As a mechanical engineer, your expertise has played a crucial role in the progress and advancements we’ve witnessed in recent years. Without your contributions, the development of cars, airplanes, phones, and more wouldn’t have reached the level of innovation and efficiency that we experience today.
Now, imagine enhancing your toolkit with another indispensable skill. With a master’s degree in power engineering, you’ll learn how to provide energy to the items you work with every day, adding invaluable expertise and versatility to your engineering career.
Still not convinced? Today we’re highlighting three reasons you’d benefit from earning an online master’s degree in power engineering online from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
#1 Gain a Broader Skillset
We said it once, and we’ll say it again: Earning a master’s in power systems engineering through a reputable online program like UW–Madison’s Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering: Power Engineering grants you access to essential engineering skills aimed to elevate your expertise and advance your career in the dynamic field of power engineering.
As an online student in our program, you’ll learn to work collaboratively at the intersection of mechanical and electrical engineering. These skills can enhance your current career, whether you aim to advance in electrical engineering or make a career switch to the energy sector.
Below, we discuss some of the skills you can expect to gain with this advanced online degree:
- Advanced circuit design
With courses like Power Electronic Circuits, you’ll learn to design complex electronic circuits, while focusing on important factors such as efficiency, low power consumption and performance.
- Machine learning
Machine learning is rapidly becoming an essential tool in the field of electricity. It simplifies the process of ensuring each home receives the appropriate amount of electricity for its individual needs. Machine learning also enhances the optimization of electricity distribution throughout the entire power system. In our Matrix Methods in Machine Learning course, you’ll acquire the foundational knowledge necessary to understand how computers learn and autonomously make critical decisions, such as determining the appropriate amount of electricity to provide for each house in a given neighborhood.
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
Whether you’re interested in embarking on an entirely different career path or you simply want to incorporate new skills into your current role, a master’s in power engineering will sharpen your ability to collaborate with professionals from a variety of engineering disciplines. The outcome? Developing a holistic approach to problem-solving.
#2 Explore Career Opportunities in the Energy Sector
As a mechanical engineer with a background in electrical and computer engineering (ECE), you’ll be able to branch out into a variety of exciting career opportunities. Below, we review some of these intriguing areas:
Renewable Energy
With world-changing benefits, such as environmental sustainability and reduced dependence on fossil fuels, the renewable energy sector has become increasingly popular in recent years. With new skills in ECE, you can contribute to the design and optimization of electrical components in sustainable energy technologies, such as solar power systems, wind turbines and more. There are several careers to consider in this area depending on your interests, including:
- Renewable energy systems engineer
- Grid integration engineer
- Smart grid engineer
Robotics and Autonomous Systems
If you’re interested in implementing cutting-edge technology in your everyday work and have a knack for problem-solving, ECE skills will prove essential as you work to develop autonomous systems, like self-driving cars, industrial robots and drones. There are several careers to consider within this specialty, including:
- Control systems engineer
- Robotics engineer
- Autonomous systems engineer
#3 Satisfy the Growing Demand for Professionals in Power Engineering
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for electrical engineers is projected to grow by 5% until 2032, creating almost 16,000 jobs during this time. Below, we outline how being a mechanical engineer who specializes in electrical and computer engineering can enhance your job prospects:
- Interdisciplinary Expertise
By combining knowledge in both mechanical and electrical engineering, you’ll develop a holistic understanding of power systems. This unique perspective provides a comprehensive insight, enabling you to seamlessly navigate and contribute to both facets of the discipline.
- Adaptability to Industry Trends
At UW–Madison, we pride ourselves on our ability to remain current on the latest industry trends, ensuring you’re equipped to adapt to emerging technologies and the demands associated with the power engineering sector. We provide a rigorous course selection that focuses on a variety of leading-edge topics, including machine learning, electric machine and drive systems and advanced computer control of machines and processes.
Take Your Engineering Career to New Heights at UW–Madison
Pursuing a degree while working full-time can be challenging, but that doesn’t mean you have to put your goals on hold. If you’re interested in learning advanced skills in power engineering that can enhance your current role and open new career opportunities, consider UW–Madison’s online Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering: Power Engineering.
Designed with working professionals in mind, our 30-credit program is fully online, providing you with the flexibility to complete coursework around your busy schedule. Recognized as one of U.S. News’ top online master’s in engineering programs, our distinguished faculty has developed high-caliber courses filled with content specifically crafted to propel your career in electrical and computer engineering.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us, and we’ll be happy to assist. When you’re ready to take the next step, click here to apply and become one step closer to advancing your expertise in power engineering.
Sources:
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/electrical-and-electronics-engineers.htm
