Whether you’re searching for a program that will accelerate your current career path or pivoting from your current specialty into an exciting new role in the engineering industry, the University of Wisconsin–Madison offers multiple online graduate programs tailored to engineering professionals.
Enticed by the idea of an online program that lets you balance your work, family and educational life but not sure which of our engineering programs is the right fit for you? That’s where we come in. In this article, we’ll discuss four of our online graduate engineering programs and help you decide which aligns best with your professional endeavors and ignites a passion in your engineer’s heart.
MEng: Engineering with an Emphasis in Engineering Data Analytics
Enter the fascinating yet very rational world of data analytics, where you’ll find the ultimate online graduate engineering degree for engineers interested in transitioning out of design and operations-based roles and into one that is more heavily data- and support-driven. Many data analytics roles revolve around assisting fellow engineers with their analytics work and contributing to their overall progress.
In one of his analytics roles, Tony Orzechowski—an instructor in our data analytics program—was involved with managing 30 to 40 ongoing products simultaneously. This made him feel that his work had a significant impact compared to other engineering roles, which sometimes focus on a smaller number of products at any given time.
Orzechowski also said that individuals with this graduate degree can become invaluable members of their team, acting as translators who understand the technical side of engineering as well as the data analytics end. This allows them to effectively communicate between the analytics and engineering teams.
If you’re interested in receiving a well-rounded education that focuses on diverse aspects of the engineering industry, this program offers courses in multiple disciplines:
- Mechanical engineering
- Electrical engineering
- Industrial and systems engineering
- Business
- Library science
Some of the typical positions associated with this degree include:
- Application engineer
- Data architect
- R&D director
- Quality engineer
- Technical lead
- Materials engineer
- Senior process engineer
- Web developer
Master of Science in Manufacturing Systems Engineering
Looking to move beyond the role of an individual contributor into a leadership position in your current company? Our online Master of Science in Manufacturing Systems Engineering (MSE) is a 30-credit program that prepares you for more advanced responsibilities by teaching you the skills and knowledge required for senior roles in MSE.
Our small class sizes allow you to work closely with peers hailing from diverse professional backgrounds, such as food and beverage, aerospace, medical devices and more. With the help of your experienced professors and passionate fellow students, you’ll learn the nuances, challenges and benefits of working in different size companies and various sectors. How? By sharing your collective experiences in manufacturing and taking part in real-world projects.
After earning your degree, you can set your sights on some of the following advanced roles:
- Engineer project manager
- Mechanical and electrical (ME) and facilities manager
- Operations and supply chain manager
- Plant technical manager
- Process lead
- Welding engineer
Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering: Power Engineering
Do you envision yourself at the forefront of the power engineering industry? The Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering: Power Engineering program will prepare you for leading-edge positions in the following areas:
- Electric power
- Power electronics
- Motor drives
- Electric machines
- Renewable energy
After completing this flexible and interactive 30-credit online program, you’ll be eligible for an array of careers in the industry, including:
- Power systems engineer
- Renewable energy engineer
- Electrical design engineer
- Grid integration engineer
- Energy storage engineer
- Power plant engineer
- Transmission and distribution engineer
Power Conversion and Control Capstone Certificate
If you’d like to test the waters before committing to the master’s in power engineering program, the Power Conversion and Control Capstone Certificate will teach you the basic concepts of electric drive systems, power electronic circuits and more. This 9-credit program can be completed in as little as one year, earning you a wealth of new skills and offering a competitive edge to your resume when applying for new roles in the power and renewable energy industries.
In addition, if you’d like to continue your education after completing this program, you may be eligible to transfer your credits toward the Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering: Power.
Choose the Engineering Path That’s Right for You at UW–Madison
From data analytics to power engineering (and so many specialties in between), there are seemingly endless engineering disciplines whispering down the supply chain for you to join their ranks. While they all offer a unique stance in the wide world of engineering, it comes down to choosing a program that fits your ambitions and goals.
Whether you just earned your bachelor’s degree or you’ve been in the workforce for years and are looking for a career upgrade, most of our students share a few challenges they hope our program can help them overcome:
- Advancing their careers.
- Balancing work, family and social life.
- Finding the time to commit to schoolwork.
No matter which program you choose, our renowned professors have tailored each one to meet all of the above needs, so you can earn your degree while working and having a life. Once you’ve chosen a program, take the first step and fill out an application today!
