The ESE curriculum includes advanced mathematics and applied engineering courses along with coursework that addresses the engineering design of conventional, alternative, and renewable energy systems. This major emphasizes the reliance of math in finding solutions .

The ESE program requires the completion of two cooperative (co-op) learning experiences in industry that are scheduled for the students' junior and senior years. The ESE co-op program provides the students with opportunities to learn the practical application of their studies in real-world industrial settings, establish professional contacts, and develop future employment options.

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This is the hardest aspect of this major because many students in the program are still developing their hands-on skill sets. These skill sets are needed during the prototype development phase in the design courses. Knowing how to use the business end of a screwdriver is vital. We work with real tools while creating real devices. 

The program educational objectives (PEOs) of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy Energy Systems Engineering Program are provided below.

1. Graduates of the program will pursue careers serving the engineering and business interests of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the United States, and the International Community.
    
2. Graduates of the program will undertake careers in the rapidly growing conventional and alternative energy industries, including but not limited to positions in project design, planning, procurement, installation, testing, power distribution and control systems management.
    
3.  Graduates of the program will attain professional standing and engage in lifelong learning through pursuit of higher education, job training, licenses, and certifications in energy systems engineering and all related disciplines.
    
4. Graduates of the program will understand their professional and ethical responsibilities and will have the ability to effectively communicate and perform in diverse environments as contributing members of our highly technical society.
    

1. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics

2. An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors

3. An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences

4. An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts

5. An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives

6. An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions

7. An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

The Energy Systems Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the commission's General Criteria with no applicable program criteria.

Students in the ESE program are required to take the NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam during their senior year. This examination is the first step toward professional licensure in the field of engineering. More information about the FE exam may be found at https://ncees.org/.

Students in the ESE program can also take a U. S. Coast Guard (USCG) marine engineer license option with a dual major in Marine Engineering (MENG).  This dual major option may require a fifth year to accommodate the additional MENG coursework and will require the student to participate in four sea terms during the winter sessions.  During their last semester, the license option students would be required to take and pass the USCG Third Assistant Engineer's license exam.