University to offer online degree in sustainable energy

University to offer online degree in sustainable energy

The authorities at the University of Wisconsin-Extension announced on Thursday that nearly twice as many students have enrolled in their online degree program in sustainable energy than officials had expected, the Milwaukee Wisconsin Journal Sentinel reports.

UW-Extension anticipated that approximately 90 students would sign-up for the program, but found that almost 170 students had enrolled.

"Wisconsin is the first major university system to offer undergraduate students this online option for a degree," said David Schejbal, dean of continuing education.

The university is expecting the program to expand to 275 students by the beginning of the spring semester. The online program has attracted students from 9 states as well as China and Germany, according to the news source.

A new report from the American Solar Energy Society states that the renewable energy industry already generates 8.5 million jobs in the U.S. and predicts that number may increase to 40 million by 2030.

Enrollment in online education is expected to grow about 18 percent in 2010, said Gerry DiGiusto, an analyst with Eduventures, a higher education research and consulting firm, according to Reuters.