VCU College of Engineering launches power systems engineering track with Dominion Energy

By VCU College of Engineering staff

The Virginia Commonwealth University College of Engineering and Dominion Energy have partnered to create an academic track - power systems engineering - that addresses the rapidly growing demand for skilled engineers in the field.

Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in either electrical or computer engineering can now select this specialized track that consists of a recommended set of technical elective courses that students can take as part of the degree program. The program began in spring 2025 with Introduction to Power Systems, taught by two Dominion engineers. Power System Analysis has been introduced in the current fall semester, with additional courses planned as the curriculum expands.

"Demand for electric power is growing very rapidly. The largest driver is data centers for AI and the internet, but electric vehicles are also pushing demand," said Robert Klenke, Ph.D., professor and chair of VCU's Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. "At the same time, the engineering workforce in power engineering is aging, and replacements are difficult to find."

Dominion, the Richmond-based energy company with operations throughout the United States, has provided a $1 million gift to support development of the power systems engineering curriculum, expand lab resources and fund student engagement activities.

The track prepares students for careers in power systems, smart grids and renewable energy integration. Graduates will qualify for positions such as power systems engineers, substation engineers, renewable energy engineers and grid integration engineers. According to salary tracking websites, power systems engineers earn median salaries between $111,000 and $121,000 annually, with the field experiencing strong growth driven by grid modernization and renewable energy expansion.

"Our goal is always to prepare our graduates for successful, long-term engineering careers and to produce graduates with the knowledge and skills needed by our industry constituents," Klenke said. "This program is a quintessential example of university-industry cooperation to achieve those goals for the benefit of all."

Zhifang Wang, Ph.D., associate professor of electrical and computer engineering, directs the power systems engineering track. The program already includes lab components, internships and senior design projects with Dominion. The company will continue to support the program through curriculum advising, guest lectures, site visits and potential employment opportunities.

"Dominion Energy serves an important mission. We provide the reliable, affordable and increasingly clean energy that powers the daily lives of millions of Virginians," said Matthew Gardner, Ph.D., the company's vice president of electric transmission planning and operations and VCU's Executive Engineer in Residence. "We need a skilled and talented workforce to help us deliver on that mission. We're thrilled to partner with VCU to develop the next generation of engineers who will power Virginia's energy future."