Internal Combustion Engine Systems Certificate

Learn more about engine performance, emissions, and system optimization with a graduate certificate in Internal Combustion Engine Systems. Develop vital skills that give you a leg up in any industry that rely on internal combustion (IC) engines. Our hands-on courses will give you the knowledge and practical experience you need under the mentorship of IC experts.

Course Work Summary

Students will combine classroom learning with a heavy emphasis on practical projects that have real-world applications. Students who wish to enroll in this certificate must have a bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, or software engineering.

Current Students

Required Courses

These courses are required to earn this certificate.

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 5990 - Special Topics

Study of selected subjects related to mechanical engineering or engineering mechanics.

Credits: variable to 4.0; May be repeated
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Restrictions: Permission of department required; Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate

Elective Courses

Choose one of the following courses for an additional 3 credits:

AE 4530 - Compressible Flow

Fundamentals of one-dimensional gas dynamics, including flow in nozzles and diffusers, normal shocks, frictional flows, and flows with heat transfer or energy release; introduction to oblique shocks.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Aerospace Engineering
Pre-Requisite(s): AE 3520 or MEEM 3201 or ME 3201

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

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 5990 - Special Topics

Study of selected subjects related to mechanical engineering or engineering mechanics.

Credits: variable to 4.0; May be repeated
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Restrictions: Permission of department required; Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate

Application Process and Admissions Requirements

Using a holistic approach, our graduate admissions team reviews applications on an individual and ongoing basis. Fill out our free graduate application online to apply to any of our programs. Official transcripts and scores are not required for the initial application, but you will need to upload them later.

Graduate School Admissions Process

Applying to your graduate program is free (no application fees) and fast (no official transcripts, test scores, or letters needed to start). The application process involves three easy steps.

See Admissions Steps

Graduate School Requirements

To be considered for admission to your program as either a degree- or certificate-seeking student, you need to:

have a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution, and
be prepared for advanced study in your chosen field, as demonstrated by your previous degree and your scholastic record.

See additional application requirements, including required materials:

Student Statements

Official Transcripts

Program Specific Requirements

Program Specific

Admitted applicants typically have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale
Résumé / Curriculum vitae
GMAT/GRE: Not required
Preferred major: Mechanical Engineering or closely related technical field - Students with degrees in other fields may be required to take preparatory courses

International Students

TOEFL scores as of January 21, 2026: Recommended Score of 4.5
- For tests taken before January 21, 2026: Recommended Score of 79 iBT
IELTS: Recommended Overall Band Score of 6.5

Admissions Decisions

Made on a rolling basis.

Certificate Admissions

Prospective Students

Prospective students and non-degree seeking students interested in obtaining a graduate certificate must apply to the certificate program using the online application.
Accelerated certificate options exist for current Michigan Tech undergraduate students in good standing and have achieved at least junior-level standing or recent bachelor’s graduates of Michigan Tech (less than two years).
The number of credits earned prior to admission that can be counted are restricted.

Current Graduate Students

Current Michigan Tech graduate students who are in a degree program do not need to formally apply. Current students must still submit the appropriate degree schedule in order to complete the certificate.

International Student Requirements

International Students must apply and be accepted into a degree-granting program in order to earn a graduate certificate. A non-refundable $10 processing fee per application is required.

See International Applicants

Program Director	Fernando Ponta
Program Assistant Director	Cindy Wadaga

Length	3 courses in 2-3 semesters
Effort	3 hours per credit per week
Each course	3 credits
Total credits	9
Course type	Online or on-campus
Modality	Watch class recordings on demand
Cost	Based on credits and course type
Already enrolled?	Speak with your advisor