MS From Purdue or Georgia Tech Via Distance Learning

[BCobra]

This is my first post in these forums so I apologize if this is in the wrong area. I have extensively searched this forum and elsewhere for information regarding distance learning MS degrees from either Purdue or Georgia Tech and have found very little. Has anyone here earned their MS in a distance format from either of these universities and would care to share their experience? If so, has it ever come up during a job search or interview, particularly in a negative light?

Living and working in San Diego I have the option to go to UCSD for my Master's, but the ME department's areas of study do not interest me and I have been unimpressed with undergraduate and graduate level courses I took there over the last two years. I am unable to drop everything and go back to school full time so that has led me to consider distance learning. Any feedback or comments would be greatly appreciated.

 

[ShaggyPE]

There have been a few threads on here in the past. Generally there were comments of the stigma of "online" degrees. However there is no need to mention distance learning or online on the resume. As far as the hiring managers are concerned, it is a MS from Purdue etc.

Have you investigated the online programs at USC. I have been off and on looking into that. I will check out the offereings of Purdue and Georgia Tech.

-Dustin
Professional Engineer
Certified SolidWorks Professional
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Certified SolidWorks Advanced Sheet Metal Specialist

 

[zdas04]

I can't find the thread, but an active member of this site has mentioned that he got his MS from a big name school like Purdue or Georgia Tech (I'm a bit fuzzy, but it seems like it maybe was Georgia Tech) through their distance program, and his diploma says "Big Name University" not "Big Name University via TV Guide" or anything like that. I went to the University of Colorado (Denver) and my diploma says "University of Colorado" and there is no indication that I was at the Denver campus at night school instead of the Boulder campus during the day. I don't lie about it, but I don't get asked very often either.

The comments in the thread that I can't find were quite positive on this path (especially relative to settling for a crappy program). I've looked at a few of the big name programs, but I've been unable to find a distance PhD in ME so far. If I could find it I would certainly look at it hard.

David

 

[GregLocock]

Only gotcha I'm aware of is somebody else pointed out that Purdue's undergrad course was very theoretical, so you may have some catchup to do to match their expected level for incoming masters. In particular I'd check math requirements very carefully.

Cheers

Greg Locock

SIGlease see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.

 

[BCobra]

Dustin, I have looked into USC but with the total cost of tuition plus additional Distance Education Network (DEN)and exam proctoring fees it is more expensive than other distance programs.

Thanks for that David. I will dig around for that post, that sounds like what I'm looking for. I know the degree will not specify physical location. My concerns began when my advisor and department chair from my undergrad university frowned upon this when I asked for letters of recommendation as did my coworkers who all have masters from local schools. The managers I've spoken with have all voiced their approval.

Greg,
Thanks for the comment on Purdue undergrad being heavy on theory. I'm looking for a program that's more theoretical than my BS which was very practical. I've been checking the math requirements at several schools and feel comfortable, though I'm not denying that I'll need to brush up a bit.

-Chris

 

[USCeng09]

ShaggyPE

I'm currently working on my MS in structural through USC's online program. I'm from Boston, so I'm about as far away as it gets.

Let me know if you have any questions.

 

[stanford94]

i went to purdue as an undergrad. and it was a very good education. distance learning is tough. i would wait if that is an option. more to be learned for the money if you are on campus. just my 2 cents.

 

[photoengineer]

I am in a Masters of Science in Mechancial Engineering program from the University of Washington. Right now I'm working on advanced calculus and trying to figure out why I'm suffering through this!

I highly recommend a masters program. If you can, try to get a job at a company that will pay for it (many, if not most big name companies will pay for it) My program will cost about $35,000 and it's great that my company pays for all of it (books, tuition, fees).

 

[BCobra]

USCeng09, how does the proctoring work for you? Do you get an HR manager to proctor for you? And are you satisfied with the experience?

stanford94, if I wait much longer I probably will not go back even though I would prefer to attend in person.

photoengineer, I'm applying to University of Washington's EDGE program as well. It just so happens the company I work for is paying the bill. Are you doing the MSE or MSME and do you like the U of W program? That's actually the first distance program I looked at and I am seriously considering it. Also, how many ME classes do they offer per quarter? I've searched their course schedule and it wasn't clear to me at the time which classes were offered off campus.

 

[photoengineer]

Crenner280,

I am doing the MSME rather than the MSE program. The MSME and MSE programs are essentially the same except the MSME program has better name recognition. (People immediately recognize the Mechanical part of Mechanical engineering.)

I like the UW program. I live in Seattle and have attended some classes on campus and do group study sessions in the library on occasion. I also have a lot of coworkers who take the same program so it's easy to work together with them. (I'm a Boeing guy). They offer about 5-8 mechanical engineering classes each quarter. The list of classes for Winter quarter is shown here:

http://www.engr.washington.edu/edge/sched_win.html

 

[photoengineer]

Since it sounds like your company has a tuition cap, I'd only look at schools that your company will pay 100% for. I don't think getting a degree from any one school is better than any other school, and keeping as much as you can is more important than the picking the right school.

For me, going to a local school is really helpful.

 

[BCobra]

Thanks for the great info photoengineer. I appreciate your advice based on your personal experience. I tried to get a job with Boeing in Seattle but the logistics didn't work out at the time.

 

[mtu1972]

I got a Masters of Engineering (structural) from the Univ. of Idaho's Engineering Outreach Program while living in WI and surviving two job changes. The diploma makes no distinction as to never being on campus.

The distinction of ME vs MS was taking the non-thesis option.

I could only handle 1 class per semester with job and family responsibilities. It took 11 semesters and was billed as out of state tuition.

I think they also have a Mech. Eng. program.



GJC

 

[USCeng09]

crenner280,

For testing I go to UMASS Boston where USC has set up a proctor for me. I pay a $25-30 exam fee to UMASS. I haven't had any problems with this method because I don't need to set anything up, I just show up to the correct room.

I have about 3 weeks to go on my first semester. I'm taking two courses and working a full time, 40+ hour job. Besides the stress of being so completely busy, I tend to think this is a better way of getting my degree. I will finish in about 2 yrs and will have gained just as much work experience.

The program at USC is good. Video recorded classes and pdf'd notes from the professor are available to be downloaded all semester allowing me to watch a class on my own schedule. I have no complaints yet...except that my company doesn't pay for my degree...but atleast I have no ties to them!