Interdisciplinary Professional Programs
College of Engineering

Powertrain Electrification

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Understanding Engine-Electric Powertrain Integration

Electrification of automotive powertrains has become the main technology path to enhance fuel economy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Powertrain Electrification Capstone is a fully online certificate program that deals with systems, components and their interactions. Based on the degree of electrification the topology of powertrain can change in complexity and controllability. This program spans micro, mild, full and plug-in hybrid vehicle architectures, with delineations for matching performance specifications and component sizing. A deep immersion will be taken into the fundamental characteristics of engines, transmission, batteries, motors, generators and power electronics such as inverters, DC-DC converters and on-board chargers.

MEES Minute Engine Blog

10 credits

3 semesters

$1300 per credit

Resident and non-resident

August 15/January 15

Fall/spring application deadline

Andrea Strzelec, PhD Program Director

Andrea Strzelec Email Dr. Strzelec

Karene Cary, MS Graduate Program Advisor

Karene Cary Email Karene Cary
Attend/View Info Sessions

Academics

Apply Your Learning Immediately on the Job In the Powertrain Electrification Capstone Certificate program, we understand that to be a successful engineering leader, you must be able to integrate and apply knowledge from different areas to engine development projects that meet market demands and are cost-effective. Nearly every subject in the mechanical engineering curriculum finds application in the engine. Our research-oriented faculty incorporate topics from electronics and mechanical engineering into real-world assignments and group projects. Credits can be applied towards UW–Madison Engine Systems master’s degree. Curriculum Engine manufacturers, suppliers, and vehicle manufacturers using internal combustion engines will value the immediate applicability of the skills you will learn in this online Engine Systems program. The curriculum for the Powertrain Electrification Capstone program will prepare you to:
  • Develop control systems for electrified powertrains.
  • Comprehend and be able to analyze working principles of all components in electrified powertrain systems.
  • Describe how cells are connected to make modules and packs for power and energy applications.
  • Develop systems thinking at the vehicle level and drive cycle analysis, by recognizing energy flows and losses in a vehicle, identify the main contributors for them, and quantifying losses and impact of specific technologies on fuel economy.
Requirements You will earn a Capstone Certificate upon completion of 10 graduate credits required by the University of Wisconsin. This is a three-semester program. Required Courses (Choose 10 credits) Approach to Online Learning UW’s online Engine Design Capstone program is designed for working professionals. The learning environment is flexible—allowing you to make the best use of your time, without interruption to work, family or other commitments. Experience a Rich Learning Environment Learning in our program does not all happen in front of a computer. You will get the chance to provide insight in discussions, interact with expert speakers, and use a variety of computer applications. As a student, you will also have access to the UW-Madison academic libraries, which offer you 10 percent of the world’s library resources. Our students often highlight how regular check-in times, access to the Engine Research Center, and networking opportunities with fellow students, faculty and staff in the engine industry, enrich their experience in our program. A Supportive, Collaborative Environment You will progress through the program with the same small group of students, and will constantly interact with them via online tools like web conferencing, online discussion forums, email, and conference calls. Students and alumni often note the cohort approach is essential for staying engaged and on track for completing the program. In addition, faculty and staff understand the challenges you face as a working professional and distance learner, and proactively monitor your progress. A full-time program advisor stands ready as your advocate in helping you with any issues that may influence your degree progress.
At UW-Madison, we’ve built a learning experience to meet you where you are. Whether your work involves frequent travel, changing hours, or periods of intense demand, our courses help you grow wherever you happen to be and whenever you have online access. We develop and deliver courses for high-performing professionals, with a deep understanding of the challenges those professionals face. As a UW student, you will be part of a vibrant community, challenged and supported by your fellow learners, as well as instructors. Our students and alumni consistently point to the value of the global professional network they develop through our programs, built through teamwork, challenges, and projects, and lasting a lifetime.
In this online graduate Engine Systems program, faculty from UW’s Engine Research Center and Powertrain Control Research Laboratory team up with leaders from the engine industry to offer a unique learning opportunity.

Admission Requirements

Application Overview The admissions process has been designed to conduct a holistic review of your likelihood of success in the program. Decisions are based on your academic and professional background. To start the process, please read the admission requirements to determine your eligibility. If you have questions about your eligibility, please request an eligibility review by emailing Student Services. This email should include a copy of your current resume and informal transcripts. Applications are accepted for admission during the fall term. Applications are reviewed in the order received until the July 15 deadline for fall admissions and the November 1 deadline for spring admission. Admission is competitive and selective. Therefore, applicants are encouraged to submit application materials prior to the deadline. Admission requirements for the Powertrain Electrification Capstone Certificate program are listed below. Exceptions to standard admission requirements are considered by the admissions committee on an individual basis.
  • A bachelor of science (BS) degree in (mechanical) engineering from a program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) or the equivalent.* International applicants must have a degree comparable to an approved U.S. bachelor’s degree.
  • A minimum undergraduate grade-point average (GPA) of 2.75 on the equivalent of the last 60 semester hours (approximately two years of work) or a master’s degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75. Applicants from an international institution must have a strong academic performance comparable to a 2.75 for an undergraduate or master’s degree. All GPAs are based on a 4.00 scale. We use your institution’s grading scale; do not convert your grades to a 4.00 scale.
  • Applicants whose native language is not English must provide scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The minimum acceptable score on the TOEFL is 580 on the written version, 243 on the computer version, or 92 on the Internet version.
  • GRE is not required. Applicants who have taken the test are encouraged to submit their scores.
  • Registration as a professional engineer by examination, if achieved, should be documented to support your application.
*Equivalency to an ABET accredited program: Applicants who do not hold a bachelor’s degree from an ABET accredited program may also qualify for admission to the program. Students are encouraged to contact the program director for more information. All applicants are advised to determine whether this program meets requirements for licensure in the state where they live. See the National Society of Professional Engineers website for contact information for state licensing boards Begin the application process.
Tuition Costs $1,300 per credit, payable at the beginning of each semester. Total Tuition Total tuition for this program is $13,000*. * This total does not include travel and living expenses for summer residencies, textbooks, or course software. Software required for courses is typically available in educational versions at substantial discounts. Federal Loans Students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents are eligible to receive some level of funding through the Federal Direct loan program. These loans are available to qualified graduate students who are taking at least four credits during the fall and spring semesters, and two credits during summer. Private loans are also available. Learn more about financial aid. Employer Support Many students receive some financial support from their employers. Often, students find it beneficial to sit down with their employer and discuss how this program applies to their current and future responsibilities. Other key points to discuss include how participation will not interrupt your work schedule.

News

  • UW-Madison’s Robert Agasie and Andrea Strzelec Win DOE Nuclear Research Award 

    University of Wisconsin Nuclear Reactor (UWNR) Director Robert Agasie and Dr. Andrea Strzelec recently received $222,294 from the Department of Energy Nuclear Energy University Program (DOE NEUP) for their project, “Development of Neutron Tomography at the UWNR.” This project will enhance nuclear energy-related research and development at the UWNR and associated Characterization Laboratory for Irradiated Materials (CLIM), which also houses UW Mechanical Engineering Professor Mark Anderson’s X-ray Imaging System.

  • UW-Madison’s Dr. Andrea Strzelec Wins $2.6M DOE Grant to Accelerate Advancements in Near-Zero-Emissions Vehicles

    Dr. Andrea Strzelec has been selected to receive a $2.6 million award from the US Department of Energy (with a $3.3M total budget) for her project “Comprehensive Integrated Simulation Methodology for Enabling Near-Zero Emission HD Vehicles” to accelerate advancements in near-zero-emissions vehicles. Dr. Strzelec is the program director for the Master of Engineering in Engine Systems (MEES) in the Interdisciplinary Professional Programs Office of the College of Engineering and an honorary associate research scientist in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

  • EPD’s Dr. Andrea Strzelec chosen as German-American Frontiers of Engineering Symposium participant

    MADISON, Wis.—Dr. Andrea Strzelec, program director of the Master of Engineering in Engine Systems, Polymer Engineering and Power Engineering programs at UW-Madison Engineering Professional Development (an office of the College of Engineering) has been selected …

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