Rail education at Michigan Tech combines coursework, field trips, and research projects.
Students can pursue internships, scholarships, and hands-on opportunities.
The Rail Transportation Program (RTP) also values pre-University education. We design
programs to help prepare you for a rail industry career.
Courses
The RTP is multi-disciplinary and open to a wide range of degree programs for undergraduate
students.
Students can either complete a series of courses applicable to the minor in Rail Transportation,
or simply take individual courses. Below, you will find the courses offered by RTP.
Additionally, students may participate in Enterprise projects and rail-centered Senior Design projects.
CEE 3490 - Introduction to Sustainable Rail Transportation
Introduction to topics related to rail transportation and industry. Overview of North American passenger and freight railroads in the past and today, concentrating on aspects and developments highlighting railroads as the sustainable mode of transportation.
- Credits:
1.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-1-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Spring
- Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
CEE 4404 - Railroad Engineering
Rail transportation systems require infrastructure, vehicles, motive power and energy, and control systems to move goods and people. This multi-disciplinary course provides students with understanding of these system components and related engineering and technology enabling efficient operation of today's system.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall
- Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
CEE 4407 - Transportation Design
Introduction to computer aided geometric design of highways and railways. Covers design principles and use of standards for horizontal and vertical alignments and cross sections, including road intersections, railway turnouts and grade crossings. Students develop engineering drawings and related cost estimates for road/rail project.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-2)
- Semesters Offered:
Spring
- Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
- Pre-Requisite(s): CEE 3401 and SU 2000
OSM 4700 - Logistics and Transportation Management
Focuses on the transportation and distribution services that support demand fulfillment from the receipt of customer orders to order fulfillment. Topics include customer service, order fulfillment, inventory, transportation costs and modes, facility design and operation, carrier selection, and negotiation.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Spring
- Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
- Pre-Requisite(s): (MA 2710 or MA 2720 or MA 3710 or CE 3710 or CEE 3710) and (MA 1135 or MA 1160 or MA 1161 or MA 1121)
Minor in Rail Transportation
Become an effective specialist or leader in the railroad industry.
Learn more about the Rail Transportation minor curriculum.
Rail Industry Scholarships
The railroad industry offers opportunities across the spectrum of disciplines.
Learn more about Michigan Tech RTP scholarships and industry scholarships.
Careers
RTP works with industry companies to build summer internships and co-op positions.
Youth and Pre-University Programs
Summer Youth Program: Tracks to the Future—Rail and Intermodal Transportation
This summer event is open to high school students. Hybrid activities include virtual
classrooms, travel to host Universities, and engaging in activities like field visits
at the host University. Tracks to the Future is supported by the U.S. Department of
Transportation Federal Railroad Administration. Students learn that railroads are
the high-tech and environmentally sensitive transportation mode. Railroads remain
the most energy-efficient mode of transportation. Participants engage with faculty
at Universities from across the country to uncover what forms modern railroad track,
explore equipment from around the globe, and analyze communication and control systems.
Tracks to the Future
