courses

  • Engineering Optimization
  • Introduction to Structural Dynamics
  • Modern Control Theory & Applications
  • Fluid Structure Interaction
  • Measurement Techniques in Water Resources
  • Coastal Engineering
  • Advanced Structural Analysis
  • Electric Power Systems (4 credits)
  • Electric Drives
  • Renewable Energy and Electricity Production

Program Details

Degrees offered: Graduate Certificate

Program Format: On Campus

Application deadline: Rolling

Test Required: None

Contact: Amrit Verma

Contact Email: amrit.verma@maine.edu

Program Website: Offshore Wind Energy