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  1. Home
  2. Academics
  3. Bachelor's Degrees
  4. Rail Transportation Engineering

Program Overview

Through completion of this degree, RTE students are prepared for careers in various sectors of the railroad industry including freight, passenger and transit. While the primary focus of the program is civil infrastructure, students also gain hands-on education and training that will make them marketable for a career in any area of railroad engineering, including:

  • Railroad track design and maintenance
  • Civil infrastructure design and maintenance
  • Railway construction management
  • Railcar and locomotive design and maintenance
  • Railway signaling
  • Railroad transportation logistics
  • Network planning and operations

Students begin by building a strong foundation in mathematics and engineering basics through courses including calculus, materials science, statics, dynamics, structures, and fluid mechanics, among others. As the program progresses, students gain numerous opportunities to lace up their boots and get out into the field to learn about railroad track maintenance, mechanical operations, and transportation logistics. Students gain in-depth, practical experiences through three different hands-on courses, called "practica", which incorporate actual railroad equipment and cutting-edge technology. The practica cover: 1) railroad track infrastructure, 2) railcars and locomotives, and 3) railway transportation and network operations. Finally, senior-level students complete an engineering “capstone” course, which allows them to bring together all four years of railroad engineering knowledge into a single project.

Moreover, the RTE program offers training in business fundamentals to prepare students for management and to help them understand how railroads connect with the society at-large. RTE students will take courses in the history and regulatory structure of railroads, accounting, and project management. In addition, socio-economic elements are woven into the program through coursework on Labor Relations, the relationship between railroads and the federal, state, and local governments, and an introduction to the real estate issues affecting railroads.

Research

In addition to gaining these hands-on experiences through the RTE coursework, many students are also involved with world-class railway engineering research. Students work as undergraduate research assistants on various rail-related projects and often gain opportunities to present at railroad technical conferences. Finally, the vast majority of RTE students earn summer internships either with Class I railroads or railroad engineering consulting firms, providing them with the real-life work experiences needed to fully prepare them for full-time employment after graduation.

Altoona Curve

Altoona Curve

Credit: Penn State

Penn State Altoona is the perfect place to earn a degree in Rail Transportation Engineering. We are located at the foot of the famous Horseshoe Curve, one of the most historic railway engineering wonders in the world, and Norfolk Southern’s gateway through the Allegheny mountains on their mainline from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh. In addition, we are in close proximity to numerous railroad industry suppliers, shortline railroads, the widely-respected Altoona Railroader's Memorial Museum, and one of the largest locomotive repair facilities in North America. As a literal “hub” for US railroad activity, our location provides RTE students with numerous opportunities to visit various rail industry facilities and access the latest technology and software tools. Nearly 100 years ago, in Altoona, PA, the Pennsylvania Railroad pioneered some of the most important railway engineering research to-date and developed engineering standards that are still in wide use today. Through the Rail Transportation Engineering (RTE) program at Penn State Altoona, we are making history once again in Altoona. Come discover how you can help shape the future of railroad transportation!

Rail Transportation Engineering

  • Request Information about Rail Transportation Engineering
  • Program Overview
  • Degree Information
  • Suggested Academic Plan
  • Program Objectives and Outcomes
  • Enrollment and Graduation Information
  • ABET Accreditation
  • Advisory Board
  • Hands-on Education
    • Field Trips
    • Senior Projects
    • Undergraduate Research
    • Engineering and Business Case Competition
    • AREMA Student Chapter
  • Research
  • Scholarships
  • RTE Job Board
  • Women in Engineering Design Competition
  • Tracks to the Future: Summer Camp for High School Students
  • Rail Transportation Engineering Faculty and Staff
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Out-of-Class Learning

Explore out-of-classroom academic experiences that complement in-class learning, including study abroad/study away programs, internships, undergraduate research, and community-based studies.

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See Also

  • Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Division of Business, Engineering, and Information Sciences & Technology
Pennsylvania map showing Penn State's campuses with Penn State Altoona highlighted

Penn State Altoona

A full-service, four-year, residential campus located less than 45 miles from the research campus at University Park. Offering 21 four-year degrees and the first two years of over 275 Penn State majors.
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Give Visit Apply
  • This is Penn State Altoona
    • Welcome from the Chancellor
    • Penn State Altoona At a Glance
    • Mission, Vision, and Values
    • College Leadership
    • Our History
    • Campus Map
    • Current Weather Conditions
    • Livestream
  • Academics
    • Majors
    • Academic Calendar
    • Out-of-Class Learning
    • Eiche Library
    • Robert L. Smith Learning Resources Center
    • Registrar
    • Academic Advising
    • Honors Program
    • Campus Closures
  • Admissions
    • Visit Us
    • Information for First-Year Students
    • How to Apply
    • Accepted Students
    • Experience Altoona
    • Virtual Tour
  • Tuition & Financial Aid
    • Scholarships and Awards
    • Grants
    • Loans
    • Work-study
    • Financial Aid Basics
    • Tuition and Costs
    • Financial Aid Information
  • Student Success
    • Center for Student and Civic Engagement
    • Health and Wellness Center
    • Student Diversity and Inclusion Programming
    • International Student Services
    • Housing
    • Parking
    • Police and Safety
    • Career Services
    • Diversity at Penn State Altoona
  • Research & Engagement
    • Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry
    • Faculty Research Resources
    • Community-Based Studies
    • Internships
    • Study Abroad/Study Away
    • Internal Grants and Awards
  • Athletics
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    • Facilities
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    • Staff and Coaches Directory
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