Home to more than 7,000 students, Michigan Technological University is a public institution located in Houghton, Michigan. The university offers a certificate program in railroad engineering for students who are pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in another field. The focal point of the program is the railroad engineering course, which is available in both an on-campus format as well as in a semester travel-study in Finland. Students in the railroad engineering program not only study the operation of locomotives, but also public transit planning and the design principles used for railroad tracks. In addition to the certificate program, students can also take just one of two of the university's railroad transportation courses while completing their degrees in another field. Michigan Technological University participates in federal and state financial aid programs. Michigan residents receive discounts on tuition.
Michigan Technological University
1400 Townsend Drive
Houghton, MI 49931
906-487-2335
mtu.edu
The Modoc Railroad Academy is a private institution located in Pleasant Grove, California that specializes in training for railroad transportation careers. The Academy offers both an introductory conductor program and an advanced engineer program. To enroll in the latter program, applicants must first complete the conductor training or pass a written examination. The conductor program involves four weeks of classroom-based study followed by five weeks of work on the Academy's railroad. The engineering program lasts for six months and includes classroom coursework, practice time in a train simulator and hands-on experience driving locomotives. Both the conductor and engineer program offer job placement assistance. The school boasts a 100 percent job placement rate among its engineer graduates, according to its website. The Modoc Railroad Academy does not participate in government financial aid programs.
Modoc Railroad Academy
7044 Natomas Road
Pleasant Grove, CA 95668
916-965-5515
modocrailroadacademy.com
Located in Overland Park, Kansas, Johnson County Community College is a public, two-year institution with more than 35,000 students. The college offers a two-year Associate of Applied Science degree in railroad operation with an emphasis in conducting and engineering. Among the courses required for the program are computer science, technical writing, mathematics, ethics, economics, railroad operations, safety, interpersonal communication, conductor service and mechanics. The college participates in federal and state loans and grants, veteran's benefits and work-study programs and also offers payment plans and institutional scholarships. Kansas residents receive discounted tuition rates with those who live in Johnson County enjoying an even greater cost reduction. The college operates an on-site daycare that provides low-cost childcare for students' children. Job placement assistance is avaialble.
Johnson County Community College
12345 College Blvd.
Overland Park, KS 66210
913-469-8500
jccc.edu