Master of Science

Energy Science and Engineering

Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability

MS
PhD
PhD Minor
Coterm

Overview

The MS in Energy Science and Engineering prepares students for professional careers in the energy and engineering sectors, as well as in related technical fields. The program develops a broad set of skills, including a strong foundation in physical principles, data analysis, computational methods, and system-level understanding of complex energy systems. It may also serve as a pathway to a PhD for those interested in research or academic careers.

The MS program is offered both as a standalone degree and as a coterminal option for Stanford undergraduates. The coterminal program allows students to begin graduate-level coursework while completing their BS.

Standalone MS Program in Energy Science and Engineering

The MS program in Energy Science and Engineering offers two degree options:

a research-based degree, and
a coursework-only degree.

The requirements for each option, including required coursework, are described below. The program can take up to two years to complete.

Coterminal MS Program in Energy Science and Engineering

The coterminal BS/MS program allows Stanford undergraduates to pursue a master’s degree in Energy Science and Engineering while completing a BS in a related field. Students commonly enter the program from backgrounds such as chemical, civil, or mechanical engineering, earth sciences, physics, or chemistry.

Coterminal students must meet all master’s degree requirements described in this bulletin, as well as university policies outlined in the Coterminal Master’s Program and Graduate Degrees sections.

After admission to the coterminal program, students may request to transfer eligible undergraduate coursework to their graduate record to fulfill MS degree requirements. These requests are reviewed and approved on a case-by-case basis by both the undergraduate and graduate programs.

The university requires that a graduate advisor be assigned in the student’s first graduate quarter, even if the undergraduate career remains active. In addition, the student must complete and obtain departmental approval of the Master’s Degree Program Proposal by the end of that same quarter.

Requirements

Program Requirements

Requirement Overview

The objective of the M.S. degree in Energy Science and Engineering is to prepare the student either for a professional career or for doctoral studies. Students in the M.S. degree program must fulfill the following.

Complete a 45-unit program of study, choosing one of two options:
- Coursework option: 45 units of coursework
- Research option: at least 39 units of coursework, with up to 6 units of research
Complete 3 units of ENERGY 352 (ESE Graduate Seminar).
These units are required but do not count toward the 45-unit total.
Complete coursework spanning at least two scientific and/or engineering disciplines.
Coursework may include core courses required for the PhD program.
Complete all courses for a letter grade, unless otherwise approved.
Obtain approval of the program of study from the academic advisor and the DGS.
Research-option students must complete an MS thesis.

Good Academic Standing

A graduate student is in good academic standing when they meet satisfactory performance in coursework and appropriate progress toward completion of the degree as established by the department.

Minimum Requirements for Good Academic Standing

Coursework:

Maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0
Maintain a quarterly GPA of at least 2.7
Have no more than one Incomplete (I) grade outstanding at any time

Research:

Demonstrate satisfactory and continuous research progress, as evaluated by the primary advisor(s)
Engage actively in research, including maintaining regular interaction with the advisor and participation in the research group
Participate in periodic progress reviews with the advisor
Must not have outstanding Incomplete (I) grades

Incomplete grades are expected to be cleared at the end of the quarter after the one in which the incomplete was given. This one-quarter limit is different from the maximum one-year limit the university allows. Please refer to the policy on academic progress opens in a new tab.

Students funded by research grants or fellowships from the department are expected to spend at least half of their time (a minimum of 20 hours per week) on research. Continued funding is contingent upon satisfactory research effort and progress as determined by the student’s advisor. Insufficient research progress, reflected in unsatisfactory research performance, may result in dismissal from the ESE MS program. An incomplete grade in research credit must be resolved by the end of the quarter following the one in which it was assigned.

Students receive regular reviews regarding both their research progress and coursework performance. Coursework GPA requirements are evaluated at the end of every quarter. If a student does not meet the minimum GPA requirement, a warning letter will be issued. On the research side, the student’s advisor and the Chair will discuss the student’s research progress during the second quarter and will issue a letter summarizing the student’s performance and overall progress.

If a student is found not to be in good academic standing, either due to coursework performance or research progress, the student will be formally notified. The student is expected to rectify the issue during the following quarter. If the situation is not corrected, possible consequences include termination of departmental privileges and termination from the degree program.

MS students receiving financial support are limited to 10 units per quarter.

MS students who anticipate continuing in the PhD program should follow the research option. MS students receiving financial aid typically require two academic years to complete the degree. Such students must take the research option.

Core and Foundational Coursework

Core Energy Courses

Foundational Courses

Technical Electives

Students complete technical courses totaling 18 elective units, which may include graduate-level courses in Energy Science and Engineering and related disciplines. Students are encouraged to develop depth in a particular area through coherent sets of courses (theme-based sequences) when appropriate.

Course selections are not restricted to the lists on our Intranet and may include other relevant offerings across departments, subject to advisor approval.

Graduate Seminar Requirement

Teaching Requirements

Required Course

All MS students are expected to gain meaningful experience in teaching as part of their training. This requirement is fulfilled through enrollment in ENERGY 358, which is designed to provide a structured, mentored teaching experience that complements the student’s role as a Teaching Assistant (TA). Through this course, students engage in activities such as lecture preparation, instructional delivery, and reflection on teaching practices under the guidance of a faculty mentor.

The teaching requirement is an integral component of the degree program and contributes to the development of communication, pedagogy, and mentorship skills that are essential for academic and professional careers.

Research Requirement