University of Idaho M.Eng EE (Power Systems)

[kiteokoh]

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.

 

[DistCoop]

Not a graduate yet, but I am halfway through that program. I feel like I have a much better understanding of power systems. I started one year after I got my BS. I used to model things a certain way or analyze problems a certain way because my boss told me that's the way to do it and it makes sense. Now I have a much clearer view of the problem and know what is required to solve it. I have taken 5 courses so far, and have been able to apply multiple concepts from each class to my job. As I continue, I am able to look at a system now... the equations, concepts, theories... it just fits together now.

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.

 

[kiteokoh]

Thanks for the response sir! It is great to know that you are using material from the program at work and that the instructors are very helpful. I recently spoke with Brian Johnson and Joe Law and both of them were fantastic to speak with. I also appreciate that the program is much more affordable than other programs out there. Thanks again for the comment!

 

[DistCoop]

I've not worked with Law yet, but Johnson is pretty sharp. I've been very happy with him so far.

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).

 

[Lgarr]

I have finished 7 of the 10 classes needed and have concentrated in the power classes at first but now need to fullfil some "Breadth" courses. I agree that Dr. Johnson is a good resource and really knows his stuff. Dr. Law and Dr. Hess are both really good too.

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.

 

[kiteokoh]

LGARR--Thanks so much for the input specifics!! I will make sure to select ATP when I am in a course in which Dr Johnson will use this software. I think ATP is used mostly in power system transient analysis.

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!

 

[Lgarr]

Don't worry about the MathCAD and Dr Johnson's implementation of relays elements and comtrade files because he walks you through the usage and provides the files for your "labs" since you won't have access to their RTDS.

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.

 

[vandal06]

Several of my coworkers are in various stages of the program and are happy with it. Myself, I have a BSEE from UIdaho and the quality of the professors (especially Law and Johnson) influenced my decision to go in to the power field. They are really great guys to work with and are always available as a resource.

 

[DistCoop]

I'll second Lgarr's advice on ATP. That can be a complicated but very powerful tool to use... Johnson teaches it well however and you shouldn't have much difficulty in learning it.

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.

 

[kiteokoh]

DistCoop you are correct. In speaking with Brian Johnson I learned that it would be offered jointly with the computer science dept. I will use it as a breadth course towards the end and take control systems (ECE 470) as my second breadth requirement.

I'm starting off with Symmetrical Components this Fall--looking forward to it!

Thanks everyone for all the input!

 

[5000Dollars]

I have taken classes at through University of Idaho and Michigan Tech's outreach programs. Brian Johnson and Joe Law are pretty good at U of I. At Michigan Tech, Mork, Bohmann, Bucheger (he is from industry and just teaches power electronics), and Weaver are all very good. The biggest difference I found between the two is that if you take courses at Idaho, there isn't that much interaction between the students. Especially, if the course isn't live. At Michigan Tech., they only offer live courses so there is more interaction. I guess though to if there is a specific class you are looking for, you have to wait for the cycle to repeat at Michigan but at Idaho you at worse can take the course pre-recorded. Overall though, both programs I thought were good.

 

[5000Dollars]

Is this the class you are talking about that will cover SCADA at University of Idaho?

http://www2.cs.uidaho.edu/~krings/CS420/index.S10.html

 

[DistCoop]

No, it will be titled "Supervisory Control and Critical Infrastructure"... ECE504 or ECE544