OPPS Conference
The Opportunities in Engineering Conference (OPPS) is an opportunity for students to visit the UW-Madison campus and explore PhD programs in engineering. Participants will interact and network directly with current engineering graduate students, faculty, and campus resources. Programming will be relevant to current undergraduate juniors and seniors as well as graduate students interested in pursuing PhD degrees in engineering.
OPPS 2026: May 19 – 20, 2026
Application deadline: April 1, 2026
Conference Schedule (subject to change)
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May 18 - Arrival Day
Arrival & Check-in to residence hall.
Meals on your own.
May 19 - Conference Day 1
9:00 am – Check-in, Breakfast
10:00 am – Welcome
10:30 am – Understanding the Application & Funding Process
11:30 pm – College of Engineering Tour
12:30 pm – Lunch & Break
2:00 pm – Panel Discussion – A Day in the Life of a Graduate Student
3:00 pm – Breakout session (may include topics on academics, lab tour, extracurricular activities)
4:00 pm – Breakout session (may include topics on academics, lab tour, extracurricular activities)
5:00 pm – Break
6:00 pm – Dinner with Graduate Students
7:30 pm – Optional Social Hour
May 20 - Conference Day 2
9:00 am – Check-in, Breakfast
9:30 am – Graduate Degrees and Career Planning
10:30 am – Breakout session (may include topics on engineering research, classes, finding communities)
11:30 am – Breakout session (may include topics on engineering research, classes, finding communities)
12:30 pm – Lunch & Closing
1:30 pm – Check out
Apply
Exploring CoE PhD Programs
Eligibility
- Current juniors, seniors, graduate master’s students and anyone interested in pursuing an engineering PhD degree at UW-Madison.
- An undergraduate major in engineering, computer science, physics, chemistry, math or other physical sciences.
- A U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- Meet the GRS Fellowship Eligibility.
Cost
All travel, housing and meals will be provided by the program for all participants for the duration of the program.
Applications
Please fill out the Opportunities in Engineering Conference application form by April 13, 2026.
Program Contact:
Eve Williams
Graduate Student Success & Engagement Manager
College of Engineering, UW-Madison
Email: oppconf@engr.wisc.edu
Phone: (608) 890-4502