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Rewire your career with a graduate certificate

Graduate Certificate in Power Electronics and Systems

The Graduate Certificate in Power Electronics and Systems offers you a unique opportunity to shape the future of energy. Designed to address the evolving challenges of the energy sector, this program focuses on the growing fields of alternative energy, microgrids, and advanced power technologies. Students will gain the specialized knowledge and skills needed to either transition into the power industry or enhance your current role, empowering you to drive innovation and sustainability in the field.

Why Choose the Graduate Certificate in Power Electronics and Systems at St. Thomas?

The Graduate Certificate in Power Electronics and Systems is perfect for professionals seeking to:

  • Advance their knowledge and skills in energy systems
  • Enhance their expertise in the rapidly growing field of alternative energy and microgrids
  • Transition into the power sector with specialized knowledge of power-electronics technologies
  • Contribute to sustainable energy solutions in both developed and developing countries

Through this certificate, students will gain a deep understanding of power electronics and systems, preparing them to meet the challenges of an increasingly complex energy landscape.

Several key factors make this certificate program both exciting and essential for today’s energy landscape:

  • Integration of Alternative Energy Systems (DERs): Learn how distributed energy resources (DERs) are reshaping the traditional power grid and driving the transition to cleaner, more efficient energy systems.
  • Aging Workforce in the Power Industry: The US power sector is facing a retiring workforce, creating ample opportunities for skilled professionals to fill key roles in the evolving energy market.
  • Emergence of Microgrids: Discover how microgrids are revolutionizing energy access, especially in developing countries, and how power electronics enable the sustainable development of these systems.
  • Advancements in Power Electronics: Gain hands-on knowledge of the cutting-edge power-electronics technologies that are enabling these transformations and making the integration of renewable energy sources possible.

Pathway to a STEM-approved master's degree in electrical engineering

If you wish to further your education, you can seamlessly apply the credits earned from the Graduate Certificate in Power Electronics and Systems toward a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering at the University of St. Thomas. This flexible option allows you to build on your certificate coursework and continue toward a more advanced degree seamlessly.

Contact

Dr. Cheol-Hong Min

Program Director, M.S. in Electrical Engineering
Dr. Cheol-Hong Min
Phone Number
651-962-5866

Course details

Graduate Certificate Requirements and Course Overview

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Graduate Certificate in Power Electronics and Systems

To complete the requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Power Electronics and Systems, students must successfully complete four required courses (12 credits) and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.7. Students without a STEM background may require additional courses.

The required courses are:

  • ETLS 744 Power Systems and Smart Grids
  • ETLS 746 Power Electronics
  • ETLS 747 Electrical Machines and Vehicles
  • ETLS 748 Renewable Energy Generation

Students may also choose to take optional 3-credit course: ETLS 745 Power Systems Operations and Controls

View the Graduate Programs in Engineering (ETLS) course catalog.

Enhance Your Career with In-Demand Graduate Certificates

Our evening class schedules allow both industry professionals and career changers to achieve their educational goals. And each class meets just once per week.

Convenient Schedule

Our programs serve working professionals with busy lives. You choose how quickly you move through the curriculum. And you may start in any of our three starts: fall, spring or summer. Classes are offered in the evenings.

View Our Course Schedule
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Attend an Online Information Session

Discover how the Graduate Certificate in Power Electronics and Systems can fit into your busy life. Explore program details, our cutting-edge curriculum, exceptional faculty, and strong industry partnerships. You'll also find valuable information on career development and admissions requirements.

Join us for an info session

Meet the Faculty: Industry Experts in Power Electronics and Systems

Dr. Greg Mowry

Dr. Greg Mowry

Prior to joining St. Thomas, Dr. Greg Mowry had a successful 25-year career as a product development engineer and corporate research scientist for fortune-500 companies and startups. His research focuses on the use of photonics, magnetics, and power electronics/systems for humanitarian applications.

Dr. Greg Mowry
Dr. Mahmoud Kabalan

Dr. Mahmoud Kabalan

Dr. Mahmoud Kabalan is an associate professor and director of the St. Thomas Center for Microgrid Research. Mahmoud is passionate about using renewable energy sources as a means for a sustainable and just future. His interests and expertise include: microgrids/smart grids, electric power systems, renewable energy sources, power electronics, service learning in engineering, engineering education and international development.

Dr. Mahmoud Kabalan
Dr. Ranjan Chakravarty.

Dr. Ranjan Chakravarty

Dr. Ranjan Chakravarty’s primary focus is in the area of power generation, economics and control. He has 20 years of industrial experience in energy conservation for process industry, power generation, power system optimization and control for thermal and hydrothermal systems. He has been a lead engineer for various energy control and optimization system for American and foreign assignments.

Dr. Ranjan Chakravarty