College: College of Engineering
Designation: Department
Major: Engineering
Degrees Offered: M.Engr.
Other: Graduate Certificate in Technical Communication
Tracks: M.Engr. degree subplans in engine systems, professional practice, or technical Japanese
Faculty: Professors O'Leary (chair), Davis (director of M.Engr. Technical Japanese); Faculty Associates Hoag (director of M.Engr. Engine Systems), Pferdehirt (director of M.Engr. Professional Practice)
The Department of Engineering Professional Development (EPD) offers the master of engineering with options in engine systems, professional practice, and technical Japanese, and a graduate certificate program in technical communication. In addition to credit instruction, the department provides continuing education courses to practicing professionals. Each year more than 20,000 engineers and technical professionals from across the United States update their knowledge through the department's short courses, seminars, in-plant training, and distance learning offerings.
The master of engineering in engine systems degree is conducted in a team-based learning environment via the Internet. It has been tailored to the needs of the internal combustion engine and automotive industries. This degree will help students:
This 27-credit program is offered during a four-year program; one course each semester. During the first two summers of the program, students are required to attend a one-week summer residency on the UW-Madison campus. For more details please contact the department advisor.
The master of engineering in professional practice is an innovative advanced degree designed to help engineers succeed in today's work environment. The degree focuses on developing competency in project management, international engineering strategies, statistics, problem solving, quality engineering, communication, and engineering economic analysis. A cohort of 30 students begins in June each year. Created specifically for distance delivery, the degree is designed to be completed in two years. Candidates must complete 26 credits in 10 required courses. The degree may be earned by engineers who have a B.S. degree in engineering from an ABET-approved program, a GPA of 3.0 (on a scale where 4.0 = A), and four years of postbaccalaureate work experience in engineering. Interested applicants with B.S. degrees in related fields should contact the department advisor for more specific admission information.
The master of engineering in technical Japanese provides the necessary skills and knowledge to interact effectively with Japanese counterparts in the technical or business arena. This degree program begins in the fall of each year. To obtain the degree, candidates must complete at least 24 credits of approved course work (beyond a B.S. degree) in technical Japanese, Japanese language, and technology development in Japan. Students with a bachelor's degree other than a bachelor of science must have transcript evidence of the completion of a minimum of 16 semester credits of undergraduate courses in science or engineering in order to be admitted to this degree program. All applicants must have at least a 3.0 GPA from their undergraduate institution (where 4.0 = A).
All courses are offered regularly to students on the UW-Madison campus, and are also offered at a distance. Students must complete EPD 374/375. Other courses may be selected by the student from the list of approved courses. At least 6 credits must be in courses numbered 500 or higher. No more than 6 credits of independent study (EPD 699) are allowed. Because at least four courses will be offered each semester, it is possible to complete the degree in one academic year. For questions concerning the curriculum, please contact the program director. For questions concerning the application process, please contact the department advisor.
The technical communication certificate provides an opportunity for students to complement their graduate programs with a concentration in communication courses. Because engineers are frequently called upon to communicate with customers, the public, and agency representatives, strong communication skills are essential. The technical communication certificate is a 24-credit program.
Prerequisites are EPD 155 (2 credits), L Sc Com 100, Com Arts 100, English 100, ILS 200 (3 credits), or equivalent; four courses (12-credit minimum) in science and/or engineering, including at least one intermediate-level course; three courses (9-credit minimum) in humanities, social sciences, and/or foreign languages.
To earn the technical communication certificate, the following requirements must be met: 9 credits of technical proficiency courses, including one course each from mathematics/statistics, computer science, and management/economics/business (from approved list); 15 credits in technical communication courses, including 5 credits of required courses from EPD and 10 credits of elective courses from an approved list. Students must achieve a B average in technical communication courses and complete the program within five years.
For more information: Karen Al-Ashkar, Senior Advisor, Department of Engineering Professional Development, 432 North Lake Street, Madison, WI 53706; 608/262-0133 or 800/462-0876; karena@epd.engr.wisc.edu;
Engineering Professional Development Program: epd.engr.wisc.edu;
Engine systems: mees.engr.wisc.edu;
Professional practice: mepp.engr.wisc.edu;
Technical Japanese: metj.engr.wisc.edu.