About Energy Classes
Energy Classes was created under the leadership of the Education Subcommittee of the Energy Research Council. Together with members of MIT's student Energy Club and education staff from the Laboratory for Energy and the Environment, the faculty subcommittee developed criteria for selecting and organizing classes with a strong emphasis on energy.
Selection Criteria and Browse Categories
The purpose of the Energy Classes database is to make it easy for people with both casual and specialized interest in energy to find classes at MIT that serve their needs and interests. Thus, criteria used to determine which classes are included in the database are highly selective.
To be included in the Energy Classes database, an MIT subject must meet the following criteria:
- Energy must be a major focus of the class, appearing in the title or constituting more than 50% of the contents.
- Energy subject matter must fit in one of the following "energy systems and processes" and one of the "energy topics" browse categories:
In general, core subjects, subjects that serve as basic prerequisites for more advanced classes, and General Institute Requirement (GIR) subjects are not included.
Energy Systems and Processes
Where it comes from
sources, capture and recoveryMaking it available
conversion, storage and distributionBetter ways to use it
utilization, efficiency and conservationImpact on people & planet
climate, emissions, security and land/political/societal issuesMaking choices
economics, regulation, systems analysis, sustainable development
Energy Topics
- Buildings
- Climate
- Combustion
- Electricity
- Fossil fuels
- Fuel cells
- Hydrogen & alternatives
- Nuclear
- Renewables
- Technology
- Transportation
The Fine Print
Not all classes in this list are currently offered; for example a
designates classes that are included in the MIT Online Catalog, but are not offered during the upcoming academic term. A key to all symbols is available throughout the listing.
Please note that Energy Classes is intended for informational and exploratory purposes only. It is updated once per term (with additional changes that we receive after the start of the term listed under News & Updates). Please refer to the MIT Subject Listings & Schedule to register for classes and to obtain the most current information on all MIT classes.


