Why Railway Engineering Graduate Study?
As the railroad industry undergoes unprecedented growth and modernization, its workforce ages rapidly and rail companies scamper to fill positions, particularly in engineering and related technical fields. All major railroad companies and companies that serve the railroad industry are recruiting college students and recent graduates who often have no railroad engineering education or background because of the lack of railroad engineering academic programs in the USA.
Our graduate-level Railway Engineering Certificate program, offered through the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, better prepares graduates for successful careers in the rail industry and gives them a competitive edge in the hiring process. The curriculum was developed based on rail industry feedback related to sought-after skills and qualifications of new hires.
The 12-credit hour requirements of the certificate program may be fulfilled through online courses, allowing traditional students as well as working professionals to enroll. The program is designed to serve the following groups:
- junior engineers already in the industry
- undergraduate senior students in engineering or related fields
- any level engineers interested in joining the railroad industry
- any level engineers seeking professional development through continuing education
Program of Study
The graduate Certificate in Railway Engineering consists of a minimum of four (12 credit hours) core and elective courses. Students take one core course, two railway engineering elective courses, and one related engineering or technical elective courses. Railway engineering courses include the following topics:
- Railway Infrastructure Planning and Design
- Railway Operations and Logistics
- Design of Railroad Bridges and Other Structures
- Dynamics of Railway Systems
- Capstone Design Rail Project
Visit the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering for more information about the faculty and research opportunities in railway engineering.
Visit Graduate Handbooks and Curricula for additional detail.
Graduate Admissions
All applications must be submitted to the Graduate School of the University of South Carolina. Admissions is competitive. Admission decisions are based on the quality of the applicant's previous university-level academic work, letters of recommendation, GRE scores, and other evidence of past accomplishments.
Applicants should hold a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in engineering or be within 36 credit hours from completion of the degree requirements from an accredited U.S. institution or an approved international institution.
Additional Admissions Information:
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 for the last 60 credit hours in a B.S. program is required for applicants who hold a B.S. degree.
- A current GPA of 3.0 is required for all applicants who are within 36 credit hours from completion of the B.S. degree.
- In lieu of GPA requirements applicants may provide documented significant work experience in a related field.
- Applicants with other degrees and academic attainment are eligible to apply. The applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis, based on work experience.