Bioenergy
Faculty coordinator: Hans Blaschek, blaschek@illinois.edu, (217) 333-8224
Introduction | CABER | Careers | Specializations | Degree Requirements | Admission Requirements
The world has reached a turning point in energy production. As consumption rises, so does the demand for cleaner, renewable energy. The University of Illinois is rising to the challenge.
The Professional Science Master’s degree program in Bioenergy centers on advanced and innovative methods of energy production. Bridging science with business, the program blends the technology and science of biofuels with the business skills necessary to transfer scientific knowledge to practical application.
CABER – Center for Advanced Bioenergy Research
The Center for Advanced Bioenergy Research (CABER)at Illinois leads the way in bioenergy research and education. Built on Illinois’ expertise in energy and sustainability, CABER is committed to bioenergy R&D and to creating a well-educated scientific-technical workforce in bioenergy and related biosciences.
As bioenergy technologies grow, so do bioenergy career opportunities. The Illinois PSM in Bioenergy provides excellent preparation for careers in advanced cellulosic ethanol bio-refineries. Careers in the bioenergy lifecycle — from feedstock supply to biofuel transportation and distribution — are also attractive options for Bioenergy graduates. Bioenergy scientists, managers, and engineers with leadership, entrepreneurship, technology management, and other business skills will be well-prepared for positions of significant responsibility.
In consultation with a faculty advisory, Bioenergy students select a specialization that best suits their personal and professional interests. Specializations are available in
- plants, soils, and feedstocks;
- production, processing and use;
- environment, economics and policy & law; and
- tools and methods.
Degree Requirements
The MS degree in Bioenergy requires the completion of 42 semester hours as prescribed in the following four curricular components:
The program is designed to be completed in 16-months of full-time study on the Urbana-Champaign campus. Summer enrollment is required while completing the internship. A thesis is not required.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or a comparable degree from a recognized institution abroad
- Grade point average of 3.0 or higher (4.0 scale) for the last 60 hours of undergraduate work and for any graduate work
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 590 or higher (paper-based test) or 243 or higher (computer-based test) for applicants whose native language is not English
