Michigan State University’s Railway Management Certificate Program is the only North American program that covers the breadth and depth of the very complex railway industry ecosystem from both a conceptual and practical business perspective. The program is aimed at individuals in the rail industry with the potential to become senior managers and leaders in their organizations. Content is applicable to the whole rail industry – freight and passenger railroads, transit authorities, industry & regulatory agencies, suppliers, and shippers. Critical and topical subjects are covered in a classroom setting with interactive discussions. Site visits are included to aid learning. These include railroad facilities, customers, suppliers, associations, and agencies. Group project work applies learning and develops teamwork skills. The program was developed by MSU Railway Management Program staff, evaluated and improved by a curriculum committee of railroad industry leaders. Subject matter experts for the program include distinguished railroaders, transportation industry leaders and experienced MSU faculty.
2026 RAILWAY MANAGEMENT CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
SERIES OVERVIEW MSU’s four-week Railway Management Certificate Program is the only North American program that covers the breadth and depth of the complex railway industry ecosystem from both a conceptual and practical business perspective. The program is aimed at individuals in the rail industry with the potential to become senior managers and leaders in their organizations. Content is applicable to the whole rail industry: freight & passenger railroads, transit authorities, industry & regulatory agencies, suppliers, and shippers. Critical and topical subjects are covered in a classroom setting with interactive discussions. Site visits aid learning and include railroad facilities, customers, suppliers, associations, and agencies. The program was developed by MSU Railway Management Program staff, evaluated and improved by a curriculum committee of railroad industry leaders. Subject matter experts for the program include distinguished railroaders, transportation industry leaders and experienced MSU faculty. SCHEDULE Four individual modules, each a week long, of classroom and site visits link to online support with assigned instructors responsible for mentoring the learning experience. A Certificate in Railway Management will be awarded on completion of the program. Each week starts Monday at 8 a.m. and runs through Friday noon. Hotel accommodations are provided Sunday through Thursday nights.
COST The price per participant is $19,500 for all four modules ($500 reduction early bird cut off date: February 28, 2026). Discounts are available for multiple participants from the same firm. The price includes instructional materials, faculty and staff support, overnight rooms, and daily breakfast and lunch. Transportation to and from the program, and dinner most nights are not included.
FACULTY AND SPEAKERS VAL KUCHERENKO, FACULTY LEADER
is the Director of Railway Education, Center for Railway Research and Education (MSU/CRRE). Before joining the CRRE team, Val built a career in supply chain management with Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railway (CPKC), C.H. Robinson Global Forwarding, and Maersk Line, spanning roles across Europe, the United States, and Canada. MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY FACULTY from the #1 ranked University for both graduate and undergraduate Supply Chain Management programs for many years (US News & World Report). Subject matter experts will join for guest lectures and presentations.
This program builds on the groundwork established by Nicholas (Nick) Little , former Director of Railway Education, whose efforts and leadership have greatly contributed to its current form. Nick’s commitment to excellence in education continues to inspire our work each and every day.
MODULE 1 RAILWAY BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, STRATEGY & LEADERSHIP April 27 - May 1, 2026 MSU Campus, East Lansing, MI $5,500 This residential five-day program covers the essentials of business administration, strategy, and leadership for both freight and passenger railways. We combine classroom presentation of concepts by MSU faculty experts with discussions led by rail industry experts, and with site visits to see topics in context. Railway Business Administration, Strategy and Leadership brings together many aspects of the complex railway ecosystem.
MODULE 2 RAILWAY REGULATION, SAFETY & THE RAIL INDUSTRY June 15-19, 2026 Washington, DC & Newark, NJ $5,500
This residential five-day program covers the critical topics of safety and regulation. We visit Washington, D.C. to meet with AAR, ASLRRA, CRC, STB, FRA, NTSB and several other organizations to learn how they set and oversee rules, standards. We also travel to Newark, NJ to see vital aspects of railway operations such as port integration and intensive passenger service management.
MODULE 3 RAILWAY TECHNOLOGY, RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT September 28 - October 2, 2026 Fort Worth, TX & Pueblo, CO $5,500 This residential five-day program covers the essentials of network operations, railway engineering and technology from a managerial perspective. We combine classroom presentation of concepts with discussions led by rail industry subject matter experts, and site visits to see railroad engineering in action. Railway Technology, Research and Development brings together many aspects of the complex railway ecosystem.
MODULE 4 RAILWAY OPERATIONS
November 2-6, 2026 Indianapolis, IN & Chicago, IL $5,500 This residential five-day program covers the strategy and management of railway operations for both freight and passenger railways. We combine classroom presentation of concepts with discussions led by rail industry subject matter experts, with site visits to see these topics in context. Railway Operations brings together many aspects of the complex railway ecosystem.
Registration: execed.broad.msu.edu Note: to utilize best practices, class is limited to 35 participants.
raileducation.com crre@broad.msu.edu • 517-353-8711
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