Railroad activity in the United States is flourishing, with expansion across the industry – in freight, passenger (inter-urban and commuter), transit and emerging high-speed rail. With increased activity comes the need for highly trained professionals to ensure operating safety, efficiency and cost-effective use of resources. Yet many of the most experienced engineers and supervisors are retiring, leaving a gap in knowledge, experience and capability. This certificate program can help fill that need, as indicated by a market research study conducted in 2013 by the Education Advisory Board, which noted that completion of several courses in railroad engineering adequately prepares students to compete for employment in the rail transportation industry. This graduate certificate is also designed for engineering professionals working in the area of railroad engineering or for those desiring to expand their knowledge of railroad engineering and related engineering disciplines, to thereby become viable candidates for advancement in the railroad industry.
The certificate program courses are all transferable into a graduate program in civil engineering or mechanical engineering.