Engine Systems

Stand Out as an Engine Development Leader

Whether you are in the early stages of your professional career, or right in the middle, the Master of Engineering: Engine Systems will give you the knowledge and skills to lead engine development projects successfully. 

Led by UW faculty from the renowned Engine Research Center, the Engine Systems master’s degree program integrates thermal sciences, design and mechanics, electronics and control, applications and service, as well as manufacturing, into a three-and-a-half-year online graduate degree with week-long summer residencies on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus.

Gain a Broad-based Technical Knowledge

The coursework will provide you with a solid foundation in engineering to help you assume the roles and responsibilities of internal combustion engine project development. Students gain broad technical expertise in areas such as combustion, design, material science, and fluid mechanics. 

Engineers from companies that design and manufacture internal combustion engines of all sizes—from lawn mowers to diesel ship engines—will benefit from the critical project management and computer problem-solving skills they will acquire in the Engine Systems program. 

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Mike Horak

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Problem-Based, Application-Oriented Research

Students in the Engine Systems graduate program will have regular access to leading research at the University’s Engine Research Center—the largest research center devoted to internal combustion engine research in the U.S., and among the largest in the world.

As a student in this program, you will have the opportunity to learn and interact with faculty from UW-Madison’s renowned Engine Research Center and Powertrain Control Research Laboratory, industry leaders and experienced colleagues working in the internal combustion industry.

Join Experienced Engineers from Around the World

In the Engine Systems program, you will apply new skills instantly and constantly through collaboration and shared learning with class members, all practicing engineers from companies all over the world. During the program, you will work in a small team that will create an engine design for the team’s chosen application.

Our online platform gives you the ability to access live interactive web conferences from anywhere around the world. UW’s Engine Systems program also enables flexible learning time outside the live conferences.

We ensure our comprehensive course outline keeps you on track for completing your degree and getting exposure to classes and projects with direct and immediate applicability to real-world work.

Awards

U.S. News & World Report U.S. News & World Report Society of Women Engineers US Distance Learning Association

Success Stories

Mike Horak

Braman Wing

Alan Thomason

Hélène Lefort-Cornils

Graduating Year: 2008

Real World Applicability

In the Engine Systems graduate 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 chemical engineering into real-world assignments and group projects.

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 Engine Systems master’s program will prepare you to:

• Manage the complete development process for a new engine

• Clearly articulate customer and application requirements

• Effectively integrate engine design with various manufacturing processes

• Select the combustion system, fuel, and engine system configuration that will best fit a particular application; among many other critical skills

Degree Requirements

On-Campus Residency Requirement

Courses

You can often tailor your learning by selecting projects that use problems and challenges from your own workplace. Courses in the Engine Systems program focus on problems and applications that you can use immediately in your current projects while preparing you for future responsibilities and roles.

Course web conferences are the only time-constrained course activities; all other weekly assignments can be accomplished on days and times of your choice. You also will have the opportunity to visit the University of Wisconsin—Madison campus during the week-long summer residency scheduled each August.

Required Courses

Connected Learning Essentials This course will identify and use collaboration and communication tools for online learning and virtual teamwork, such as the enterprise document management system.	Mark Millard	1 Credit
Engine Design I Develop an academic foundation in the principles of internal combustion engine design. This course begins with the foundational building blocks of conceptual design. Participants form engine design teams to which the concepts are applied in completing the conceptual design of an engine for a market of their choice. Topics covered include understanding market needs, determining engine displacement, critical engine layout and dimensional considerations, material selection and casting, and reliability.	Bruce Dennert Kevin Hoag	2 Credits 348-622
Engine Design II Engine Design II picks up where Engine Design I left off. Participants continue to work in teams, addressing the layout design of the engine structure and supporting sub-systems. Lessons will cover such topics as structural design, engine layout and balance, valvetrain kinematic and dynamic analysis, engine cooling, lubrication, and air handling, power cylinder development, and gaskets and sealing.	Bruce Dennert Kevin Hoag	4 Credits 348-623
Engine Performance and Combustion Through a sound understanding of the fundamental operation of the engine and the theoretical limits imposed by thermodynamics and chemical kinetics you will understand how to make intelligent choices about new designs and energyconvertion to meet the operational criteria and achieve the requisite power. This course will also discuss meeting the various regulation requirements for pollutants emitted by the engine through a deeper understanding of in-cylinder combustion. The course examines emissions control (or after treatment) technologies that are now applied to both gasoline and diesel engine providing a detailed understanding of after treatment technology and how it is applied to modern engines.	Tom Harris Kevin Hoag	4 Credits 348-624
Engine Fluid Dynamics The overall purpose of this course is to provide the learners with a physically based understanding of fluid dynamics and air handling system design in internal combustion engines.	Sandra Anderson	3 Credits 348-625
Engine Project Management An ability to plan, manage and control projects to successful delivery is an essential skill for any aspiring engineering leader. Learn best practice project management theory and apply it immediately to work-based assignments. From individual engineering tasks to planning a complete engine launch portfolio, EPM will provide you with the methods and techniques you need to reduce risk and successfully deliver.	Brian Price	3 Credits 348-626
Perspectives on Engine Modeling Learn about the role computer modeling plays in the engine development process. You will understand analysis problem definition and planning, tool selection, model construction, calibration, application and data presentation. You will learn techniques to integrate the most appropriate modeling tools into an engine design and development project.	Roy Primus	2 Credits 348-627
Engine Systems and Control Explore fundamental control concepts for development and analysis, modeling requirements and considerations related to control and diagnostics, and the application of these tools to engine systems.	Bapiraju Surampudi Neil Duffie	4 Credits 348-629
Thermal Systems Engineering Understanding thermal systems is critical to the design of an internal combustion engine. This course will cover thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer as they apply to the internal combustion engine. Going beyond traditional undergraduate thermal science education, the course will introduce topics covered in the Engine Fluid Dynamics and Engine Performance and Combustion courses, preparing you for advanced topics critical to engine design.	Sandra Anderson	2 Credits 348-642
Analysis of Trends in Engines: Legislative Drivers and Alternative Fuels Understanding global trends in engine usage demands, energy availability and legislative drivers for emissions, safety, noise, etc. is essential in planning future product specifications. Learn how to research and critically evaluate information sources to generate comparative technical and business reviews of engine alternatives.	Brian Price	1 Credit 348-643
Analysis of Trends in Engines: Powertrain Technologies and Manufacturing Constraints Understand trends in powertrain technologies and configurations to forecast feasible alternative configurations to satisfy expected market demands. Consider market expectations, manufacturing investments and constraints-combined with engine technology roadmaps-to develop a powertrain strategy for defined engines applications.	Brian Price	1 Credit 348-644
Engine Noise and Vibration To achieve overall vehicle fuel efficiency requirements, the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) need to drastically reduce weight and add technical content while meeting the customer's expectations of noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) refinement. This course will introduce you to fundamental NVH concepts with an emphasis on how NVH can be integrated throughout the engine development process, from initial concept inception to validation testing for production.	Chi Binh La	Credit 348-690
Professional Presentations Learn best practices in presentation design and delivery in professional formats. Strategies help in connecting with your audience, clarifying your story, and using stronger visuals in your oral presentations.	Christine Nicometo	1 Credit 348-702

Faculty

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.

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Sandra Anderson, PhD, MBA, PE, PMP

Program Director/Instructor

Anderson directs the Master of Engineering: Engine Systems program and is a program director in the Department of Engineering Professional Development, UW–Madison. Anderson spent many years in the aerospace industry designing jet aircraft engines. She worked briefly as an assistant professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Detroit Mercy before returning to industry at Ford Motor Company to train power-train designers and engineers in CAD and CAE. She moved quickly to become a training manager for Ford North America and produced Web-based quality training on topics such as the design of experiments. Anderson received a master's degree from Purdue University in mechanical engineering with emphasis on combustion and a PhD from the University of Oklahoma in aerospace engineering, studying combustion and hypersonic propulsion. In addition, she has an MBA from the University of Dallas and is a Six Sigma black belt.  

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Bruce Dennert, MS

Instructor

Dennert is the president and principal engineer of CamCom, Inc., an engineering consulting company specializing in cam profile design, valve train analysis, engineering educational training programs, and custom engineering software. He previously had a 34-year career at Harley-Davidson, where he held many powertrain engineering positions, including Principal Engineer – Powertrain Concepts. He also worked at Waukesha Engine in an analytical engineering function. He has bachelor's degrees in math and physics from Carroll College, a Master of Science and Engineering from UW-Milwaukee, and a Master of Engineering in Professional Practice (Engineering Management) degree from UW-Madison.

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Neil A. Duffie, PhD

Instructor

Duffie is a  professor emeritus of Mechanical Engineering and past department chair for the Department of Mechanical Engineering at UW-Madison. His research interests are in machine, process, and system control, particularly distributed system control. He received a bachelor’s degree in computer science, a master’s degree in engineering, and a PhD in mechanical engineering from UW-Madison. Duffie is a fellow of ASME, CIRP, and SME. He is a fellow of CIRP (International Academy for Production Engineering), ASME, SME, and is a past president of SME. In 2008, he was Mercator Guest Professor at the University of Bremen, Germany.

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Tom Harris, PhD

Instructor

Harris is senior staff engineer and manager of Aftertreatment Innovation at John Deere Power Systems in Waterloo, Iowa.  He has more than 20 years of industrial experience, the last 13 in aftertreatment design and development. His aftertreatment experience includes aspects of manufacturing and quality control of 3-way catalysts, the design of light-duty diesel DOCs and catalyzed DPFs, and all aspects of the design and development of heavy-duty diesel aftertreatment systems for off-highway applications. He has written or contributed to 15 peer-reviewed publications, and has been awarded 9 patents. He has a master’s and PhD in Metallurgy from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and is also a graduate of UW-Madison’s Master of Engineering: Engine Systems program.

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Kevin Hoag, MS

Instructor

Hoag holds the position of Institute Engineer, Engine, Emissions and Vehicle Research at the Southwest Research Institute and a former program director for the Department of Engineering Professional Development at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He has more than 35 years of experience in diesel and spark-ignition engine development, 16 of which were with Cummins Inc., where he held a variety of leadership roles in engine performance and mechanical development. He also has more than 15 years of experience in course development and teaching in continuing engineering education. Hoag holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

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Chi Binh La, ME

Instructor

La is business unit director of Gasoline and Alternative Fuel Engines at IAV in Northville, Michigan where he is responsible for strategy and project delivery.  Previously, he worked for Ricardo, Inc. as the Director of Powertrain Development and Calibration.  He has more than 20 years of experience in engine development covering a broad range of topics including: NVH, Mechanical Development, Analysis and Simulation, as well as Controls and Calibration. Chi Binh holds a bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Waterloo and a master’s in Engineering in Engine Systems from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

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Mark Millard, MS

Instructor

Mark Millard is the Director of Learning Design and Technologies in the Department of Engineering Professional Development at UW-Madison.  He has taught graduate and undergraduate courses in digital literacies, information science, and learning sciences at UW-Madison and Indiana University.  Mark has published articles and chapters in online education, educational innovation, emerging technologies, and learning and collaboration. He regularly presents on these topics at international conferences, and most recently was invited as a visiting scholar to the Open University of Catalonia in Barcelona Spain. Having worked for Honeywell, Inc., several technology start-ups, Indiana University and now UW-Madison, Mark brings a broad set of professional experiences to his work and teaching.  He holds an MS in information science with an emphasis in human-computer interaction and learning sciences from Indiana University.

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Traci Nathans-Kelly, PhD

Instructor

Nathans-Kelly provides instruction for a range of engineering professional skills for UW–Madison's Master of Engineering in Engine Systems and Engineering Management programs. As well, she teaches full-time at Cornell University in the College of Engineering for the Engineering Communication Program. She is the Series Editor for the line of "Professional Engineering Communication" books at Wiley-IEEE Press. For the IEEE Professional Communication Society she serves as the IEEE Press Liaison. Nathans-Kelly was recently part of a National Science Foundation grant studying the alignment of engineering education with practice. She is also a senior member of the Society for Technical Communication.

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Christine G. Nicometo, MS

Instructor

Nicomento is the program director for Professional Literacies Courses in the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Department of Engineering Professional Development. For over a decade, she has taught Technical Communication courses as a faculty member in the following UW online programs: Master of Engineering Management; Master of Engineering in Engine Systems; Master of Engineering in Sustainable Systems. She is active in both IEEE and ASEE and regularly consults in engineering and technical organizations. Her co-authored book on technical presentations, (SlideRules: Design, Build, and Archive Technical Presentations in the Engineering and Technical Fields), was published in 2014 by IEEE-Wiley.

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Brian Price, MS

Instructor

Price is a lecturer in the School of Engineering & Applied Science at Aston University, UK. He has more than 25 years of experience in the design and development of powertrains in a variety of technical and commercial leadership positions at Harley-Davidson, Mercury Marine, Cosworth Engineering, Lotus Engineering, and Jaguar Rover Triumph. He is a regular invited guest speaker at international conferences on engineering practice and has been a corporate representative on several joint industry and government technology and business steering groups. He has a master’s degree Engineering Design from Loughborough University in the UK and is a graduate of UW-Madison’s Master in Engineering Professional Practice program.

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Roy Primus, MS

Instructor

Primus has worked as a reciprocating engine technologist and researcher in the areas of heat transfer, fluid mechanics, combustion, emissions and thermodynamics for over 30 years. He worked for Cummins during the first 25 years of his career. As executive director of Cummins Technical Systems, he was responsible for the worldwide coordination of technical tools, methods and training. In 2002, he left Cummins to become chief technologist–advanced cycles at the General Electric Global Research Center. Primus became a Society of Automotive Engineers Fellow in 2001. He has been a member of the governing board of the Central States Section of the Combustion Institute and a licensed professional engineer in Indiana. He has a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.

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Thomas W. Smith, MS

Instructor

Smith is a program director in the Department of Engineering Professional Development at UW-Madison. He is an expert on distance learning and has published a book and many articles about it. He also serves on the program committee for the University's annual conference on distance teaching and learning. Smith's technical interests include asset management and he served in the ISO Standards committee for Asset Management (IDO 55000). Smith received his bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth College and a master’s degree from UW-Madison.

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Bapi Surampudi, PhD

Instructor

Surampudi has more than 25 years of experience in the powertrain controls industry. In addition to the 14 years he has spent on the staff of Southwest Research Institute (SwRI), he has worked at Caterpillar, Combat Vehicle Research and Development in India, and Tata consulting Engineers in India. In his role at SwRI, he has built control systems for engines, transmissions, hybrid vehicles, and autonomous vehicles. His academic background includes a PhD from Texas A&M University, a master’s degree in Technology from IIT Madras India, and a bachelor’s degree from REC Surathkal in India. He is a senior member of IEEE and a member of SAE.

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Philip O'Leary, PhD, PE

Department Chair

O'Leary directs the technical outreach program for the College of Engineering at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. In this capacity he oversees the delivery of more than 400 continuing education courses each year in a wide range of technical specialties. The program, which serves a national audience, delivers training at multiple locations throughout the US and also over the Internet. His area of professional interest is solid waste management, hazardous waste control, groundwater quality protection, and related environmental topics. His landfill design seminar has been attended by thousands of people who are now responsible for developing, permitting and operating landfills throughout the US and Canada. O'Leary also has extensive international waste management experience. He has been Department Chairman since July 1995. His engineering and land resources degrees are from the University of Wisconsin–Madison

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Wayne P. Pferdehirt, MS, PE

Online Degree Director

Pferdehirt is the director of distance degree programs for the College of Engineering and director of the Master of Engineering Management program at UW-Madison. He also co-teaches the Master of Engineering Management program's Technical Project Management and Foundations of Engineering Leadership courses. Prior to joining UW-Madison, Pferdehirt directed the Midwest solid waste consulting services of an international environmental consulting firm and led energy conservation research projects for Argonne National Laboratory. He has a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Carnegie-Mellon University and a master’s degree in civil engineering with an emphasis in regional planning from Northwestern University. He is a frequent speaker and author on continuing education for engineers, and is a member of the College of Engineering’s Education Innovation Committee.

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Shainah Greene, MA

Graduate Programs Coordinator

Greene is the Graduate Programs Coordinator for Engineering Professional Development at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. One of her main roles is to provide admission assistance to all prospective students and aid each current student through their program. Previously, she has been in higher education roles that consisted of registrar's assistance, admission counseling, and strategic planning for graduate programs. With this experience, she prides herself on advising students and addressing any issues that arise. She also chairs the admission committees for Engineering Professional Development programs. With a bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, she is a proud alum that practices the mission of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and is excited to aid each fellow Badger on their path to success within their program

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Approach to Online Learning

UW’s online Engine Systems master’s 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 

Typical Weekly Schedule

In a typical week, you will engage in online project work, readings and presentations designed to address industry challenges and further your problem-solving skills.

The weekly assignments afford you the flexibility to choose when to complete them, but weekend deadlines and structured support help keep you on track. Course web conferences are the only time-constrained course activities.

We pair flexibility with a fixed curriculum and semester schedule that will help you maintain focus and consistent progress. This versatile but structured approach produces graduates with valuable new skills.

Each course will engage you in extensive, meaningful interaction with the instructor and other engineers without interruption to your work and travel plans. Depending on your background, you can expect to spend approximately 12-18 hours per course per week doing coursework and participating in project activities.

You can complete your Master of Engineering: Engine Systems degree in seven semesters and one summer, taking four credit hours each semester.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements for the Master of Engineering: Engine Systems program are listed below.

Exceptions to standard admission requirements are considered by the admissions committee on an individual basis.

• A BS degree from a program accredited by the ABET or the equivalent.*

• A minimum undergraduate grade-point average (GPA) of 3.00 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 3.00. Applicants from an international institution must have a strong academic performance comparable to a 3.00 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.

• International applicants must have a degree comparable to an approved U.S. bachelor’s degree. 

We do not require applicants to submit scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). 

*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. 

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 e-mailing Shainah Greene at shainah.greene@wisc.edu. This e-mail 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 1 deadline. Admission is competitive and selective. Therefore, applicants are encouraged to submit application materials prior to the deadline. 

Steps to Apply Now 

Step 1: Email your Intent to Apply

Step 2: Submit the Online Application

Step 3: Request Transcripts

Step 4: Complete a Phone Interview

Step 5: Application Evaluation 

Tuition and Financial Aid

Tuition Cost

$1,600 per credit (based on 2015-16 tuition rates), payable at the beginning of each semester.

Tuition Includes

Technology costs for Internet course delivery  Live webconferencing  Toll-free telephone line for the audio portion of conference calls  Library use  Use of the webconferencing software for group project work for program courses

Total Tuition

Total tuition for this program is $48,000* for students entering in Summer 2015.

*Based on 2015-2016 tuition rate. 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 at finaid.wisc.edu.

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.

High Return on Investment 
Your investment immediately begins paying back as your employee becomes a more effective contributor of engineering projects.

No Interruption to Employee’s Availability 
All students are full-time, working engineers, and most travel extensively for their jobs. The online format enables your employee to pursue world-class graduate engineering studies without interruption to his/her work schedule and availability to travel. This internet-based program allows students to continue their studies from anywhere in the world.

Proven Program from a Top-Ranked University 
The UW–Madison degree your employee will earn via distance learning has the same high-quality standards and academic status as a degree earned on-campus. The only difference is that UW’s program is conveniently delivered online for working professionals.

Course Dashboard

The course dashboard is your community and support site, as well as where you will find all of your current and past courses.

MyWisc 

The MyWisc portal is your home for searching and registering for classes, looking at your tuition bill and financial aid, updating your profile information, and checking your email and calendar.

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Refer Colleagues

Do you know somebody who could benefit from our educational offerings? Refer your network to us at studentservices@epd.wisc.edu and help us grow the Badger family.

Tell Us About Your Achievements

Nothing makes us prouder than hearing about your personal and professional achievements. We love to get the word out about the great work Badgers do in their organizations and communities. Tell us about your career advancements here and let us recognize the impact you’re making! Use social media to post updates about life events and accomplishments and view notes posted by classmates and fellow alumni.

Community

See what’s going on in Community.

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Join the EPD LinkedIn group.

Moving? Changing your last name? 

Keep your info up-to-date. Contact studentservices@epd.wisc.edu with any updates so you don’t miss out any chances to grow your career network and stay in touch with UW-Madison. 

Refer Colleagues

Do you know somebody who could benefit from our educational offerings? Refer your network to us at studentservices@epd.wisc.edu and help us grow the Badger family.

Tell Us About Your Achievements

Nothing makes us prouder than hearing about your personal and professional achievements. We love to get the word out about the great work Badgers do in their organizations and communities. Tell us about your career advancements here and let us recognize the impact you’re making! Use social media to post updates about life events and accomplishments and view notes posted by classmates and fellow alumni.