Automotive Systems and Controls Graduate Certificate

Achieve High-Level Skills in Emerging Automotive Technologies

Develop skills in control theory and applications suitable for self-parking systems, automatic cruise control technologies, integrated powertrain control, autonomous vehicles—innovation is driving the mobility revolution.

At Michigan Technological University, the Graduate Certificate in Automotive Systems and Controls equips students and professionals with the advanced skills needed to thrive in the rapidly evolving automotive industry. Students completing this program build deep competencies in controls, systems engineering, and systems integration. With a strong focus on automotive applications, the certificate blends multiple aspects of mechanical and electrical engineering, ensuring graduates are prepared to design, develop, and optimize the technologies that power modern vehicles. From electromechanical components to multi-input/output powertrains, you’ll gain the expertise to meet today’s—and tomorrow’s—engineering challenges.

Hands-on, interdisciplinary learning is at the core of the certificate.

Bring to your career an interdisciplinary perspective on mobility and the dynamic networked systems and functions of vehicles on multiple fronts across roads, water, skies, and unmapped terrain.

You’ll engage with coursework that challenges you to apply engineering design, analysis, and controls to complex systems incorporating numerous embedded technologies. Through projects and simulations, you’ll strengthen your systems integration knowledge—covering requirements, design, technical, safety, and economic analysis for mobility systems. These experiences don’t just reinforce classroom theory; they mirror the real-world decision-making engineers face in the automotive field every day.

The certificate also enhances your interdisciplinary skills, giving you the tools to approach mobility challenges from multiple perspectives. You’ll deepen your understanding of how systems interact, adapt, and integrate, preparing you to contribute to innovations in electric vehicles, autonomous systems, and advanced powertrains. By graduation, you’ll demonstrate a mastery of systems engineering and controls from a holistic, interdisciplinary lens—ready to make an impact in the broader world of mobility.

Connect With Industry

Michigan Tech’s longstanding industry partnerships, including support from leading OEMs, ensure the program remains aligned with workforce needs. Employers are looking for engineers who can navigate the complexities of electro-mechanical integration, and this certificate was built to answer that call. Whether you’re a current graduate student aiming to expand your expertise or a professional engineer looking to advance your career, the Automotive Systems and Controls Certificate positions you for success in a competitive and rapidly transforming field.

Admissions

Who qualifies for the program?

Degree-seeking students enrolled in the Graduate School at Michigan Technological University, and non-degree-seeking Michigan Tech students, including working engineers, may enroll in the certificate program if they meet these requirements:

An undergraduate degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a closely related field in a STEM discipline
A working understanding of control theory equivalent to that gained in EE 3261 or ME 4775
Competency in computer programming and simulation tools (for example, MATLAB)

Requirements

The curriculum is designed for both degree-seeking graduate students and working professionals looking to upskill or pivot within the mobility sector. Delivered in flexible formats, the program is available on-campus in Michigan’s cutting-edge engineering environment or online to accommodate working professionals across the country. With a minimum of 15 required credits, the certificate emphasizes both breadth and depth—allowing students to tailor their experience while mastering essential systems and controls concepts. You’ll emerge with the advanced technical knowledge and practical problem-solving skills employers demand.

By completing this certificate, you’ll not only sharpen your technical knowledge but also prove your readiness to lead in the automotive industry. With Michigan Tech’s rigorous standards—requiring a grade of B or higher in each course—you’ll graduate with a credential that demonstrates excellence, discipline, and mastery. This program is more than a set of courses; it’s a career catalyst, designed to help you drive innovation and shape the future of mobility.

Overview

Students take a minimum 15 credits of coursework, including the required 9 credits of core courses and 6 credits of approved electives. Because this is an interdisciplinary graduate-level certificate, a maximum 6 credits can be earned at the 4000 level.
No more than one third of the certificate course credits may be transferred from another institution, provided they were not applied toward a degree.
Students must earn a grade B or higher in each course counting toward the certificate.
Credits earned for this certificate may also be applied toward a single graduate degree at Michigan Technological University.

Required Coursework (A) 6 credits

EE 5811 - Automotive Systems

Automotive systems for light duty vehicles are examined from the perspectives of requirements, design, technical, and economic analysis for advanced mobility needs. This course links the content for the automotive systems graduate certificate in controls, powertrain, vehicle dynamics, connected and autonomous vehicles.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate; Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Automotive Systems & Controls, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineer

EE 5812 - Automotive Control Systems

Introduction to automotive control systems. Modeling and control methods are presented for: air-fuel ratio, transient fuel, spark timing, idle speed, transmission, cruise speed, anti-lock brakes, traction, active suspension systems, and hybrid electric vehicles, Advanced control methodologies are introduced for appropriate applications.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate; Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Electrical & Computer Engineer, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering
Pre-Requisite(s): EE 3261 or MEEM 4775 or ME 4775

Required Coursework (B) 3 credits - one of the following:

ME 4220 - Internal Combustion Engines I

This course teaches the operational principles of spark-ignition and compression-ignition internal combustion engines through the application of thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and heat transfer. Course studies engine performance, efficiency, and emissions using cycle-based analysis, combustion thermochemistry, and compressible fluid flow.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 3201 or ME 3201

EE 4219 - Introduction to Electric Machinery and Drives

Provides a thorough understanding of how electric machines can be used to drive loads with control of speed, torque and position. Topics include basic electro-mechanics, rotating machinery, dc machines, ac machines, power electronics and load modeling. Applications include industrial systems, hybrid/electric vehicles and electric power systems.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Pre-Requisite(s): (EE 2112 or EE 3010) and EE 3120

ME 4450 - Vehicle Dynamics

This course will develop the models and techniques needed to predict the performance of a road vehicle during drive off, braking, ride, and steering maneuvers. Topics to be covered include: acceleration and braking performance, power train architecture, vehicle handling, suspension modeling, tire models, and steering control. Matlab, Adams Car, and Amesim, will be used as computational tools.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following College(s): College of Engineering; Must be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Junior, Senior
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 3400 or ME 3400 or EE 3261

Elective Coursework (C) - 6 Credits

Undergraduate Courses: (Only one course can be taken from this list. Only 3 credits will apply)

EE 4219 - Introduction to Electric Machinery and Drives

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Pre-Requisite(s): (EE 2112 or EE 3010) and EE 3120

ME 4220 - Internal Combustion Engines I

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 3201 or ME 3201

EE 4252 - Digital Signal Processing and its Applications

Digital signal processing techniques with emphasis on applications. Includes sampling, the Z-transform, digital filters and discrete Fourier transforms. Emphasizes techniques for design and analysis of digital filters. Special topics may include the FFT, windowing techniques, quantization effects, physical limitations, image processing basics, image enhancement, image restoration and image coding.

Credits: 4.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-2)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Pre-Requisite(s): EE 3160

EE 4253 - Real Time Signal Processing

Practical implementation of digital signal processing concepts as developed in EE4252. Emphasis on applications of DSP to communications, filter design, speech processing, and radar. Laboratory provides practical experience in the design and implementation of DSP solutions.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-2)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Pre-Requisite(s): EE 4252

EE 4272 - Computer Networks

Computer network architectures and protocols; design and implementation of datalink, network, and transport layer functions. Introduction to the Internet protocol suite (TCP, UDP, IP), domain name service and protocols, file sharing protocols, wireless networks, and network security.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
Pre-Requisite(s): CS 3411

EE 4227 - Power Electronics

Fundamentals of circuits for electrical energy processing. Covers switching converter principles for dc-dc, ac-dc, and dc-ac power conversion. Other topics include harmonics, pulse-width modulation, feedback control, magnetic components and power semiconductors.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Summer
Pre-Requisite(s): EE 3120 and (EE 3130(C) or EE 3131)

EE 4296 - Experimental Studies in Vehicle Electrification

Hands-on course on vehicle electrification. Covers propulsion architecture, vehicle and component testing, fuel consumption, aerodynamics, rolling resistance, engines, batteries, electric machines, and power electronics. Emphasis on system interactions, powertrain modes, and regenerative braking for efficiency.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-2-2)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following College(s): College of Engineering; May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore, Junior

ME 4450 - Vehicle Dynamics

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following College(s): College of Engineering; Must be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Junior, Senior
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 3400 or ME 3400 or EE 3261

Graduate Courses (at least 3 credits from this list)

EE 5227 - Advanced Power Electronics

Advanced topics of circuits for electrical energy processing. Covers switching converter principles for dc-dc, ac-dc, and dc-ac power conversion. Other topics include harmonics, pulse-width modulation, classical feedback control, nonlinear control, magnetic components, power semiconductors, and digital simulation.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, in even years
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
Pre-Requisite(s): EE 4227

EE 5461 - Mobile Networks

This course will explore the Mobile network issues including routing and mobility management strategies in ad hoc networks, sensor networks, and personal area networks such as Bluetooth.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring, Summer
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore, Junior
Pre-Requisite(s): EE 4272 or CS 4461

EE 5726 - Wireless Sensor Networks

Building blocks of wireless sensor networks, sensor node design, wireless communications, network protocols, data storage and retrieval, sensor localization and clock synchronization. Example application areas: robotics, autonomous vehicles and networks, power engineering, smart-grid, environment monitoring, and disaster relief.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: On Demand
Pre-Requisite(s): (CS 4461 or EE 4272 or EE 5722) and (EE 3170 or EE 3173) and (CS 1129 or CS 2141)

EE 5841 - Machine Learning

This course will explore the foundational techniques of machine learning. Topics are pulled from the areas of unsupervised and supervised learning. Specific methods covered include naive Bayes, decision trees, support vector machine (SVMs), ensemble, and clustering methods.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Restrictions: Permission of instructor required; May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore, Junior

EE 5900 - Special Topics in Electrical Engineering

Special topics in electrical engineering selected by the student and approved by his/her advisor and the faculty member who will approve the study.

Credits: variable to 5.0; May be repeated
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate; Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Electrical & Computer Engineer, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering

EE 5275 - Energy Storage Systems

Designing energy storage solutions for grid, vehicle and portable/autonomous systems. Quantitative and qualitative analysis of energy storage aging, cost, and performance improvement.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring

ME 5715 - Linear Systems Theory and Design

Overview of linear algebra, modern control; state-based design of linear systems, observability, controllability, pole placement, observer design, stability theory of linear time-varying systems, Lyapunov stability, optimal control, linear quadratic regulator, Kalman filter,

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate; Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Mechanical Eng-Eng Mechanics, Mechanical Engineering
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 3750 or ME 3750 or EE 3261

EE 5295 - Advanced Propulsion Systems for Hybrid Electric Drive Vehicles

Hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) will be studied and simulated using advanced powertrain component analysis and modeling. An in-depth analysis and study of power flows, losses, and energy usage are examined for isolated powertrain components and HEV configurations. Simulation tools will be developed and applied to specify powertrain and vehicle components and to develop control and calibration for a constrained optimization to vehicle technical specifications.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate; Must be enrolled in one of the following College(s): College of Engineering
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 4295 or ME 4295 or EE 4295

EE 5296 - Powertrain Integration for Vehicle Electrification

Lab-based, hands-on course examining propulsion integration for vehicle electrification. Covers requirements, vehicle development process, component specification, thermal management, controls, safety, and calibration. Course project on optimizing electrified vehicle performance through modeling and experimentation.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-2-2)
Semesters Offered: Spring, Summer
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate; Must be enrolled in one of the following College(s): College of Engineering
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 4296(C) or EE 4296(C)

EE 5750 - Model-Based Embedded Control System Design

This course introduces embedded control system design using a model-based approach. Course topics include model-based embedded control system design, discrete-event control, sensors, actuators, electronic control unit, digital controller design, and communication protocols. Prior knowledge of hybrid electric vehicles is highly recommended.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-2-2)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate; Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Electrical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineer
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 4700 or ME 4700 or MEEM 4775 or ME 4775 or EE 3261 or EE 4261

ME 5290 - Principles of Energy Conversion

Introduces fundamentals of energy conversion and storage. Topics include fossil and nuclear fuels, thermodynamic power cycles, solar energy, photovoltaics, and energy storage. Students will apply energy economics and complete semester-long project.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate; Must be enrolled in one of the following College(s): College of Engineering

ME 5440 - Advanced Vehicle Dynamics

This course will develop advanced nonlinear models to predict vehicle dynamic response of road vehicles by means of Matlab Simulink environment. Topics covered by this course include advanced tire modeling, powertrain modeling, lateral dynamics and vertical dynamics.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Summer
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate; Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Mechanical Eng-Eng Mechanics, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering

ME 5670 - Experimental Design in Engineering

Review of basic statistical concepts. Models for testing significance of one or many factors. Reducing experimental effort by incomplete blocks, and Latin squares. Factorial and fractional factorial designs. Response surface analysis for optimal response.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Summer
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following College(s): College of Engineering
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 4901(C) or ME 4901(C) or ENT 4950(C) or Graduate Status >= 1

ME 5250 - Internal Combustion Engines II

Examination of current technology SI and diesel engines through the study of actuators, in-cylinder processes, cylinder pressure analysis, and cycle simulation. Additional topics of interest based on student input.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring, in odd years
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate; Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Mechanical Eng-Eng Mechanics, Mechanical Engineering
Pre-Requisite(s): (MEEM 4220 or ME 4220) and (MEEM 4201(C) or ME 4201(C) or MEEM 5212(C))

ME 5255 - Advanced Powertrain Instrumentation and Experimental Methods

Experimentation and testing of engines and propulsion systems through instruction and structured labs. Study and application of data acquisition systems. Investigation of transducers, calibration, signal conditioning, and noise for combustion, power, performance, efficiency, and emissions.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-2-2)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore, Junior
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 4220(C) or ME 4220(C)

ME 5700 - Dynamic Measurement/Signal Analysis

Assessment of measurement system requirements: transducers, conditioners, and displays of dynamic measurands. Time-, frequency-, probabilistic-, and correlative-domain approaches to dynamic signal analysis: sampled data, discrete Fourier transforms, digital filtering, estimation errors, system identification, calibration, recording. Introduction to wavelet analysis. All concepts reinforced in laboratory and simulation exercises.

Credits: 4.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-3)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Summer
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following College(s): College of Engineering, College of Computing
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 4901(C) or ME 4901(C) or ENT 4950(C) or Graduate Status >= 1

ME 5220 - Fuel Cell Technology

Fuel cell basics, operation principles and advanced performance analysis. Emphasis on component materials and two-phase transport phenomena on proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Hydrogen production, transportation, and storage. Balance of plant and systems analysis.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate; Must be enrolled in one of the following College(s): College of Engineering

EE 5455 - Cybersecurity of Industrial Control Systems

General introduction to cybersecurity of industrial control systems and critical infrastructures. Topics include NIST and DHS publications, threat analysis, vulnerability analysis, red teaming, intrusion detection systems, industrial networks, industrial malware, and selected case studies.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: On Demand
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate; Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Electrical & Computer Engineer, Cybersecurity, Mechatronics, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering

EE 5900 - Special Topics in Electrical Engineering

Special topics in electrical engineering selected by the student and approved by his/her advisor and the faculty member who will approve the study.

Credits: variable to 5.0; May be repeated
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate; Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Electrical & Computer Engineer, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering

ME 5201 - Principles of SI Engine Operations

SI engines are examined through labs, lectures, and dynamometer testing. Focus on applied aspects; performance metrics, thermochemistry, combustion, fuel and air systems, variable valve actuation, and turbocharging. Covers advanced cycles like Miller/Atkinson and prechamber concepts.

Credits: 1.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-2)
Semesters Offered: Summer, in odd years
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following College(s): College of Engineering
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 4901(C) or ME 4901(C) or ENT 4950(C) or Graduate Status >= 1

ME 5202 - Principles of Diesel Engine Operations

Diesel engine operation through lectures, labs, and dynamometer testing are studied. Topics include performance metrics, thermochemistry, combustion, fuel injection, air handling, EGR, and aftertreatment. it also addresses the impact of emissions standards on engine design.

Credits: 1.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-2)
Semesters Offered: Summer, in even years
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following College(s): College of Engineering
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 4901(C) or ME 4901(C) or ENT 4950(C) or Graduate Status >= 1

ME 5203 - SI Engine Control & Calibration

Spark-ignition engine control and calibration are examined through lectures, labs, and hands-on activities. Examines sensors, actuators, torque, and combustion management. Covers combustion phasing, lambda, valve timing, knock, emissions control, calibration, and OBD.

Credits: 1.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-2)
Semesters Offered: Summer, in odd years
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following College(s): College of Engineering
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 4901(C) or ME 4901(C) or ENT 4950(C) or Graduate Status >= 1

ME 5204 - Diesel Engine Control & Calibration

Diesel engine control and calibration are examined through lectures, labs, and hands-on activities. Examines sensors, actuators, torque, combustion, and emissions management. Fuel injection control and air/EGR charge management and their impact on load, combustion, and emissions.

Credits: 1.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-2)
Semesters Offered: Summer, in even years
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following College(s): College of Engineering
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 4901(C) or ME 4901(C) or ENT 4950(C) or Graduate Status >= 1

SU 5010 - Geospatial Concepts, Technologies, and Data

High-level review of geospatial data acquisition systems, sensors and associated processing technologies. Course considers geospatial metadata generation principles, interoperability, and major tools for manipulation with geospatial data. Course may help in transition of non-geospatial majors to geospatial field.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Integrated Geospatial Tech, Surveying Engineering, Geospatial Engineering

Online Delivery

All the core required courses and many of the approved elective courses are / will be offered online. This allows off-campus students to fully complete the Graduate Certificate in Automotive Systems and Controls online.

Online Learning

Typical Schedule

It is anticipated that degree-seeking students will take at a minimum one course each semester toward the certificate, since certificate credits can be counted towards a degree. It is expected that students will take additional courses each semester so that the certificate is completed within 3-4 semesters. It is also anticipated that the majority of non-degree seeking students will be online students who will take one course each semester toward the certificate, hence it is expected that these students will complete the certificate in 5-6 semesters.

Achieve High-Level Skills in Emerging Automotive Technologies

Hands-on, interdisciplinary learning is at the core of the certificate.

Connect With Industry

Admissions

Who qualifies for the program?

Requirements

Overview

Required Coursework (A) 6 credits

Required Coursework (B) 3 credits - one of the following:

Elective Coursework (C) - 6 Credits

Undergraduate Courses: (Only one course can be taken from this list. Only 3 credits will apply)

Graduate Courses (at least 3 credits from this list)

Online Delivery

Typical Schedule

Application Process and Admissions Requirements

Program Specific

Admissions Decisions

Prospective Students

Current Graduate Students

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