Railroad Engineering

Get involved - Students

Why?

Rail transportation has been called by many entities the transportation of the 21st century due to its reputation as efficient and environmentally friendly mode of transportation. U.S has the largest and most efficient freight rail system in the world and passenger rail is making a comeback after its downfall in the earlier 20th century. Involvement in Rail Transportation Program (RTP) gives students an opportunity to learn about the rail transportation industry and prepares them as excellent candidates for employment in the field with ample opportunities due to strong demand and increased retirement rates of current professionals.

RTP awards also several scholarships per year for students interested in rail transportation. In 2008, Tech students received $27,500 in scholarships from Michigan Tech partners, alumni and AREMA.

How to get involved?

Interested students can get involved in rail transportation as soon as they start their studies at Michigan Tech.

See the Chart below that outlines the opportunities for students as they progress through their university studies. The current activities and how they distribute between the years at Tech are presented in the figure below.

Industry / Alumni / Friends

Rail Transportation Program at Michigan Tech thrives to be a true partnership between the university and rail industry / professionals. The Program is continuously looking for opportunities for increased interaction with industry and for expanding its resources and capabilities on-campus. Opportunities for industry companies and individuals to participate in the development of the Program include:

Industry Partners. There are several alternatives for rail industry companies to become a partner for the Rail Transportation Program. For more information on partnerships and for current partners, click here.

Individual donations.

1. Individual donations are accepted and will be utilized to assist in the development of the various aspects necessary to build a successful Rail Transportation Program at Michigan Tech. Some of the highest priorities are to secure and renovate space for involved faculty and students to work on rail related projects, to obtain rail related material and equipment, and to fund opportunities for interactions with industry, such as REAC field trips.
2. Since 2007, several Michigan Tech Alumni has donated funds toward Michigan Tech Alumni AREMA scholarships. This is an excellent way to assist and encourage students to get involved in rail activities.
3. RTP is always looking for opportunities for field visits, guest speakers or equipment related to rail related topics.

If you are interested in contributing to the development of Rail Transportation Program, please contact the Program Director.

Rail Transportation Program
Michigan Technological University
1400 Townsend Drive
Houghton, Michigan, 49931 - 1295, USA
Phone: 1-906-487-3547
Fax: 1-906-487-2943
E-mail: rail@mtu.edu