The NAWEA Wind Energy Course Endorsement program was created in an effort to strengthen and promote wind energy education across academic institutions throughout North America. The program recognizes courses that meet high standards for technical rigor, industry relevance, and alignment with the evolving needs of the wind energy sector.

By endorsing academic courses, NAWEA helps:

• Ensure students gain foundational and applied knowledge in wind energy science, engineering, and systems

• Promote consistency and quality in wind energy curricula

• Support the development of a skilled, workforce-ready pipeline for the wind industry

• Foster stronger connections between academia, research, and industry practice

1. Endorsed courses will be listed, with permission of the program, on the NAWEA website, providing a public database of courses which helps to promote broad offerings available to students along with details on how to enroll in these courses (in person or online).

Benefits to Students:

An endorsed course signals to students, employers, and academic institutions that the curriculum reflects current best practices and prepares learners for meaningful contributions to the wind energy field.

The database provides information on options for students who would like to study wind energy topics even if their institution doesn’t offer any courses.  Most institutions will allow transfer courses to be considered for meeting degree requirements. (In the future more detailed articulation agreements may be listed on the NAWEA website as well)

What institutions and instructors can expect from the course endorsement process:

• A collegial review process led by peers in academia and industry

• Feedback on course content and suggestions for improvement

• Recognition from NAWEA as a program contributing to the development of the next generation of wind energy professionals and researchers

• Opportunities to be part of a broader educational and professional community focused on advancing wind energy scholarship and workforce development

• Re-evaluation of the status of endorsed courses every 3 years

The program is intended to be collaborative and supportive, helping programs strengthen and showcase their wind energy offerings rather than imposing rigid requirements. It is our hope that students will be able to find courses meeting their needs, even if offered at other institutions.  In the future, we hope to also be able to list any articulation agreements or substitutions allowed by participating universities.

How to apply for a course endorsement review:

Please complete the NAWEA Course Endorsement Application. Applications will be reviewed at least three times per year, with application deadlines as follows:

• Applications received by May 15, should be completed by July 15.

• Applications received by Sept 15, should be completed by Nov 15.

• Applications received by Jan 15, should be completed by Mar 15.

If you would like to be considered for the course endorsement review team, please complete the following survey.