Develop applied skills in power electronics, drives, and control of electric energy systems.
UW–Madison’s online Capstone Certificate in Power Conversion and Control is designed for engineers who work with power devices, converters, motor drives, or control systems. Courses are fully online and structured to support professionals seeking deeper technical knowledge without pursuing a full graduate degree.
| Certificate awarded | Capstone Certificate in Power Conversion and Control |
| Credits | 9 graduate credits |
| Format | 100% Online, part-time friendly |
| Duration | 9-12 months (part-time) |
| Tuition | $1,600/credit |
| Start | Fall / Spring / Summer |
| Application Deadlines | Spring: December 1 Summer: June 1 Fall: August 1 |
Is This Program Right for You?
The Capstone Certificate in Power Conversion and Control is ideal for practicing engineers who want to deepen their expertise in power electronics, motor drives, and control systems. Delivered in a flexible, interactive online format, this program builds practical skills and can serve as a pathway to a master’s in electrical power engineering.
- Advance your knowledge of power electronics, drives, and control systems
- Learn from experienced faculty in UW–Madison’s industry-connected WEMPEC group
- Complete 9 credits in one year through a fully online, flexible capstone certificate
- Apply credits toward the Electrical & Computer Engineering: Power MS degree
Online by Design
Our courses blend recorded instructor materials, applied activities, and structured opportunities for interaction. This intentional design supports strong engagement, clear guidance, and meaningful results.
Why This Program?
26 years
of delivering interactive online education, reflecting deep experience designing high-quality online programs for working professionals.
#9 graduate ranking
among U.S. public universities
U.S. News & World Report, 2024
Student Experience
Master key concepts in power conversion, electric drives, and system controls. Courses build hands-on skills for analyzing circuits, improving performance, and solving applied challenges in electrical power engineering.
- Principles of power electronic circuits
- Design and control of electric drive systems
- Solid-state power conversion
- Feedback and dynamic system control
- AC and DC motor control
- Control system modeling and analysis
- Foundations of electrical power systems
Curriculum and Requirements
The capstone certificate in Power Conversion and Control is a nine-credit program that is designed to be completed in three consecutive terms of three credits each, with one course per term.
Live course web sessions are scheduled in the evening to accommodate working professionals. All other weekly assignments can be completed on days and times of your choice. Plan for roughly 3 to 4 hours of work per credit each week. For a 3-credit course, this usually means 9 to 12 hours, depending on the course and your professional background.
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Choose 9 credits from the following courses:
- ECE 411 – Introduction to Electric Drive Systems
- ECE 412 – Power Electronic Circuits
- ECE 427 – Electric Power Systems
- ECE 504 – Electric Machine & Drive System Laboratory
- ECE 511 – Theory and Control of Synchronous Machines
- ECE 512 – Power Electronics Laboratory
- ECE 711 – Dynamics and Control of AC Drives
- ECE 712 – Solid State Power Conversion
- ECE/ME 732 – Dynamics of Controlled Systems
- ME 446 – Introduction to Feedback Control
Tuition and Financial Aid
$1,600 per credit payable at the beginning of each semester. Students are billed for courses in which they are enrolled each term. There is no lump sum payment plan.
Tuition includes:
- Technology costs for internet course delivery
- Live web-conferencing
- Toll-free telephone line for the audio portion of conference calls
- Library use
- Use of the web-conferencing software for group project work for program courses
See Tuition & Cost for more information.
Employer Support
Many students receive some financial support from their employers. Often, students find it beneficial to sit down with their employer and discuss how this program applies to their current and future responsibilities. Other key points to discuss include how participation will not interrupt your work schedule.
Federal Loans
Students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents are eligible to receive some level of funding through the Federal Direct loan program. These loans are available to qualified graduate students who are taking at least four credits during the fall and spring semesters, and two credits during Summer. Private loans are also available. Learn more about financial aid.
Admissions and Events
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Admission requirements
All applicants must:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from a program accredited by ABET or the equivalent.*
- Have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on the last 60 semester hours of coursework.
- Submit evidence of English language proficiency, if applicable. See the Graduate School Requirements for more information.
- Confirm whether this program meets state licensure requirements where you live. See the National Society of Professional Engineers website for state licensing board information.
Ideal applicants will:
- Have B.S. in Electrical Engineering. For those who do not have a B.S. in Electrical Engineering, see Guide for list of required coursework.
* Applicants who do not hold a degree from an ABET-accredited program may still qualify. You must have:
- A BS in science, technology, or a related field with sufficient coursework and professional experience to demonstrate engineering proficiency OR
- At least 16 credits of college-level math and science coursework
- If you are registered as a professional engineer by examination, include this in your application.
The admissions committee considers exceptions to standard requirements on an individual basis.
Application materials
- Online application
- Resume/CV
- Unofficial transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation
For complete application details visit UW–Madison’s Guide
Application Deadlines by Term:
| Summer 2026 | June 1, 2026 |
| Fall 2026 | August 1, 2026 |
| Spring 2027 | December 1, 2026 |
Online Graduate Programs Overview
Tuesday, January 13, 2026
5-5:30 PM CT
Join program staff for a conversation about our programs, including curriculum, application process and career impact.
Online Graduate Programs Overview
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
12-12:30 PM CT
Join program staff for a conversation about our programs, including curriculum, application process and career impact.
Online Graduate Programs Overview
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
5-5:30 PM CT
Join program staff for a conversation about our programs, including curriculum, application process and career impact.
Program Overview: Electrical & Computer Engineering: Power Engineering MS
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
12-12:30 PM CT
Get more information about the Electrical & Computer Engineering: Power Engineering MS program including curriculum, application process and potential career paths.
Faculty and Staff
FAQ
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Q: Is the program fully online?
A: Yes. The Capstone Certificate in Power Conversion and Control is 100% online and designed for working professionals.
Q: How long does it take to complete?
A: Most students finish in about three to four semesters while working full time.
Q: What is the tuition?
A: Tuition is charged per credit. See Tuition & Fees for more information.
Q: Can I keep working full time?
A: Yes. Courses are designed for part-time study alongside a full-time job.
Q: Do credits apply toward a master’s degree?
A: All credits from this program transfer to the online Power Engineering M.Eng. degree program. Some credits may be eligible to apply toward other UW-Madison online engineering master’s programs; contact the program office for details.
Q: How do I apply?
A: Submit your application through our Professional Degrees & Certificates site. See Admissions for details or click here.
Ready to lead with confidence? Advance your career with UW–Madison’s online Capstone Certificate in Power Conversion and Control.
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