Power Conversion and Control
Expand Your Knowledge of Power Electronics
As a practicing engineer, your search for knowledge should never end. But with the demands of a full-time job, advanced education can sometimes seem out of reach. At the University of Wisconsin, this is not the case.
Earn a respected credential from a top engineering school and expand your technical knowledge of power electronics, drives, and controls. Make the decision to pursue an online Capstone Certificate in Power Conversion and Control today.
How Can This Capstone Help Me?
Designed to be completed in one year, you can develop broad technical skills learned under the expertise of senior, highly respected faculty.
The certificate also provides a “stepping stone” for students wishing to apply for admission into our online Master of Science: Electrical Engineering (Power Engineering) or Master of Science: Mechanical Engineering (Controls) degree programs.
The certificate was developed in response to needs identified by more than 80 corporate sponsors of the Wisconsin Electric Machines and Power Electronics Consortium (WEMPEC). The curriculum is meant to empower practicing engineers and give them the extra edge they need to advance their career.
Top-Notch Education, Completely Online
The format of the Power Conversion and Controls capstone certificate is completely online, making it easy for you to learn without affecting your full-time job.
Courses may be completed in two or three semesters, depending on your schedule. The nine-credit Capstone Certificate in Power Conversion and Control was designed for completion in three consecutive terms of three credits per term.
Students can also complete the certificate in two terms by taking two courses in a semester. (Basic courses in electro-mechanical energy conversion (ECE 355) and electronic switching circuits or demonstrated knowledge in these areas are recommended as prerequisites.)
Prerequisite (or equivalent) Course
Electromechanical Energy ConversionThis course will focus on energy storage and conversion, force, EMF production, coupled circuit analysis of systems with both electrical and mechanical inputs. Applications to electric motors and generators, and to other electromechanical transducers.
Instructor(s):
3 Credit(s)
Required Courses
Introduction to Electric Drive SystemsLearn the basic theory underlying the analysis and design of adjustable-speed drive systems employing power electronic converters and AC or DC machines. Learn the basic concepts of torque and speed control in both DC and AC machines, including variable-frequency operation of induction and synchronous machines, field-oriented control, and more. Taken as part of the Power Conversion and Control Capstone Certificate.
Instructor(s):
3 Credit(s)
In this introduction to the basic power electronic devices, you will study and analyze fundamental power conditioning converters. Course material will cover piecewise linear, uncontrolled circuits; power electronic devices; and AC/DC, DC/DC, AC/AC, and resonant converters. Taken as part of the Power Conversion and Control Capstone Certificate.
Instructor(s):
3 Credit(s)
This course provides a comprehensive understanding of single input, single output (SISO) continuous closed-loop control system analysis and design. Discrete (computer) control also is introduced including analysis in the z domain. Taken as part of the Power Conversion and Control Capstone Certificate.
Instructor(s):
3 Credit(s)
Faculty
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.
Instructor
Jahns is a Grainger professor of Power Electronics and Electric Machines in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Jahns's research interests span the technical fields of electrical machines, power electronics, and adjustable-speed drives. He has a long record of research contributions in the area of permanent magnet synchronous machines for a wide variety of applications ranging from high-performance electric vehicles to low-cost appliance drives. A significant theme of his research is the integration of power electronics into electric machines, loads, and sources in order to reduce weight and cost while increasing reliability. He is also actively involved in the development of renewable energy sources, energy storage, and microgrids for the future electric grid. Jahns received his PhD from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Instructor
Venkataramanan is a professor in electrical and computer engineering at UW–Madison. His areas of expertise include applications of power electronics in building lighting, climate conditioning, industrial motor control, electric generation, transmission and distribution and transportation systems; renewable power generation systems; and operation and control of microgrids and smart grids in distributed generation, energy storage, combined heat and power, electric, hybrid electric, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. 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 Coimbature, India, and received his PhD from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.Admission Requirements
- A Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or the equivalent* from a program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Engineering Technology degrees do not fulfill this requirement.
- 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 have 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. 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 requirements for licensure in the state where they live. See the National Society of Professional Engineers website for contact information for state licensing boards
Apply Early!
Applications are accepted for admission during the Summer, Fall and Spring terms.
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. Please read the admission requirements.
Admission is competitive and selective. Please read the admissions requirements to determine your eligibility for admittance. If you have questions about your eligibility please forward a copy of your current resume and unofficial transcripts to request an eligibility review via email to: daryl.harrison@wisc.edu. See the admissions requirements for more information.
| Application Cycle | Deadline |
| Summer | April 1 |
| Fall | June 1 |
| Spring | November 1 |
Step 1: Email your Intent to Apply
- Educational history (including GPA, awards and honors received).
- Professional work experience (including specific details on your engineering experience, technical training, and responsibilities).
- Listing of professional association memberships, advanced training (such as a PE license) and other noteworthy, engineering-related details.
Step 2: Submit the Online Application
Complete the Continuing Studies Online Application and be sure to:
- Select “Capstone Certificate” on the Reason for Applying page and then select “Power Conversion and Control (UNCS 393)” on the Applying as page.
- Include your “Personal Statement.”
- Include additional information and guidelines as requested on the application.
Step 3: Request Transcripts and Letters of Recommendation
Arrange to have one copy of your official transcripts sent directly from your previous educational institutions to the Department of Engineering Professional Development. Transcripts should be sent directly by the educational institution to the CoE Online Admissions Office.
We will accept transcripts via any delivery method options (including pdf) offered by the educational institutions you have previously attended. However, transcripts issued to students are not sufficient for admission to the Graduate School.
Arrange to have two (2) letters of recommendation forwarded directly by your recommenders to the address/email listed below. At least one letter should be from your current or previous direct supervisor. Academic references are acceptable for applicants who have been out of school less than five years. Download Recommendation Form.
To avoid processing delays, have your transcripts and letters of recommendation sent directly to:
CoE Online Admissions Office
Attn: Daryl Harrison
432 N. Lake Street, Room 701
Madison, WI 53706
(For pdf’s, use the following email address: daryl.harrison@wisc.edu.)
Step 4: Complete a Phone Interview
After all of your application materials have been received, the admissions committee chair will schedule a phone interview with you. Once completed, your application will be presented to the Admissions Committee for evaluation at the next scheduled meeting.
Step 5: The Admission Decision
Admission decisions are made on applications in the order received.
The committee will make one of the following decisions:
- Recommend admission
- Defer consideration until the regular consideration review meeting. (See chart at the top of the page.)
- Request additional information before evaluating further.
- Decline further consideration of your application.
- After a decision has been made on your application, the admissions committee chair will contact you by email to inform you of the decision and to schedule a time to discuss the decision and your next steps.
Tuition and Financial Aid
| Tuition |
|
The Power Conversion and Power Control certificate program tuition is $1,600 per credit (based on 2015-16 tuition rates), payable at the beginning of each semester. Students are billed for courses in which they are enrolled each term. UW-Madison does not offer a lump sum payment plan. |
| Tuition Includes |
There are no additional fees, such as distance learning fees or segregated fees. |
|
*Based on 2015-2016 tuition rate. This total does not include textbooks or course software. Software required for courses is typically available in educational versions at substantial discounts. |
High Return on Investment
Your investment immediately begins paying back as your employee becomes a more effective contributor to 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 the program is conveniently delivered online for working professionals.
Contact Us
9
Credits
1-2
Years
Capstone Certificate
Power Conversion and Control
$1600 per credit
Resident and Non-Resident
April 1/June 1/November 1
Summer/Fall/Spring Application Deadlines
Next Webinar: February 25
Join us and hear from Program Director Susan Ottmann on February 25th for our Power Electronics Graduate Programs' Webinar.
12-1 pm Central.
Webinars are hosted late winter and early fall.
Sign up for our February 25 WebinarThis Degree at a Glance
Students & Alumni
Whether you’re a current or past student of the program, you have access to several resources that will keep you tied to UW-Madison.
See more here.5 Reasons to Get a Power Conversion and Control Capstone Certificate
Get the power conversion training you need! Complete the all-new Power Conversion and Control Capstone Certificate for a much-needed career boost.
See the reasons now!