Undergraduate Certificate in Rail Transportation/Engineering.

PDFTech ReportNURail2012-MTU-E04Railroad transportationRailroad engineeringCollege studentsFreight serviceUnited StatesNational University Rail Center (U.S.)Lautala, PasiNelson, DavidMichigan Technological University. Dept. of Civil and Environmental EngineeringNational University Rail Center (U.S.)US Transportation CollectionA shift in the U.S. transportation environment has led to a revival in rail transport, especially infreight rail1. In the meantime, an aging rail employee demographic presents a severe threat tosufficient level of individuals equipped to handle the design and operation of both new andexisting rail systems2. The Association of American Railroads (AAR) estimates that 40% of railemployees will be eligible for retirement within the next 10 years while the current railexpertise and capabilities in higher education are almost non-existent. Over the past severalyears, Michigan Tech has developed educational offerings in Rail Transportation Engineeringand the number of students participating in coursework and Railroad Engineering and ActivitiesClub (REAC) has increased significantly. Simultaneously, major rail companies, engineeringconsultants, contractors and manufacturers have increased their recruiting activities on campusto meet their demands