Strengthen your ability to design and control modern electric drives, power electronics, and power systems.
UW–Madison’s online Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering: Power Engineering is designed for practicing engineers seeking advanced expertise in electric drives, power electronics, and control systems. Courses are flexible and fully online, so you can deepen your technical skills while continuing full-time professional work.
| Degree awarded | Master of Science in Electrical & Computer Engineering |
| Credits | 30 graduate credits |
| Format | 100% Online, part-time friendly |
| Duration | 2-4 Years (part-time) |
| Tuition | $1,600/credit |
| Start | Fall / Spring |
| Application Deadlines | Spring: November 1 Fall: July 1 |
Is This Program Right for You?
Advance your expertise in electric drives, power electronics, and control systems through a rigorous, application-focused curriculum built by engineering experts. You’ll also explore emerging areas like utility-scale power electronics and computational methods for engineering. This flexible online degree supports your goals on a schedule that fits your life, whether you’re working, raising a family, or both.
- Participate in an interactive online learning experience designed for busy professionals
- Network with peers, faculty, and industry professionals to extend learning beyond the classroom
- Tailor your coursework with electives in areas like advanced controls, automation, and engineering leadership
- Learn from expert faculty at WEMPEC, a world-renowned research group in electric machines and power electronics
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
Enhance your
AI skills
with an optional 9-credit graduate certificate in Artificial Intelligence for Engineering Data Analytics, available as part of your 30-credit program (no extra coursework needed).
Student Experience
Gain a strong foundation in both theory and practice as you explore topics like electric drives, power electronics, and advanced control systems. Learn to design and analyze modern power systems — and apply that knowledge to solve today’s automation and energy challenges.
- Power electronic circuit design
- Electric machine and drive control
- Power system analysis and control
- Utility applications of power electronics
- Automation and motion control
- System modeling and simulation
- Applying theory to real-world challenges
Curriculum and Requirements
Of the 30 credits required, a minimum of 21 credits must be Electrical and Computer Engineering (E C E) courses numbered 400 and above. Of those 21 credits, at least 15 must come from the Power Engineering Course Options below, including at least 3 credits from courses numbered 500-599, and 6 credits from courses numbered 700 or above.
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.
UW–Madison and Wisconsin Electric Machines and Power Electronics Consortium (WEMPEC) faculty have established a comprehensive curriculum in the electrical machines and power electronics field that serves students at the university, as well as engineers already established in the industry.
Many courses in the Master of Science: Electrical and Computer Engineering program are taught by distinguished faculty from WEMPEC and UW–Madison’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, which is recognized for excellence in research, instruction and service to the profession.
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Core Courses
- ECE 411 – Introduction to Electric Drive Systems
- ECE 412 – Power Electronic Circuits
- ECE 427 – Electric Power Systems
- ECE/ME 441 – Kinematics, Dynamics, and Control of Robotic Manipulators
- ECE 504 – Electric Machine and Drive System Laboratory
- ECE 511 – Theory and Control of Synchronous Machine
- ECE 512 – Power Electronics Laboratory
- ECE/COMPSCI/ME 532 – Matrix Methods in Machine Learning
- ECE 711 – Dynamics and Control of AC Drives
- ECE 712 – Solid State Power Conversion
- ECE 713 – Electromagnetic Design of AC Machines
- ECE 714 – Utility Application of Power Electronics
- ECE/COMP SCI/EMA/EP/ME 759 – High Performance Computing for Applications in Engineering
- ECE 901 – Special Topics in Electrical and Computer Engineering
- ME 446 – Automatic Controls
- ME 447 – Computer Control of Machines and Processes
- ME 746 – Dynamics of Controlled Systems
or ECE/ME 732 – Dynamics of Controlled Systems - ME 747 – Advanced Computer Control of Machines and Processes
or ECE/ME 733 – Advanced Computer Control of Machines and Processes
Research and Independent Study Courses
Students in the Course Path may complete a maximum of 3 credits each of the following courses:
Students in the Thesis or Project Path must complete a minimum of 3 credits of the following:
No more than 9 credits from any of the following combination:
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 foor 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
- Personal statement
- Transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation
For complete application details visit UW–Madison’s Guide
Application Deadlines by Term:
| Fall 2026 | July 1, 2026 |
| Spring 2027 | November 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.
Watch anytime on YouTube:
Program Overview: Electrical & Computer Engineering
Academic Program Director Steve Fredette joins Graduate Student Advisor Libby Miller to discuss the Electrical & Computer Power Engineering master’s degree and Power Conversion & Control capstone certificate.
Faculty and Staff
FAQ
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Q: Is the program fully online?
A: Yes. The MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering is 100% online and designed for working professionals.
Q: How long does it take to complete?
A: Most students finish in about two to four years 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: Will my diploma indicate that the degree was completed online?
A: No. The diploma awarded is a UW–Madison graduate degree and does not reference online delivery. Courses are taught and assessed under the same academic standards used across UW–Madison graduate programs. The mode of instruction does not change the credential earned.
Q: How do I apply?
A: Submit your application through the Graduate School. See Admissions for details or click here.
Ready to lead with confidence? Advance your career with UW–Madison’s online MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering.
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