I am thinking of studying alternative energy in the future. What shoudl I major in, what classes should I take, and do alternative energy researchers make good money?

Despite record “green energy” spending, unemployment grows and energy prices are going up. Jobs can be created by federal green mandates, but other (probably better) jobs will be lost, and overall economic output suffers.

Obama seems to be the ultimate alternative energy supporter, so I suppose that alternative energy stocks will rise under his presidency.
The oil price is down a lot right now, and that doesn’t support investments in alternative energy; I also heard that oil companies will fight to death to stop alternative energy companies from taking off. When is going to be the best time to invest in solar, wind and hydrogen?