Energy production is a major industry in North Dakota and, in the best tradition of community colleges, Bismarck State College (BSC) has responded to the specialized training needs of the industry. Bismarck State College (BSC) established the Power Plant Technology program in 1976, with local industry support. This was the first program of its type in the country. The Process Plant Technology program was created in 1981 and has been nationally recognized as an outstanding vocational program by the U.S. Department of Education.

After 22 years of offering these programs on campus, BSC partnered with the energy industry and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) to secure a National Science Foundation award. The award gave BSC the opportunity to offer the Power Plant and Process Plant Programs online for the first time in 1999.

In the fall of 2001, BSC began offering the Electric Power Technology (ELPW) program online with support from the Energy Providers Coalition for Education (EPCE). This coalition of utility companies and organizations provides BSC valuable input on industry needs.

In the fall of 2003, BSC began offering the Electrical Transmission Systems Technology (ETST) and Nuclear Power Technology (NUPT) programs online. Both programs received funding through National Science Foundation grants. The Nuclear Power Technology program is supported by the EPCE coalition.

On May 18, 2007, United States Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman designated Bismarck State College as the National Power Plant Operations Technology and Education Center. This official designation recognizes BSC as the premier national center of education and training for operators and technicians in the energy industry.

BSC stretched again to meet the educational demands of its energy technology students and industry partners by obtaining approval from the North Central Association Higher Learning Commission to offer a four-year online degree in energy management. Courses for the Bachelor of Applied Science Degree in Energy Management began in January 2008. The BAS is designed to educate energy workers to move into supervisory and management positions.