Online Control Systems Certificate

Design Controls That Keep Systems Responsive.

Control systems engineers design, develop, and sustain systems that are constantly changing and responding to external stimuli such as weather, friction, and gravity. For example, using complex mathematical modeling and simulations, these engineers might create antilock brakes, planning for the different variables that could affect efficiency and longevity. They also need strong communication skills, for they often must explain highly technical subject matter to audiences with differing levels of engineering knowledge.

In short, from the automotive industry to manufacturing to robotics to aerospace, control systems engineers are key to designing, implementing, and maintaining sophisticated and dynamic processes. Earning an Online Control Systems Certificate from Michigan Tech will give you skills in analyzing feedback, stability, and system behavior behind reliable automated control. You'll strengthen your ability to analyze and design control solutions for mechanical and electromechanical applications.

Who is This Certificate For?

This certificate is for engineers who want to strengthen their ability to model, analyze, and control dynamic processes. Its applications span robotics, automation, manufacturing, aerospace, energy, and automotive systems, making it useful for professionals who work with feedback and system performance.

What You'll Study

When you earn your graduate control systems certificate at MTU, you become an active learner, taking on the same tasks that professionals in the field do throughout their careers.

You will start with the foundational course: Linear Systems Theory and Design. After mastering the fundamentals of linear systems theory and design, you will then choose two electives to tailor your certificate to your interests and career goals.

When planning your program, remember to check the course registration page for class availability.

Required Course

EE 5715 - Linear Systems Theory and Design

Overview of linear algebra, Modern Control: state-space 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, Introduction to robust control.

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): Electrical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineer
Pre-Requisite(s): EE 3261 or MEEM 3750 or ME 3750

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

Electives (Choose Two)

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 5500 - Probability and Stochastic Processes

Theory of probability, random variables, and stochastic processes, with applications in electrical and computer engineering. Probability measure and probability spaces. Random variables, distributions, expectations. Random vectors and sequences. Stochastic processes, including Gaussian and Poisson processes. Stochastic processes in linear systems. Markov chains and related topics.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineer; May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore, Junior

EE 5522 - Digital Image Processing

Fundamentals of image processing are covered including image representation, geometric transformations, binary image processing, compression, space and frequency domain processing. Computer programming in MATLAB and Python required.

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

EE 5812 - Automotive Control Systems

Introduction to automotive control systems for engine, transmission, cruise and headway control, active suspension systems, hybrid electric vehicles, and autonomous driving. Advanced control methodologies include linear-quadratic optimal control, model predictive control, dynamic programming, and equivalent consumption minimization strategy.

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

EE 6210 - Power System Dynamics and Stability

A study of the dynamic behavior of power systems. A review of synchronous machine modeling, system dynamic equations, and method of analysis. Examines overall system behavior via small signal and transient stability and energy functions. Also studies voltage stability and non-linear effects.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: On Demand
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
Pre-Requisite(s): EE 5200

ME 4775 - Analysis & Design of Feedback Control Systems

This course covers topics of control systems design. Course includes a review for modeling of dynamical systems, stability, and root locus design. Also covers control systems design in the frequency domain, fundamentals of digital control and nonlinear systems.

Credits: 4.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-2)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Mechanical Eng-Eng Mechanics, Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics Engineering
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 3750 or EE 3160 or ME 3750

ME 5730 - Dynamic System Simulation

Methods for simulating dynamic systems described by ordinary differential equations using numerical integration are developed including error quantification and simulation verification. MATLAB, Simulink and Simscape are used to illustrate key concepts.

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): Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Eng-Eng Mechanics, Vehicle Dynamics

ME 5812 - Automotive Control Systems

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): Mechanical Eng-Eng Mechanics, Mechanical Engineering
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 4775 or ME 4775

ME 6702 - Nonlinear Systems Analysis & Control

Studies nonlinear systems from perspective of analysis/control system design. Explores fundamental properties for nonlinear differential equations in addition to describing functions, phase plane analysis, stability/instability theorems. Develops and applies control system design approaches for nonlinear systems, including feedback linearization and sliding mode control.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 5715 or ME 5715

Progress to a Graduate Degree.

To keep up with this work, control systems engineers must stay current with the latest equipment, discoveries, and theories of engineering. That’s why our online certificate in control systems will provide you with a solid foundation upon which to continue building your specialized skill set. That is, each of your online control systems courses can count toward completion of a future graduate degree.

This certificate is also available as an on-campus option.

Where You'll Apply Your Skills

Control systems engineering is a fundamental aspect of every field of engineering—from civil engineering to automotive engineering to aerospace engineering. The skills you accrue in modeling, analysis, simulation, and feedback control design of dynamic systems are essential to many exciting and fast-growing industries.

Possible Career Paths

Automotive manufacturing
Automation and robotics
Aerospace
Smart building design
Manufacturing

Get Started on Your Online Control Systems Certificate.

Want to learn more about the control systems online courses we offer? Still wondering, “What is control systems engineering?” We are here to answer your questions and to help you succeed in your online program. When you're ready, reach out or start or free, easy graduate application.