Program Overview
As a practicing engineer, you know all too well that your search for knowledge doesn’t end just because you’ve left the classroom. So, while the idea of going back to school to refine your engineering prowess sounds tempting, it can also feel like incorporating an extra gear into a well-oiled machine: challenging, yet doable. At the University of Wisconsin–Madison, we’ve made it our top priority to ensure that you can confidently continue working while earning a Capstone Certificate.
Our 9-credit Power Conversion and Control Capstone Certificate program offers you the chance to earn a respected graduate credential from one of U.S. News’s leading online graduate engineering programs.
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What You’ll Learn
The Power Conversion and Control Capstone Certificate is delivered entirely online, allowing you to effectively balance your studies with your full-time job.
The Capstone Certificate in Power Conversion and Control is a 9-credit program that is designed to be completed in three consecutive terms of 3 credits each, taking one course per term.
You can select 9 credits from the following courses:
- ECE 411 Introduction to Electric Drive Systems
- ECE 412 Power Electronic Circuits
- ME 446 Automatic Controls
- ECE 711 Dynamics and Control of AC Drives
- ECE 712 Solid State Power Conversion
Why Choose UW–Madison
In addition to becoming a member of the Badger family, there are ample benefits to choosing UW–Madison to pursue your advanced education:
- In just one year, you’ll develop broad technical skills learned under the expertise of senior, highly respected faculty.
- After earning the Capstone Certificate, you can apply for our online power engineering master’s degree program. Once accepted, your capstone course credits will transfer toward your master’s degree.
- This program accepts students year-round, whether you’re ready to start in the spring, summer or fall.
- With a busy professional and personal life, our online program provides a learning experience that meets you where you are, so you can work when you want, where you want.
Webinar
Join Graduate Advisor Justin Kyle Bush to learn about the Capstone Certificate in Power Conversion and Control and the online Master of Science program in Power Engineering, what you can expect to learn in the programs and their applications in industry.
Required Courses:
Select 9 credits from the following list:
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits |
| ECE 411 | Introduction to Electric Drive Systems | 3 |
| ECE 412 | Power Electronic Circuits | 3 |
| ME 446 | Automatic Controls | 3 |
| ECE 711 | Dynamics and Control of AC Drives | 3 |
| ECE 712 | Solid State Power Conversion | 3 |
Admission and Tuition
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Admission Requirements
- A BS from a program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) or the equivalent.*
- Engineering technology degrees do not fulfill this requirement.
- A BS in electrical engineering is recommended.
- Students who do not have a BSEE need to have completed fundamental coursework in electrical engineering including:
- Circuit theory
- Fourier analysis
- AC circuit analysis using complex impedances
- Transfer function analysis and evaluation, including Bode plots
- Transformer equivalent circuits
- Piecewise continuous analysis of nonlinear circuits
- Magnetic theory
- An upper-division GPA of 3.00 or a master’s degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.00.
The GRE is not required. However, you may submit your results if you feel it will improve your chances of qualifying for the program.
*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. Such applicants must have a BS in science, technology or a related field with sufficient coursework and professional experience to demonstrate proficiency in engineering practice OR at least 16 credits of math and science coursework. Registration as a professional engineer by examination, if achieved, should be documented to support your application.
All applicants are advised to determine whether this program meets the requirements for licensure in the state where they live. See the National Society of Professional Engineers website for contact information for state licensing boards
International Admissions Requirements
- A degree comparable to an approved U.S. bachelor’s degree.
- Academic performance comparable to a 3.00 for an undergraduate or master’s degree.
- 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.
If you’re ready to level up your skillset and ignite your career, apply today.
Tuition
UW–Madison’s tuition costs for the Power Conversion and Control Capstone Certificate program are as follows:
- Per credit
Tuition is $1,600 per credit hour, payable at the beginning of each semester.
- Total tuition
The total tuition for this program is $14,400.*
*This total does not include textbooks or course-specific software. Software required for courses is typically available from UW–Madison or in educational versions at substantial discounts.
Faculty and Staff
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Graduate Advisor: Libby Miller, MEd
Contact: studentservices@interpro.wisc.edu
Libby is the graduate academic advisor for the following online graduate engineering programs:
- Manufacturing Systems Engineering (MSE)
- Engineering Data Analytics (MEDA)
- Power Engineering (ECE)
- Power Conversion and Control Capstone Certificate (PCC)
Prior to her role at UW–Madison, Libby served as a Graduate Advisor for the Electrical & Computer Engineering Department at UC Santa Cruz and as Admissions Coordinator for the College of Sciences & Mathematics at Belmont University. Before that, Libby was an Enrollment Adviser for the University of Wisconsin Extended Campus online degree programs. Throughout her career in education, she has facilitated graduate student advising, provided departmental leadership and administrative support and coordinated a variety of large events that support student success. Libby understands the challenges and requirements for success in graduate education and hopes to assist students in achieving this significant accomplishment.
Steve Fredette, PhD
Contact: fredette@wisc.edu
Dr. Fredette is an associate teaching professor in the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering at UW–Madison. He is interested in the design, simulation, modeling, controls and development of power conversion systems for alternative energy (e.g., wind, solar PV, fuel cells) as well as industrial (e.g., HVAC, elevator, traction) applications. Dr. Fredette has delivered innovative, producible solutions to the industrial, aerospace and alternative energy fields.He has acquired a wide range of industrial experience through work for United Technologies, Vestas Technology R&D and American Superconductor (AMSC). He has a PhD from UW–Madison.
Giri Venkataramanan, PhD
Contact: giri@engr.wisc.edu
Dr. Venkataramanan is a professor in electrical and computer engineering at UW–Madison. He specializes in various areas, including the application of power electronics in building lighting, climate conditioning, industrial motor control, electric generation, transmission and distribution and transportation systems. His expertise extends to renewable power generation systems, as well as the operation and control of microgrids and smart grids in distributed generation, energy storage, combined heat and power and electric, hybrid electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.Dr. Venkataramanan received the Benjamin Smith Reynolds Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2008.
He received a bachelor’s degree from the Government College of Technology in Coimbatore, India, and received his PhD from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
Michael R. Zinn, PhD
Contact: mzinn@wisc.edu
Dr. Zinn is an associate professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. His research interests are broadly directed at understanding and overcoming the design and control challenges of complex electro-mechanical systems with a primary focus on human-centered robotics.Dr. Zinn teaches Advanced Robotics, Dynamic Systems and Control Systems, among other courses. He also directs graduate student research and advanced independent study.
Prior to joining UW–Madison, he was director of systems and controls engineering at Hansen Medical where he helped to develop the world’s first commercially available, minimally invasive flexible surgical robotic system.
He has more than 10 years of electro-mechanical system design and manufacturing experience in aerospace and high-technology industries. Dr. Zinn received his BS and MS from MIT and a PhD in mechanical engineering from Stanford University.
Patrick Flannery
Contact: psflannery@wisc.edu
Nick Nagel, PhD
Dr. Nick Nagel is a UW-Madison graduate and started teaching classes in the MEES program in Electric Machines and Drives in 2021. He also teaches Courses in Controls in the ME Department.
Dr. Nagel received his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign in 1989. After working in industry for four years, he gained acceptance and attended UW-Madison full time in 1993, ultimately earning his M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, M.S. in Electrical Engineering, and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering in 1995, 1996, and 1998, respectively. His focus on control of electric machinery attracted him to aerospace industries searching for those skills. Dr. Nagel worked in the aerospace business for 20 years, first with MPC Products in Chicago, and then with Triumph Aerospace Systems – Seattle. While in Chicago, Dr. Nagel was an affiliate professor at the Illinois Institute of Technology. In Seattle, he is currently an affiliate professor at the University of Washington – Seattle where he teaches graduate and professional courses in control systems and electric machines & drives.
In aerospace, Dr. Nagel focuses on high performance motor and motion control. He works in electromechanical actuation for both commercial and military aerospace applications. He draws from professional applications as background for his courses to compliment engineering theory with application experience.
In 2018, Dr. Nagel joined Turntide Technologies and moved from aerospace to industrial/automotive applications. At Turntide, he began as Senior Director of Research & Development and now is the Global Engineer Lead of Controls & Firmware. He currently focuses on transportation electrification and industrial energy savings.
Justin Kyle Bush
Contact: justinkyle.bush@wisc.edu
Justin Kyle Bush serves as the Graduate Programs Administrator for the Engineering Data Analytics (MEDA), Polymer Engineering (MEPE), and Power Engineering (Power) programs. In this role, he offers leadership support in various aspects including student recruitment, marketing, program governance, budget management, and financial accountability. Justin is also the Student & Alumni Engagement manager. In this role, he develops and oversees programs that facilitate meaningful interactions between students and alumni. I ensure that students benefit from the wealth of experience our alumni have to offer. Additionally, in this role he works to keep our alumni engaged and involved, celebrating their achievements and encouraging their ongoing support.
Prior to joining UW-Madison, Justin was the Program Assistant and the Interim Department Manager for the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department at the Colorado School of Mines. During his time in education, he facilitated graduate student advising, provided departmental leadership and administrative support, and coordinated a variety of large events that supported student success.
Justin’s education includes a Bachelor of Arts in History from Metropolitan State University of Denver and a Master of Education in Higher Education Administration from Northeastern University.
