Skills for the Future of Energy

The Microcredential in Microgrid Systems at Cleveland State University

Microgrids are a critical subfield of modern energy systems, playing a central role in renewable energy, grid resilience, and smart infrastructure.

CSU’s new Microcredential in Microgrid Systems begins with a six-week FOUNDATION-level course, designed to prepare you for the INCOSE ASEP certification exam—a globally recognized credential that strengthens your professional credibility and opens doors in systems engineering and the fast-evolving energy sector.

Industry-Aligned. Competency-Based. Future-Focused.
Developed in partnership with:

• CSU’s Washkewicz College of Engineering
• CSU's Center for Integrated Modeling for Energy, Resilience, and Sustainability (IERS)
• Telepath Systems, Inc.
• The International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE)
• The Cleveland Engineering Society (CES)
• And leading energy and systems engineering professionals

This multi-level Microgrid Microcredential program delivers cutting-edge, job-ready training aligned with industry needs and workforce opportunities.

Registration is now open for Microgrids Certificate 1: Foundations 

The cost is $1540, including course content, materials, and labs.

REGISTER HERE 

Clicking "Register Here" will direct you to a separate registration page. Page down to the "Register Now" link or the "Registration" button and follow the prompts to create your registration account, complete your enrollment, and submit payment.

The six-week program includes five virtual classes and one in-person lab day on the CSU campus.

For the course outline, click HERE

Classes meet via Zoom from 2 PM to 5 PM as follows:

• July 11, 18, and 25; August 1 and August 8
• In-person lab day on August 15 from 2 PM to 5 PM on the CSU campus.
• In-person exceptions for extenuating circumstances.

This program provides a unique opportunity to prepare for the future of energy systems. Join us to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to lead in the transition to resilient and sustainable energy solutions.

Registration closes June 27, 2025. 

Program Objectives: The Microgrid Systems curriculum provides students with a comprehensive understanding of microgrid systems, integrating technical knowledge of electric power with systems engineering principles and methods. The program will facilitate students' acquisition of the essential knowledge to engage in and effectively contribute to microgrid development projects at multiple levels, including the use of Digital Twin modeling capabilities.

Key Features: 

1. Learning of Modeling & Simulation with Digital TWINS for Microgrids
2. Application of Systems Methods for Analysis and Design, with Models

Prerequisites:

• Completion of undergraduate engineering coursework at a Junior level – OR
• Completion of a technical Associate Degree from an accredited community college - OR
• Equivalent experience of 5 years in a technical capacity in the industry, with an energy focus

Organizations wanting to register an employee(s) via purchase order should email a request to Nancy Pratt at n.pratt@csuohio.edu. Registrations of three or more people from the same organization qualify for a 10% discount.

Expert Instruction: The course is developed and taught by leading faculty and industry experts, blending theoretical foundations with practical skills. As the foundational offering in a stackable credential 
series, the program equips participants to advance their expertise progressively in designing, managing, and optimizing modern microgrid systems.

Microcredential Module Structure

• Lectures: Interactive presentations with visual aids
• Homework:  Reading assignments with problem-solving tasks
• Group Discussions: Encourage sharing of ideas and experience
• Case Studies: Real-world examples to illustrate concepts
• Hands-on Activities: Simulations or Modeling Exercises of Microgrids

Assessments

• Quizzes: Short quizzes at the end of each session to reinforce learning
• Mid-term and Final Exam:  Brief exams to assess learned knowledge

• Final Project:  A group assignment to design a basic microgrid system using class learnings

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Financial Assistance: Are you a dislocated worker interested in future-forward job opportunities? Retrain to Enter the Energy Industry! The Foundations 1 certificate course is approved on Ohio’s Workforce Inventory of Education and Training (WIET) and is eligible for WIOA funding. If you are a job seeker or dislocated worker, you may qualify to take this course at no cost through your local OhioMeansJobs center. 

Cuyahoga County residents can complete the WIOA Training Request Form HERE

Energy Industry Jobs (No Bachelor's Degree Required)

Break into the renewable energy and microgrid sectors with high-impact training and industry-recognized credentials—no bachelor's degree required.

1. Electrical Technician – Energy Systems

Average Salary: $60,000–$85,000
Install, maintain, and repair electrical components in microgrids and renewable energy systems. Work directly with utilities, industrial sites, or energy contractors.
Requirements: Technical certificate or associate degree; hands-on training is essential.
Recommended Credentials:

CSU Microgrid Certificate

OSHA 30 or NCCER Electrical Certification

2. Solar PV Installation Specialist / Microgrid Installer

Average Salary: $55,000–$80,000+
Install and commission solar arrays and microgrid components for homes, businesses, and off-grid systems. Strong demand as renewable adoption expands.
Requirements: High school diploma and certificate training; no degree required.
Recommended Credentials:

CSU Microgrid Certificate

NABCEP PV Associate Certification

OSHA 10/30

3. SCADA Technician / Energy Control Systems Tech

Average Salary: $65,000–$95,000
Monitor and troubleshoot digital control systems used in microgrids and distributed energy networks. Combines knowledge of energy systems with automation and IT.
Requirements: Associate degree or advanced certificate; strong technical aptitude.
Recommended Credentials:

CSU Microgrid Certificate

SCADA/PLC Training

INCOSE ASEP (for advancement)