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About EPSE

Join a cutting-edge master’s program designed for the engineers shaping tomorrow’s electric grid. At NC State, you’ll gain the technical expertise and real-world experience needed to lead in renewable integration, smart grid technology, and advanced power systems—right from the heart of a global energy hub.

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Electric Power Systems Engineering (EPSE) at NC State University is designed to prepare engineers to meet the evolving demands of the power and energy industry. This practice-oriented, non-thesis program focuses on modern electric power systems—including power generation, transmission, distribution, smart grid technologies, and renewable energy integration.


Whether you’re a recent graduate or a working professional, EPSE offers a flexible path to deepen your expertise and advance your career in one of the most critical and rapidly changing engineering fields. The curriculum is taught by leading faculty with strong industry ties, blending rigorous academics with real-world applications to help you become a leader in electric power innovation.

Why Choose NC State?

Powerful Partnerships, Real-World Impact

NC State sits at the intersection of cutting-edge research, industry collaboration, and public service. Located in the heart of North Carolina’s Research Triangle—one of the most dynamic technology and innovation hubs in the U.S.—our program offers unmatched access to power utilities, energy startups, national labs, and major industry players.

You’ll learn from nationally recognized faculty who are shaping the future of electric power systems, and you’ll benefit from hands-on experience through lab work, industry-sponsored projects, and potential co-op or internship opportunities.

Top Reasons to Choose NC State:

  • Nationally Ranked College of Engineering
  • Flexible online and on-campus options for working professionals
  • Connections with companies like Duke Energy, ABB, Siemens, and Meta
  • A strong alumni network across utility companies, research institutions, and government agencies

“Even the courses I was skeptical on – such as communications – were an eye-opening experience and improved my skills. It showed me that everyone can still learn no matter how long they have been in their field.”

– Thomas Mcdougall, EPSE alumn

EPSE Curriculum

Course Number
Credit Hours
Semester
ECE 550
Power System Operation and Control
3
Fall
ECE 551
Smart Electric Power Distribution Systems
3
Spring
ECE 552
Renewable Electric Energy Systems
3
Spring
ECE 583
Electric Power Engineering Practicum I
3
Spring
ECE 584
Electric Power Engineering Practicum II
3
Fall
Select One
ECE 534
Power Electronics
3
Fall
ECE 587
Power System Transients Analysis
3
Fall
Elective Courses - Select 4
ECE 516
System Control Engineering
3
Spring
ECE 534
Power Electronics
3
Fall
ECE 535
Design of Electromechanical Systems
3
Spring
ECE 554
Electric Motor Drives
3
Spring
ECE 581
Electric Power System Protection
3
Spring
ECE 585
The Business of the Electric Utility Industry
3
Fall
ECE 586
Communication and SCADA Systems for Smart Grid
3
Fall
ECE 587
Power System Transients Analysis
3
Fall
ECE 726
Advanced Feedback Control
3
Fall
ECE 732
Dynamics and Control of Electric Machines
3
Fall
ECE 589
Solid State Solar and Thermal Energy Harvesting
3
Spring
ECE 597-74
Data Analytics for Power Engineering
3
Fall
ECE 736
Power System Stability and Control
3
Spring
ECE 753
Computational Methods for Power Systems
3
Spring
CE 578
Energy and Climate
3
Fall

EPSE Wide Bandgap (WBG) Concentration

Course
Credit Hours
Semester
ECE 534
Power Electronics
3
Fall
ECE 553
Power Semiconductor Devices
3
Fall
ECE 792-050
Power Electronics Converter Design
3
Fall
ECE 583
Electric Power Engineering Practicum I
3
Spring
ECE 792-051
Advanced Power Electronics
3
Spring
ECE 584
Electric Power Engineering Practicum II
3
Fall
Elective Courses - Select 4
ECE 511
Analog Electronics
3
Fall
ECE 516
System Control Engineering
3
Spring
ECE 533
Power Electronics Design & Packaging
3
Spring
ECE 536
Digital Control
3
Fall
ECE 552
Renewable Electric Energy Systems
3
Spring
ECE 554
Electric Motor Drives
3
Spring
ECE 561
Embeded Systems
3
Spring
ECE 732
Dynamics and Control of Electric Machines
3
Fall
ECE 734
Power Management Integrated Circuits
3
Spring
ECE 739
Integrated Circuit Design
3
Spring
ECE 792
WBG Power Devices
3
Check with Grad School
ISE 515
Manufacturing Process Engineering
3
Fall