Coursework and Curriculum
Certificates
Power electronics is a key enabling technology in essentially all electronic systems and is increasingly important in the grid interface of renewable energy sources and in efficient electrical loads. The necessity for power electronics technology in these rapidly expanding areas creates an increasing need for design engineers equipped with knowledge and skills to actively participate in multidisciplinary teams.
Our Professional Master's Program offers an MS degree through the Department of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering. Through flexible core course options and electives, students enrolled in this program pursue a 30-credit hour MS degree. A 9-credit hour professional certificate is also available.
Most of the Power Electronics courses offer distance-learning options through the Graduate School.
Electric Drivetrain Technology
The University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) and the University of Colorado Boulder (CU-Boulder) jointly offer a Graduate Certificate in Electric Drivetrain Technology to qualified students. The program has been designed to provide professionals involved in power electronics, battery controls, and/or automotive industries the capability and motivation to continue with post-graduate education. These potential students may not wish to pursue an in-depth rigorous Master of Science program at this time but nonetheless desire to increase their professional capability and enhance career advancement opportunities.
The graduate certificate comprises four courses: two each at UCCS and CU-Boulder, as indicated in the graphic. These courses cover the most important topics in battery modeling and battery management systems (BMS), motor drive, and vehicle power electronics for applications including hybrid, plug-in hybrid, extended-range, and battery electric vehicles. The student applies to either campus to be admitted into the graduate certificate program. Upon admission, the student then registers as an "unclassified student" on both campuses to take the courses. Upon satisfactory completion of the course requirements, the student is issued the graduate certificate. Note that the certificates received by students who apply to UCCS are identical to those received by students who apply to CU-Boulder.