Railway Engineering Specialization

This course introduces railway systems:

• The environmental needs and contributions of railway systems in a global context.
• The history of railways, the requirements of regulatory authorities and the factors considered in designing railway systems, including the main economic parameters of railway systems to be considered for any project.
• Engineering methodologies of railway systems, including design of metro, tram, and mainline/commuter systems will be covered along with the principles for managing the operational capability of railway systems.

This course covers railway signalling systems:

• The role of signalling systems as the key device for managing the safety of railway systems.
• Learn the applicable principles and solutions employed in modern signalling systems for complex rail networks.
• Topics include: signal technologies, safety, security, interlocking, and levels of automation.

This course covers the main elements of railway rolling stock.

• Topics include dimensioning, traction systems, braking systems, bogies, and computing and control systems.
• Specific topics related to passenger trains include comfort, and door design.
• The primary objective of all rail systems is to optimize train and passenger traffic. Rolling stock must therefore be developed in the best possible way to meet this objective.
• This course provides future players in the rail sector with a global vision of what is important to consider for train development.

This course covers the operation and maintenance of both urban and main line railway systems.

• Topics include: scheduling; Operations Control Centre (OCC); maintenance options, tools, procedures and training; emergency measures; and testing and commissioning.

Fill out the contact form below and we will notify you know when registration opens in June.

A specialization allows students to deepen their understanding and skills in one specific aspect of a field to make them more competitive in that area. By taking the 4 courses you will receive your engineering degree along with the specialization. Example Mechanical Engineering with a Railway Engineering Specialization.

Career Opportunities: Be part of a growing industry in Canada. The rail industry is experiencing significant growth in Canada and Globally.

Modern and Complex Projects: Opportunity to work on modern, high-tech and complex engineering problems.

Decarbonization: Contribute to decarbonization and net zero objectives by 2050.

High-Tech: Work in a high-tech industry with autonomous trains, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, etc.

Ontario Tech University, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science has collaborated with Alstom, AtkinsRealis, and other industry partners to develop a new railway engineering specialization for engineering students in response to the rail sector's talent needs in Canada.

Learn more about Alstom

• 5,000 employees in Canada, in addition, Alstom supports 3,300 indirect and induced jobs and provides over 100 internships every year.
• has contributed $697,000 to communities and charitable organizations over the last three years, benefiting 40,000 people.
• 23.9% women in leadership roles (management, engineering, professionals).
• More than $607,000 CAD donated to non-profit organizations since 2021.
• Alstom offers the most innovative and sustainable mobility solutions, benefiting transit users, supporting cities’ urban development plans, and decarbonization objectives.
• Alstom contributes approximately $575 million annually to Canada’s GDP and purchased $448 million in goods and services from 920 local suppliers in FY2023/24.

More industry partners to be announced.

With permission Electrical and Software Engineering Students are allowed to take the 4 courses they just wouldn't receive a specialization on their degree.

 The rail industry is experiencing significant growth in Canada and the United States in the coming years. Access to talent in general, and engineering talent in particular, is critical to meeting the current and future challenges of rail mobility.

Canada is the second largest country in the world. It was historically built on rail linking its territories and communities from one ocean to the other. Today, it has nearly 50,000 km of tracks, with less than 1% electrified (in comparison, Europe, India or China, for example, have more than 50% of their networks electrified).

Recent Rail Industry News

• In January 2025, Ontario announced plans to refurbish 181 bi-level rail coaches at Thunder Bay’s Alstom plant.
• In 2024, Ontario announced the largest GO Transit service expansion in more than a decade, adding more than 300 weekly train trips to the GO rail network.
• The Ontario government is investing almost $70 billion over the next 10 years to expand access to public transit across the province.
• In February 2025 the Canadian Federal Government announced Alto the high-speed rail network that Canada is developing in the Toronto-Quebec City corridor.

As a Company

• Join on as an Ontario Tech Partner for the Railway Engineering Specialization
• Join the Industrial Advisory Committee
• Support Student Co-op and Internship Opportunities
• Support Scholarships for Students
• Name a space at the University
• Learn about joint research opportunities

To learn more contact the Ontario Tech Partnership Office at partnerships@ontariotechu.ca or fill in the contact form.

As an Individual

• Dedicate time as an industry expert
• Be an advocate at your Company to support the Railway Engineering Specialization

To learn more contact the Ontario Tech Partnership Office at partnerships@ontariotechu.ca.