The Rail Transportation Engineering (RTE) minor at Penn State Altoona is designed for students who wish to gain specialized knowledge in the rail industry and to supplement their primary engineering studies. Penn State Altoona is home to the nation's only bachelor's degree in Rail Transportation Engineering, and this minor builds on that unique foundation to provide students with targeted skills in rail infrastructure, operations, and safety.
The RTE minor is open to students in civil, mechanical, and electromechanical engineering fields who are interested in adding a rail focus to their studies. The program includes coursework in railroad track and track practicum, operation and operation practicum, mechanical and mechanical practicum, and railway safety and economics overview. By completing this minor, students will gain a well-rounded understanding of the technical and operational aspects of rail transportation, enhancing their qualifications for a variety of career paths in the transportation and infrastructure sectors.
Graduates with an RTE minor will be well prepared to enter the rail industry, where demand is growing for engineers skilled in rail-specific applications. This minor offers students the opportunity to broaden their professional options and pursue impactful roles in an essential and evolving field.
