University of Idaho M.Eng EE (Power Systems)
University of Idaho M.Eng EE (Power Systems)
(OP)
I am looking for comments from graduates of University of Idaho MEEE with a power systems focus throgh the Engineering Outreach program.
I am looking to start grad school this Fall (BSEE from Penn State with Power Systems focus) because I realize there is still a lot I need to learn about advanced protective relaying and power system dynamics and stability.
I have considered Michigan Tech and Worcester Polytechnic Institute also. I really want to know if the material at U of Idaho is taught well--from a practitioner oriented point of view. Did you feel significantly more knowledgeable and capabale as a power engineer from having graduated from the program etc etc. I have watched graduate MSEE (power) lectures from Dr.Bruce Mork at Michigan Tech, which are great, and I know what too expect there. I am hoping the instruction at U of Idaho is as good or better since I am leaning that way.
Thanks in advance for any comments.
I am looking to start grad school this Fall (BSEE from Penn State with Power Systems focus) because I realize there is still a lot I need to learn about advanced protective relaying and power system dynamics and stability.
I have considered Michigan Tech and Worcester Polytechnic Institute also. I really want to know if the material at U of Idaho is taught well--from a practitioner oriented point of view. Did you feel significantly more knowledgeable and capabale as a power engineer from having graduated from the program etc etc. I have watched graduate MSEE (power) lectures from Dr.Bruce Mork at Michigan Tech, which are great, and I know what too expect there. I am hoping the instruction at U of Idaho is as good or better since I am leaning that way.
Thanks in advance for any comments.





RE: University of Idaho M.Eng EE (Power Systems)
The professors are very good as well. I debated between several schools in my early stages of considering further education. One of the big draws to Idaho in my opinion is that the professors seem more interested and supportive of the program than the average school. They are readily available for phone calls and emails if you have any questions.
I guess I may only add that not many years out of my undergrad... part of my understanding could just be that I'm working every day and getting exposed to power at a more in depth level as I progress. But I do believe Idaho's program has been of substantial benefit.
RE: University of Idaho M.Eng EE (Power Systems)
RE: University of Idaho M.Eng EE (Power Systems)
Currently, Idaho does not charge out of state tuition if you're doing the distance program (as most schools do). That is changing... I don't know when, but I've been told they're going to begin charging more for out of state (assuming you're not in Idaho).
RE: University of Idaho M.Eng EE (Power Systems)
The classes have provided the background technical knowledge that helps in making decisions while simulating or calculating system studies.
When you get into a class with Johnson that uses EMTDC PSCAD or ATP go for ATP because that is what he spends the majority of his time working with and kind of provides a PSCAD setup at the end and so doesn't take the time to show some of the intricacies of PSCAD.
523, 525, 526 are great for understanding protective relays and their functions.
If you don't know MathCAD, PSCAD/ATP or Powerworld yet you will learn to love them.
RE: University of Idaho M.Eng EE (Power Systems)
I think my mind is virtually made up and I will be enrolling in the Fall ( starting with ECE 523 Symmetrical Components). Michigan tech is great but I think U of Idaho is a bit better for power engineering. WPI costs way too much!!
I plan on also taking Advanced Machinery and Transient Stability with Joe Law since Transient stability analysis is an area I want more knowledge and capability in.
I am a bit concerenced about my present knowlegde of Mathcad! I think Dr Johnson implements relay models (50/51, 21 elements) in Mathcad and also reads comtrade files with relay calcs into mathcad. Assignments and projects are also done in Mathcad and I just hope he teaches Mathcad use in a way that I can learn to use it enough to be proficient.
I thought the program allowed 8 courses in the power area and required 2 "breadth" courses. I was told one could be taken from Engineering Management and I think I will transfer a control systems course from another university to satisfy the other requirement. A graduate control systems refresher will, I think, serve me well before the power system stability and control course.
I had a little hang-up over getting a grad degree from a university in Idaho since I live on the east-coast..but I think it is irrelevant and more important to focus on content knowlegde gained from a program than where in the country the university is located. Although we mostly use electro-mechanical relays in the nuclear generating station where I work, we are beginning to use SEL relays in plant modifications and digital relaying knowledge is lacking in the nuclear space. Again, I really appreciate the comments!
RE: University of Idaho M.Eng EE (Power Systems)
It is good you are looking at the digital relays and U of I being close to SEL's Headquarters they have had a few SEL engineers as guest lecturers along with mainly talking about setting SEL relays in the course work.
RE: University of Idaho M.Eng EE (Power Systems)
RE: University of Idaho M.Eng EE (Power Systems)
Beginning next semester (I think), they're going to offer a course on SCADA which I believe will count as a breadth course. Could be an excellent option for a power person.
RE: University of Idaho M.Eng EE (Power Systems)
I'm starting off with Symmetrical Components this Fall--looking forward to it!
Thanks everyone for all the input!
RE: University of Idaho M.Eng EE (Power Systems)
RE: University of Idaho M.Eng EE (Power Systems)
http://www2.cs.uidaho.edu/~krings/CS420/index.S10....
RE: University of Idaho M.Eng EE (Power Systems)