Best institutions to study Power Plant Engineering
A program that prepares individuals to plan electrical systems and modify existing electrical systems that generate and use large amounts of electricity required for distribution networks that are economical, safe, and functional.
1 U.S. institutions graduated 7 Power Plant Engineering students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 14.4802, a specialization of Energy Systems Engineering (CIP 14.48), and leads most directly to the Engineers, All Other occupation (BLS SOC 17-2199).
About Power Plant Engineering programs
A program that prepares individuals to plan electrical systems and modify existing electrical systems that generate and use large amounts of electricity required for distribution networks that are economical, safe, and functional. Includes instruction in alternative/renewable energy systems; calculus; circuit analysis; electrical power systems and industry practices; electrical system design; microprocessor architecture; motor control systems; power electronics operation, planning and protection; programmable logic controllers; and project management.
See also: 15.1702 - Power Plant Technology/Technician.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Power Plant Engineering program, a specialization within Energy Systems Engineering, prepares individuals to design and modify electrical systems that generate and distribute electricity efficiently and safely. This program is ideal for those interested in the engineering field, particularly in the management of energy systems and electrical infrastructure.
Students in this program will gain knowledge in alternative and renewable energy systems, electrical power systems, circuit analysis, and project management. Coursework typically includes topics such as motor control systems, power electronics, and programmable logic controllers.
Credentials awarded
What Power Plant Engineering graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Award of less than 12 weeks7 graduates / yr · 1 institution100%
Graduates over time
Power Plant Engineering completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 |
| 2021 | 0 |
| 2024 | 9 |
| 2025 | 7 |
CIP 14.4802 was introduced in CIP 2020, so the series starts when institutions began reporting under the new code.
Top 1 institutions for Power Plant Engineering, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Technology Learning Center Oxford, MAPrivate for-profitAward of less than 12 weeks | 7 | — | — |
Offered in 1 states
Where Power Plant Engineering graduates come from. Each state links to all Energy Systems Engineering programs offered there.
| State | Institutions | Graduates / yr | Top institution by graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 1 | 7 | Technology Learning Center7 / yr |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 17-2199, Engineers, All Other, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Power Plant Engineering program can pursue careers as engineers in various capacities, including roles as Architectural and Engineering Managers or Engineering Teachers. The job outlook is steady, with an annual growth rate of 2.1% and approximately 9,300 annual openings, offering a median wage of $117,750 for those with a Bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 14.4802
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Engineers, All Otherprimary SOC 17-2199 | $122,930 | +2.1% About as fast as average | ~9,300 | Bachelor's degree |
Architectural and Engineering Managers SOC 11-9041 | $171,270 | +3.8% About as fast as average | ~14,500 | Bachelor's degree |
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1032 | $109,270 | +8.1% Much faster than average | ~4,100 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Related careers
Other Energy Systems Engineering specializations
The 2 other 6-digit CIP codes under Energy Systems Engineering (CIP 14.48).
Common questions
What is the duration of the Power Plant Engineering program?+
The program awards credentials in less than 12 weeks.
What kind of jobs can I get with this degree?+
Graduates can work as engineers, managers, or educators in the engineering field.
What is the job outlook for careers in this field?+
The job outlook is about as fast as average, with a growth rate of 2.1%.
What is the median wage for graduates?+
The median wage for professionals in this field is $117,750.
What is the CIP code for Power Plant Engineering?+
Power Plant Engineering is CIP 14.4802 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Energy Systems Engineering (CIP 14.48). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares individuals to plan electrical systems and modify existing electrical systems that generate and use large amounts of electricity required for distribution networks that are economical, safe, and functional. Includes instruction in alternative/renewable energy systems; calculus; circuit analysis; electrical power systems and industry practices; electrical system design; microprocessor architecture; motor control systems; power electronics operation, planning and protection; programmable logic controllers; and project management.
How many institutions offer Power Plant Engineering programs?+
1 U.S. institutions reported Power Plant Engineering graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 1 states, awarding 7 credentials in the year. That is 3.4% of all Energy Systems Engineering graduates.
How much do Power Plant Engineering graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Engineers, All Other occupation, which Power Plant Engineering most directly leads to, pays a median of $122,930 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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