Skip to main content
    Admissions Overview
    Find all the information you need about applying to our undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Start your application to Willamette here.
Pre-College Programs
Admitted Students
Enrolling Students
New Student Orientation
    Cost & Aid Overview
    Get the latest information about tuition costs and financial aid opportunities available to Willamette students.
Tuition & Fees
    Academics Overview
    Learn more about our academic programs – from courses and faculty to unique opportunities you won’t find anywhere else.
All Programs and Degrees
Advising Resources
Library
    Life on Campus Overview
    Get a feel for life at Willamette. Learn more about Salem, our campus culture, and how we foster a sense of community.
Learning in the Pacific Northwest
Athletics
Diversity at Willamette
Health and Wellness
Housing and Dining
Arts
Campus Recreation
Events
Commencement
Safety
    Our Stories
    We’re proud of the difference our students and alumni are making. Dive into the stories of how they’re leading in their fields and transforming knowledge into meaningful action.
Athletics
Arts
Big Data
Climate Change
Democratic Institutions
Interdisciplinary Studies
Regional Impact
Request Info Visit Apply Give
About News Events Alumni Parents Athletics The Arts Academic Calendar

Utilities Management Certificate Program

Take on advanced leadership roles in the electric and natural gas utilities industry. Our program has helped hundreds of professionals guide their organizations through changes in the industry. Registration is now open for the Fall 2026 cohort. Spring 2027 registration will open soon.

Program Snapshot

Degree Type

Executive Development Program

Campus

Portland

A group of Utilities Management students at Willamette's EDC

Earn a Utility Management Certificate

For over 20 years this certificate program has served the needs of hundreds of leaders within the utility energy industry. UMC continues to provide cutting edge leadership training to utility organizations across North America.

Across the North American power grid, utility leaders are being pushed to deliver services at affordable rates while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Our 10-day training program helps bolster leadership and problem-solving abilities to help your organization tackle complex problems ranging from key industry knowledge, leadership skills, and technical application. Learn from industry experts and Willamette University Atkinson School of Management instructors who will equip you with the tools you need to succeed.

Why pursue a utilities management certificate at Willamette?

  • Learn to manage constant change. Utility companies have to manage a variety of interests at once. Learn how to handle competing needs through classes covering change management, energy markets, and a final mock utility presentation at the end of the course.
  • Strong curriculum taught by experts. Our instructors know the industry and will cover a variety of topics that are essential to the energy industry. Learn from key experts who understand topics ranging from changing energy markets, fiscal responsibility, and AI implementation.
  • Connect with peers. You will collaborate with a variety of different peers while earning your certificate. This includes meeting new connections from across North America in a variety of different job titles.
  • Earn graduate academic credits. Upon successful completion of the program, students may also be eligible to receive University credits. Please contact edc@willamette.edu to learn more about this option.

Request Information

What our Students are Saying

/
3
  • 100%
    of recent UMC cohort graduates

    reported great satisfaction with the program. One participant stated “This program opened my eyes to all the possibilities in our industry.

  • 98%
    of recent cohort responses

    stated that UMC curriculum was engaging, impactful, and increased participants' skills/knowledge of subject matters.

  • 100%
    of recent UMC graduates

    reported they would recommend this program to others within their organization.

"Attending the Utilities Management Certificate course at Willamette University in January 2026 was an incredibly valuable experience for my professional growth. The program helped me develop a deeper understanding of the dynamics within the utility industry insights I hadn’t fully appreciated before. One of the most impactful aspects of the course was how it broadened my perspective on how my current role connects with and supports other departments. I now have a much clearer understanding of the interdependencies across the organization, which has strengthened my ability to collaborate and contribute more strategically. 

I enrolled in the course to gain a better grasp of how regulatory requirements actively shape our work. The curriculum delivered on that goal, providing practical context and real-world applications that I’ve already been able to apply in my role. Beyond the coursework itself, the opportunity to build meaningful, lasting connections with peers across the utility industry was invaluable. The shared experiences and discussions added depth to the learning and created a strong professional network I continue to value. Overall, I left the program with renewed confidence in my ability to lead within the utility industry. I would highly recommend this course to anyone looking to expand their industry knowledge, strengthen cross-functional understanding, and grow as a leader."

- Melissa, Supervisor Outreach at Pudget Sound Energy 

Dates

  • In Person: 10/05/2026–10/09/2026 & 10/26/2026–10/30/2026
  • Online Half Days: 10/14/2026, 10/15/2026, & 10/20/2026, 10/21/2026
  • Spring 2027: Spring 2027 dates to be released soon.

Curriculum

In addition to classroom instruction, discussions, and exercises, students will work together in small teams throughout the program. Each team will assess a key planning topic and deliver a final presentation that simulates interaction with decision makers. Our curriculum will address multiple topics such as, but not limited to:

  • 10/05 Navigating the Energy Market
  • 10/06 Energy Resources, Adequacy and Energy Markets
  • 10/07 Negotiations and Stakeholder Relations
  • 10/08 Electric Utilities Industry Strategy: Thinking, Planning, Implementing
  • 10/09 Utility Oversight, Governance, and Decision-Making
  • 10/14 Managing with Artificial Intelligence
  • 10/15 Electric Utility Finances (Online Half Day)
  • 10/20 Electric Utility Finances Continuous (Online Half Day)
  • 10/21 Implications and Outlook For The Energy Utilities Energy With Utility Board and Industry Experts (Online Half Day)
  • 10/26 Customer & Community Engagement
  • 10/27 Mock Utility Board & Commission Hearings On Policy Implementation
  • 10/28 Effective Public Speaking
  • 10/29 Change Management and Leadership
  • 10/30 Final Project: Mock Utility Presentation

Our Certificate Stands Out

Program Outcomes

Our program achieves three outcomes:

  • Develop a well-rounded knowledge of electric utilities system functions, operations, and processes
  • Promote a shared understanding of the electric industry and important issues
  • Provide insights and skills that enable participants to effectively manage ongoing changes
Students sit around a conference table at a Utilities Management Certificate class.

Meet Our Utility Management Instructors

Classes will be conducted by top-level instructors who are subject matter experts with experience in their fields. From industry-leading practitioners to professional trainers, each instructor has recognized expertise in their given topic. Guest speakers will also engage with the class on topics of interest.

Program Details

Since 2005, the Utilities Management Certificate Program has helped hundreds of professionals in the energy utilities industry develop knowledge, skills, and insights they can apply in leadership roles at their organizations. The program has been crafted to help prepare current and future leaders to guide their organizations through the challenges of the energy transition. The 10-day intensive program is built on 3 essential objectives:

  1. Interactive training in specific skills
  2. Knowledge-building on key utility industry topics
  3. Opportunities to apply new learnings in individual and team exercises

  • Grading

    Students will be expected to attend all scheduled classes of the program. In addition to graded assignments, a final team project and course evaluations will all contribute to the grading system. Students who successfully complete the entirety of the program courses will receive a Utility Management Certificate completion. Students may also be eligible for graduate academic credit upon request.

  • Dates

    The UMC program is a hybrid program that offers a mix of both in-person and virtual classes. The schedule for the in-person classes at the Ecotrust Building in Portland, OR, has been optimized to accommodate travel. There are no classes held on Monday mornings (11:30 a.m. start), and there is early dismissal (3:00 p.m. end) on Fridays. Fall 2026 registration is now open for October classes. See the registration tab to register. Final dates for Spring 2027 registration to be released soon

  • Tuition

    Tuition for the 2026 program is $6,275 per student. However, there are discounts available for organizations sending several students described as follows:

    • 1 student: $6,275
    • 2 students: $6,000 per student
    • 3 or more students: $5,775 per student

    The tuition includes registration fees, course materials, meals (breakfast and lunch), and daily snacks.

Apply

To apply, click on the registration link below. Payments are typically resolved by paying by card via the link below, or by check. If you pay by check, please email edc@willamette.edu before registration. Your seat is not confirmed until payment is received. Please contact us if you need payment arrangements.

Students in class listening to professor.

FAQs

Yes, our post class surveys reveal measurable results in our students. In our most recent cohort, students reported that UMC content delivered high impact, skills based training which will help students navigate the utility industry. Students reported that they feel more confident to navigate the transition, challenges, and leadership needed to produce better outcomes in the utility industry.

The UMC program is a hybrid program that offers a mix of both in-person and virtual classes. The schedule for the in-person classes at the Ecotrust Building in Portland, OR has been optimized to accommodate for travel. There are no classes held on Monday mornings (11:30a.m. start) and there is early dismissal (3:00p.m. end) on Fridays. 

  • In Person: 10/05/2026-10/09/2026 & 10/26/2026-10/30/2026
  • Online Half Days: 10/14/2026, 10/15/2026, & 10/20/2026, 10/21/2026
  • Spring 2027: Spring 2027 dates will be announced soon.

In recent years, changes in rules and organization have brought in more companies and groups. These changes are bringing a wider variety of participants into the energy industry. Because of this, it's becoming more important for everyone involved to understand the industry well and work together.

In upcoming programs, students from additional types of operations and individuals may include:

  • Regional reliability and grid management groups
  • Utilities industry trade associations
  • Clean energy, fuels, and transmission developers
  • Energy utilities regulators
  • State legislators and lead energy staff
  • Government energy agencies

You will be subject to a $500 cancellation fee if you choose to withdraw or cancel your registration within 30 days of the program start date. Payment in full is required prior to the start of the program unless prior arrangements have been made.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us anytime at utility-mgmt@willamette.edu.

Willamette University direct contacts:

Willamette University

Atkinson Graduate School of Management