Railway
Engineering at Michigan Tech University
Background:
In January 2003, Michigan Tech started the development of railway engineering education. The vision for the program was to:
- Introduce
Railway Engineering to curriculum
- Raise level of interest in railroad engineering and encourage
students to consider careers in railway industry
- Prepare
students to global engineering and transportation environment
by increasing their awareness to different cultures and nationalities
The first step was the development of an International
Summer Program in Railway Engineering to Finland which offered
first time during Summer 2004. The program is entering its 4th year
and has been successfully completed by 39 participants from several different disciplines at Michigan Tech and other universities.
Several participants have continued their involvement in railway
engineering through Railroad
Engineering and Activities Club (REAC) which was established
by Tech's students from several disciplines in September, 2005.
REAC's objectives are to:
- Raise awareness and interest in railroad engineering.
- Educate the student body about the opportunities and benefits
of a career in railroading.
- Organize
and participate in events that increase the visibility of railroad
industry on campus and among general public.
- Help
students make connections with the industry.
In August 2006, the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering launched a Rail Transportation Initiative (PDF). The goal of this on-going initiative is explore opportunities to elevate Tech rail activities to next level and to make railway engineering education a permanent part of the university curriculum.
Opportunities:
If you are a current or prospective university student interested
in railways or railway engineering, you are out at the right
time. Railroads say “You’re
Hired!” estimates that railroads will hire
more than 80,000 new employees over the next six years and 140,000
will be needed over the next ten years.
Michigan Tech offers a unique railway engineering
program that has close ties and extensive cooperation with rail
industry. Railroad companies provide guest lectures and materials,
host the field visits and are actively recruiting program participants
for internship and full-time positions.
For the past two years, almost 50% of the Summer
in Finland program participants have secured an internship
with the industry for the remainder of the summer and many recent
graduates from several disciplines have selected railways as their
choice for post-graduate career.
In addition to working proactively with Tech to secure more internship
and co-op positions, railway industry supports the program through scholarships and
other sponsorship. Michigan Tech interacts continuously with its
industry partners to develop the program into the next level and
to establish it as a permanent component of Tech curriculum for
all students interested in railway engineering. Railroads are
an important part of North American rail transportation and we
are proud to be part of the process to educate the next generation
of Railway Engineers.
Contact
Information
If
you are interested in railways, railway engineering or rail opportunities
at Tech, please contact Pasi Lautala (906-487-3547, (ptlautal@mtu.edu)
or Dr. Bill Sproule (906- 487-2568, wsproule@mtu.edu)
For additional study abroad program information or to sign up, visit
the Center for International Education or call them at 906-487-2160.
Michigan
Technological University
Center for International Education
131 Administration Building
1400 Townsend Drive
Houghton, MI 49931-1295 |
