This is a named option in the Electrical and Computer Engineering MS that is offered in an online format.
The Master of Science Electrical and Computer Engineering: Power Engineering program will prepare you for leading-edge positions in industry in the areas of electric power, power electronics, motor drives, and electric machines.
UW–Madison’s Power Engineering master’s degree provides graduate students applicable and theoretical knowledge in power electronics, including alternative energy, through research and study of technological and conceptual innovations in electrical and computer engineering.
The education you receive at UW–Madison is directly applicable to a career in industry and is suitable for a new or recent graduate, as well as experienced professionals who seek the necessary (re)training to change or advance their careers.
UW–Madison’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering is recognized for excellence in research, instruction, and service to the profession. It ranks among the top electrical and computer engineering departments in national surveys, consistently producing talented graduates whose skills are highly respected throughout the nation and around the world.
The Wisconsin Electric Machines and Power Electronics Consortium (WEMPEC) is a UW–Madison technology focus center sponsored by companies holding an interest in electric machines and power electronics. With a mission to provide education, research, and service, WEMPEC is a model program demonstrating strong interaction between university and industry.
UW–Madison’s online engineering graduate programs are world-class degrees and consistently ranked in the Top 10 online engineering master’s programs by U.S. News & World Report.
MS Power Engineering students cannot be simultaneously enrolled in another graduate program at UW–Madison while completing this program.
Admissions
Please consult the table below for key information about this degree program’s admissions requirements. The program may have more detailed admissions requirements, which can be found below the table or on the program’s website.
Graduate admissions is a two-step process between academic programs and the Graduate School. Applicants must meet the minimum requirements of the Graduate School as well as the program(s). Once you have researched the graduate program(s) you are interested in, apply online.
| Fall Deadline | July 1 |
| Spring Deadline | November 1 |
| Summer Deadline | The program does not admit in the summer. |
| GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) | Not required. |
| English Proficiency Test | Every applicant whose native language is not English, or whose undergraduate instruction was not exclusively in English, must provide an English proficiency test score earned within two years of the anticipated term of enrollment. Refer to the Graduate School: Minimum Requirements for Admission policy: https://policy.wisc.edu/library/UW-1241. |
| Other Test(s) (e.g., GMAT, MCAT) | n/a |
| Letters of Recommendation Required | 3 |
Admissions Process
Requirements
- A BS degree from a program accredited by ABET or the equivalent.
- An electrical engineering major is preferred.
- 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.
- International degree-seeking applicants must prove English proficiency using the Graduate School's requirements.
- International applicants must have a degree comparable to an approved US bachelor’s degree.
Funding
Graduate School Resources
Resources to help you afford graduate study might include assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, and financial aid. Further funding information is available from the Graduate School. Be sure to check with your program for individual policies and restrictions related to funding.
Program Information
Students enrolled in this program are not eligible to receive tuition remission from graduate assistantship appointments at this institution.
Minimum Graduate School Requirements
Review the Graduate School minimum academic progress and degree requirements, in addition to the program requirements listed below.
Named Option Requirements
Mode of Instruction
| Face to Face | Evening/Weekend | Online | Hybrid | Accelerated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No | No | Yes | No | No |
Mode of Instruction Definitions
Accelerated: Accelerated programs are offered at a fast pace that condenses the time to completion. Students typically take enough credits aimed at completing the program in a year or two.
Evening/Weekend: Courses meet on the UW–Madison campus only in evenings and/or on weekends to accommodate typical business schedules. Students have the advantages of face-to-face courses with the flexibility to keep work and other life commitments.
Face-to-Face: Courses typically meet during weekdays on the UW-Madison Campus.
Hybrid: These programs combine face-to-face and online learning formats. Contact the program for more specific information.
Online: These programs are offered 100% online. Some programs may require an on-campus orientation or residency experience, but the courses will be facilitated in an online format.
Curricular Requirements
| Minimum Credit Requirement | 30 credits |
| Minimum Residence Credit Requirement | 16 credits |
| Minimum Graduate Coursework Requirement | 15 credits must be graduate-level coursework. Refer to the Graduate School: Minimum Graduate Coursework (50%) Requirement policy: https://policy.wisc.edu/library/UW-1244. |
| Overall Graduate GPA Requirement | 3.00 GPA required. Refer to the Graduate School: Grade Point Average (GPA) Requirement policy: https://policy.wisc.edu/library/UW-1203. |
| Other Grade Requirements | In order for courses to count toward your master’s degree, students must satisfy the following grade and GPA requirements: E C E Courses
Non-E C E Courses
Research and Independent Study Credits
|
| Assessments and Examinations | A thesis, a project, or a specified course sequence must be completed, depending upon which degree plan the student follows. |
| Language Requirements | n/a |
Required Courses
Of the 30 credits required, a minimum of 21 credits must be Electrical and Computer Engineering (E C E) courses numbered 400 and above. Of those 21 credits, at least 15 must come from the Power Engineering Course Options below, including at least 3 credits from courses numbered 500-599, and 6 credits from courses numbered 700 or above.
Course Path
A maximum of 3 credits in E C E 699 Advanced Independent Study and 3 credits in E C E 999 Advanced Independent Study are allowed. E C E 790 Master's Research or similar research courses may not be used to satisfy the 30-credit requirement.
Thesis or Project Path
Students must identify a faculty research advisor and complete a thesis or project paper under their direction. A minimum of 3 credits must be in E C E 790 Master's Research, and no more than 9 credits from any combination of E C E 699 Advanced Independent Study E C E 790 Master's Research or E C E 999 Advanced Independent Study may apply. A minimum of 15 credits of courses numbered 700 or above are required.
Power Engineering Course Options
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Choose at least 15 credits from the following courses, including at least 3 credits from courses numbered 500-599, and 6 credits from courses numbered 700 or above. | ||
| E C E 411 | Introduction to Electric Drive Systems 1 | 3 |
| E C E 412 | Power Electronic Circuits 1 | 3 |
| E C E 427 | Electric Power Systems | 3 |
| E C E/M E 441 | Kinematics, Dynamics, and Control of Robotic Manipulators | 3 |
| M E 446 | Introduction to Feedback Control 1 | 3 |
| M E 447 | Computer Control of Machines and Processes | 3 |
| E C E 504 | Electric Machine & Drive System Laboratory | 3 |
| E C E 511 | Theory and Control of Synchronous Machines | 3 |
| E C E 512 | Power Electronics Laboratory | 3 |
| E C E/COMP SCI/M E 532 | Matrix Methods in Machine Learning | 3 |
| E C E 711 | Dynamics and Control of AC Drives 1 | 3 |
| E C E 712 | Solid State Power Conversion 1 | 3 |
| E C E 713 | Electromagnetic Design of AC Machines | 3 |
| E C E 714 | Utility Application of Power Electronics | 3 |
| M E 746 | Dynamics of Controlled Systems | 3 |
| or E C E/M E 732 | Dynamics of Controlled Systems | |
| M E 747 | Advanced Computer Control of Machines and Processes | 3 |
| or E C E/M E 733 | Advanced Computer Control of Machines and Processes | |
| E C E/COMP SCI/E M A/E P/M E 759 | High Performance Computing for Applications in Engineering | 3 |
| E C E 901 | Special Topics in Electrical and Computer Engineering | 1-3 |
| Research and Independent Study Courses | ||
| Course Path students may complete a maximum of 3 credits each of E C E 699 and E C E 999. They may not take E C E 790. | ||
| Thesis/Project Path students must take a minimum of 3 credits of E C E 790 and no more than 9 credits from any combination of E C E 699, E C E 790, or E C E 999. | ||
| E C E 699 | Advanced Independent Study | 1-6 |
| E C E 790 | Master's Research | 3-9 |
| E C E 999 | Advanced Independent Study | 1-3 |
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These courses may be completed via the Capstone Certificate in Power Conversion and Control.
Students in this program may not take courses outside the prescribed curriculum without faculty advisor and program director approval. Students in this program cannot enroll concurrently in other undergraduate or graduate degree programs.
Graduate School Policies
The Graduate School’s Academic Policies and Procedures provide essential information regarding general university policies. Program authority to set degree policies beyond the minimum required by the Graduate School lies with the degree program faculty. Policies set by the academic degree program can be found below.
Named Option-Specific Policies
Prior Coursework
Graduate Credits Earned at Other Institutions
Refer to the Graduate School: Transfer Credits for Prior Coursework policy.
Undergraduate Credits Earned at Other Institutions or UW-Madison1
With program approval, up to 7 credits from UW–Madison numbered 400 or above can transfer toward the minimum graduate degree credit requirement. Up to 7 credits of E C E courses numbered 700 or above can transfer toward the minimum graduate coursework (50%) requirement. No credits can be counted toward the minimum graduate residence credit requirement.
With program approval, students may transfer up to 7 credits of undergraduate coursework from a bachelor of science degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, or Computer Science from an ABET-accredited program at other institutions (not UW–Madison) toward fulfillment of minimum degree requirements.
Courses numbered 300 or above may be counted towards the minimum graduate degree credit requirement and courses numbered 700 or above may be counted towards the minimum graduate coursework (50%) requirement. No credits from other institutions can be counted toward the minimum graduate residence credit requirement. Coursework earned ten or more years prior to admission to a master’s degree is not allowed to satisfy requirements.
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- The department also accepts undergraduate credit from non-UW ABET-accredited institutions. See policy language above for details.
Credits Earned as a Professional Student at UW-Madison (Law, Medicine, Pharmacy, and Veterinary careers)
Refer to the Graduate School: Transfer Credits for Prior Coursework policy.
Credits Earned as a University Special Student at UW–Madison
With program approval, students are allowed to transfer up to 9 credits of coursework numbered 400 or above taken as a UW–Madison University Special student minimum credit requirement. Courses numbered 700 or above or are taken to meet the requirements of a capstone certificate and has the “Grad 50%” attribute count toward the minimum graduate coursework (50%) requirement. Coursework earned ten or more years prior to admission is not allowed to satisfy requirements.
Probation
Refer to the Graduate School: Probation policy.
Advisor / Committee
An academic advisor will be assigned to newly-admitted students. Students who want to pursue research must secure a research advisor who matches their research area and agrees to supervise their research. A research advisor is not guaranteed.
Credits Per Term Allowed
15 credits (most students take 3 credits per term)
Time Limits
Refer to the Graduate School: Time Limits policy.
Grievances and Appeals
These resources may be helpful in addressing your concerns:
- Bias or Hate Reporting
- Graduate Assistantship Policies and Procedures
- Hostile and Intimidating Behavior Policies and Procedures
- Employee Assistance (for personal counseling and workplace consultation around communication and conflict involving graduate assistants and other employees, post-doctoral students, faculty and staff)
- Employee Disability Resource Office (for qualified employees or applicants with disabilities to have equal employment opportunities)
- Graduate School (for informal advice at any level of review and for official appeals of program/departmental or school/college grievance decisions)
- Office of Compliance (for class harassment and discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual violence)
- Office Student Assistance and Support (OSAS) (for all students to seek grievance assistance and support)
- Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards (for conflicts involving students)
- Ombuds Office for Faculty and Staff (for employed graduate students and post-docs, as well as faculty and staff)
- Title IX (for concerns about discrimination)
ECE Grievance Procedures
The ECE Department, College of Engineering, and University of Wisconsin offer multiple avenues to resolve unfair or inappropriate treatment by faculty, staff, or another student. This includes hostile and intimidating research group climate, authorship disputes, unreasonable expectations, and disrespectful behavior. The manner in which the grievance is handled depends on the nature of the issue and specific concerns of the aggrieved student. Graduate Assistants in TA, PA and/or RA appointments may utilize the Graduate Assistantship Policies and Procedures (GAPP) grievance process to resolve employment-related issues. Examples of matters appropriate for the GAPP grievance process include allegations of excessive work hours, violations of sick days or vacation policies, or disputes regarding the assignment of duties.
In some cases the best approach is for the aggrieved student to discuss their concern directly with the person responsible for the objectionable action.
If the student is uncomfortable making direct contact with the other individual or desires a confidential consultation about their concern, they may contact the ECE Associate Chair for Graduate Studies, the ECE Grievance Advisor, or the College of Engineering Assistant Dean for Graduate Affairs. These individuals work to resolve the concern while being sensitive to student confidentiality.
Change of advisor
Students who believe they are in a research environment that fails to meet ECE and College of Engineering standards for climate and culture should contact the ECE Associate Chair for Graduate Studies, the ECE Grievance Advisor, or the College of Engineering Assistant Dean for Graduate Affairs for additional consultation. They will work with the student to explore alternate advising arrangements and ensure continuity of financial support should the student need to leave the research group. Note that immigration status is NOT tied to a specific research advisor.
Formal Written Complaint Process
Issues that are not resolved to the student’s satisfaction may be pursued at the student’s discretion by submitting a written complaint to the ECE Grievance Advisor. The steps described below are based on the Definition and Procedure section of the Graduate Assistantship Policies and Procedures (GAPP) Grievance Procedure.
Step One: The grievant must file a written statement with the ECE Grievance Advisor specifying the grievant’s name, a clear and concise statement of the grievance and the issue(s) involved, the date(s) the incident or violation took place and the specific departmental, college, or university policies involved, and the relief sought. The grievance shall be signed and dated by the grievant(s) and representative (if any).
Within twenty (20) days of receipt of the written grievance, the ECE Grievance Advisor will meet with the grievant and their representative (if chosen) to hear the grievance and will return a written answer to the grievant and their representative (if chosen) no later than ten (10) days after this meeting. This answer will include a copy of the grievance procedure appeal process timeline, a list of resources and relevant contact information for future steps.
Step Two: If the decision in Step One is not accepted by the grievant, the grievant shall have 10 days from receipt of the answer in Step One to file an appeal with the College of Engineering Assistant Dean for Graduate Affairs. The Assistant Dean for Graduate Affairs will meet with the grievant and their representative (if chosen) within twenty (20) days from receipt of the appeal of Step One and attempt to resolve the grievance. The Assistant Dean for Graduate Affairs will provide the grievant and their representative (if chosen) with a written response to the grievance no later than ten (10) days after this meeting.
Step Three: If the decision in Step Two is not accepted by the grievant, the grievant shall have 10 days from the receipt of the answer in Step Two to file an appeal with the Graduate School as described in Grievances and Appeals.
Other
Students are strongly discouraged to pursue positions as Project Assistants, Teaching Assistants or Research Assistants during their time in this program. Students in this program will not receive the tuition remission that is typically part of the compensation package for a graduate assistantship.
Professional Development
Graduate School Resources
Take advantage of the Graduate School's professional development resources to build skills, thrive academically, and launch your career.
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Resources
UW–Madison, the College of Engineering, and ECE have an abundance of professional development opportunities for students to take advantage of in order to better prepare themselves for internships and job positions during and following their education. First of all, the ECE Department strongly encourages students to utilize the Graduate School's professional development resources. Engineering Career Services (ECS) hosts multiple career fairs each semester where students can directly interact with prospective employers, schedule interviews, and find internships and full-time jobs. ECS also maintains job listings and hosts a variety of professional development workshops each semester. The ECE Department provides unique opportunities throughout the year for students to attend and participate in various lectures, workshops, and trainings. The ECE Graduate Student Association (GSA) organizes professional development opportunities for fellow students. Students are made aware of events and opportunities via email and other communications.
People
Professors
Susan Hagness (Chair)
Nader Behdad
Daniel Botez
Azadeh Davoodi (Associate Chair for Undergraduate Studies)
John A. Gubner (Associate Chair for Operations)
Hongrui Jiang (Associate Chair for Graduate Studies)
Mikhail Kats
Irena Knezevic (Associate Chair for Academic Affairs)
Bernard Lesieutre
Daniel Ludois (Interim Associate Chair for Graduate Studies, Aug-Dec 2024)
Zhenqiang Ma
Luke J. Mawst
Robert Nowak
Umit Ogras
Parameswaran Ramanathan
Bulent Sarlioglu
William A. Sethares
Daniel van der Weide
Giri Venkataramanan
Amy E. Wendt
Zongfu Yu
Associate Professors
Kassem Fawaz (Associate Chair for Research)
Paul H. Milenkovic
Dimitris Papailiopoulos
Line Roald
Joshua San Miguel
Andreas Velten
Assistant Professors
Joseph Andrews
Jennifer Choy
Grigoris Chrysos
Jeremy Coulson
Dominic Gross
Chirag Gupta
Mahima Gupta
Tsung-Wei Huang
Robert Jacobberger
Akhilesh Jaiswal
Bhuvana Krishnaswamy
Kangwook Lee
Chu Ma
Pedro Morgado
Shubhra Pasayat
Jinia Roy
Manish Singh
Haihan Sun
Eric Tervo
Ramya Korlakai Vinayak
Ying Wang
Feng Ye
Lei Zhou
Teaching Faculty
Mark C. Allie
Eric Hoffman
Joe Krachey
Srdjan Milicic
Associate Teaching Professor
Steven Fredette
Assistant Teaching Professors
Eduardo Arvelo
Setareh Behroozi
Nathan Strachen
See also Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Directory.