Online MSCE programs and specialty Masters 1

[skeletron]

I'm looking for some input on some non-traditional Master's programs that are out there:
[ol 1]
[li]MSCE online programs such as this one or this one[/li]
[/ol]
[ol 2]
[li]Accelerated specialty master's programs such as this one[/li]
[/ol]

The accessibility of the programs (ie. not having to move for >1 year) is the main benefit. However, I'm wondering if the online component (#1) or the specialty focus (#2) may pose a slight disadvantage compared to the traditional in-class, 2-3 year programs. Note that I'm mainly looking for non-thesis programs, as I would prefer to practice rather than pursue further graduate degrees.

Compared to some of the online programs, the traditional programs seem to have better curriculum with some dynamic, earthquake, and then material design focus. To me this is the big detractor from pursuing the online programs.

Does anyone have input/advice/comments as you see in the application to practice? Hopefully we can focus this topic to generalized discussion rather than institution specific.

 

[phamENG]

skeletron - I'm wrapping up my MECE now (Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering, focused my coursework in structures). I did the in class version as I live close enough to the University to drive up one or two nights a week. My ME won't be the specialized version, it's just what they called the non-thesis degrees in the course catalogue when I started my master's (took a few years off in the middle). My degree is actually something of a hybrid between the course and comprehensive exam and thesis versions - I do a little more coursework, and a smaller research project and white paper describing it and the results.

Of the first two, Illinois looks pretty good. The things I've enjoyed most have been the advanced analysis classes. Material specific isn't a waste of time, but a really good mentor or some top notch PDH courses should cover most of what you need for design. To me, the hardest part about Structural Engineering is the development of probable loading, application thereof, and understanding (on a quantitative level - the qualitative usually seems somewhat intuitive) the behavior and performance of a structure such that design principals can be adequately employed. My Master's Courses - and the personal interaction and discussions with the professors - have helped me "pull back the curtain" on the analysis programs and better understand how they work (and more importantly, when they don't!). I'm always a proponent of in person study as a relationship with the professors brings more depth and value to the experience, but if it's not an option then an online curriculum with a lot of analysis methods and would be my recommendation to anyone.

The specialty programs may be good - but only if you are a specialist. If you do nothing but design wood trusses and timber buildings, the one you linked to may be great. But if you're a generalist, I wouldn't do it unless you plan to cover the wall of your office with specialty degrees in all areas. That would be pretty awesome, and more power to you if you try, but probably not practical for most.

 

[rb1957]

agree with above, distance learning is difficult to get the personal interactions where much of the real learning happens.

I've done one distance learning program … but we had a class room at work. There the interaction was (even) better and more important/valuable as everyone was connected.

another day in paradise, or is paradise one day closer ?

 

[KootK]

Of the online options, I'd lean towards Illinois for the singular reason that Illinios' structural group is held in exceptionally high regard which can't help but benefit you.

With regard to the wood specialty:

- I know a number of their graduates and they've seemed happy with the program.

- From a marketing perspective, having a specialty is always a good thing. That, especially, if you see yourself doing serious wood design in the BC area.

- I'm torn as to whether or not it's already too late to really exploit a specialty wood degree. 5-10 years ago you would have been sitting pretty. Now that the wood market segment has already exploded, you might be a bit late to that party.

- Doing an online degree is kind of a grueling experience in many instances. 1yr move hassle aside, I suspect the in person wood degree would be a smoother, and much quicker, ride.

 

[dauwerda]

I recently took an online college course that is part of a master's program (although I took it more for continuing education than anything). I was surprised at how much (good) interaction there was between students and staff (most of the students were also already working in their field for a few years at least) on the discussion boards and I found that it was better than what I had experienced in a more traditional classroom setting when I got my degrees. There were a few times I missed the face to face interaction, but overall I probably got more out of the online class than many of my traditional classes. That said, you could probably skate by in online classes much easier, but if you are there to actually learn (obviously) I found that information, questions, answers, were readily accessible and more convenient to my schedule. After having my experience with one class, I would have no issue signing up for an online degree program.

 

[JoshPlumSE]

dauwerda -

From which institution did you take the course? It seems like having an institution that really knows how to do those courses seems very valuable. Also, whether the institution is geared towards full time students or part time students seems important. I mention this because I've seen my wife (a Nurse) involved in on-line education a lot over the last decade or so.

Now, her courses are "self paced", so that you can move faster or slower over the course of the semester. Therefore, if you are already an expert in one topic, you can complete that course in less time and move onto another one. But, at the same time, the course seem to offer a lot of valuable information.

 

[dauwerda]

My experience was with Gonzaga's Transmission and Distribution program.

https://www.gonzaga.edu/school-of-e...ograms/transmission-distribution/courses#tadp

 

[BMart006]

I did part of my master's at NC State online (civil engineering program with structural concentration). After four semesters I decided to transfer to a local university to do research, but while I was at NCSU, I thought the program was well organized. Exams could be administered by a non-direct supervisor which meant I didn't have to travel for exams. All of the professors were responsive to my emails and calls when I had questions. And the greatest upside is if you didn't understand something the first go-around, you could rewatch the lectures.

 

[skeletron]

Thanks for the advice and comments. I'll take some time to digest.

@phamENG: I really like the in-person component with analysis classes. I tend to pick up more comprehensive information from text, but instructors in class often give you that extra prompt—a sort of push of knowledge— that pulls back the curtain and makes 500 pages into one succinct process. Good realistic advice about generalist vs. specialist. I hope to be more of a generalist, a jack of all trades of sorts. You can't have a royal flush without a jack.

@KootK: Yeah, the smooth quick ride of UNBC is definitely the draw. There is a seemingly big push towards mass timber in BC but, from my limited practice perspective, it's not the bread-and-butter jobs. Seems like it is used sparingly for effect or in quantity to impress. I'm a little out of touch with the design, and don't see it in practice enough unless I start to chase it. That being said, I like how the program is hands-on and an intensive year. The Illinois route is interesting, although costly and requires a bit more preparation for admission. Good advice on your perspective of the wood industry.

@rb1957: I took an online writing program where the lack of personal interaction was a bit of a drawback.

@dauwerda: Good perspective on the online program. I guess I'm understanding is that if a student applies themselves to the topic, they won't just skate by. They'll likely take away the same or similar experience to an in-class participant.

@BMart006: Good to know that about your positive experience. It sounds like Ohio does have a pretty good handle on the online organization.

 

[mmarlow]

Im currently in my last course of the online MCE-structures program at Norwhoch University.

I went to Umass Amherst for undergrad, and stayed in touch with a few classmates who stayed there to finish their masters. Below are the differences that I picked up based on our conversations.

-There courses were structured with a more clasic 10x3 credit courses, while I took 5x6 credit courses.

- There coursework seemed to get more indepth with analysis and mechanics courses (advanced soil mechanics, matrix analysis of structures, structural stability, FEA, bridge engineering ...)
While, my coursework was focused on design. I took Wood, concrete, steel, dynamics, and project management.

-The structure was a lot like a work environment at Norwich. We were given tasks at the begining of the week, and for the most part it was all open book.

-They had more options, as I had none.

-They cost about the same, but I was able to work full time.

-The online program was less work than I did in undergrad.

-theirs took 1 year, mine is taking 18 months (I took 9 months off after undergrad)

All in all, Im happy with my choice to do it online. I felt that it was quite practical, and it acted as a great supplement while I gained 2 years of experience in the work force.

I do feel that Umass offered a much more indepth educational experience.

I use these two schools as they are the only 2 I have direct experience with. I've enjoyed getting an education from both schools.

Im sure online programs differ everywhere.I hope this helpful.



-MMARLOW EIT