The Benefits of Online Degrees for Engineers

I read an interesting article in The Guardian recently that talked about how various online students have fit their studies into their busy lives. This article brings up some valid points; however, I thought an Engineering spin was in order.

Engineers lead busy lives. Work can often include long hours and one should not have to sacrifice too much time with their family and friends. Therefore, as the majority of part-time, online engineering master’s students are still employed, convenience is an important factor.

Online degrees are designed to work as you go. No need to rush to a class when you can take it at home in your jammies. Once the kids are down and your simulations are running on the cloud, you could watch a lecture instead of watching TV.

When taking courses on campus full-time, expenses quickly add up. Little income is coming in and you have to make sacrifices to your quality of life as a result. If you are working while studying, however, you will probably be able to maintain or advance your quality of life while still staying out of the red. Furthermore, as online programs tend to charge per course rather than by quarter or semester, the costs should be easier to manage, even if you are searching for employment or currently on leave.

The degree and education you earn will be the same degree you would get if you studied full time on campus. To avoid occasions in which this is not true, make sure to do a little research before you choose the school for your degree. At many universities, professors will teach the same class online and on-campus. Many programs will also report higher grades for online students, suggesting that online students get at least the same level of education as on-campus students.

Engineers tend to take an online master’s to better understand a problem at work or to increase their chances of managerial promotions. An advantage of this is that you will be able to apply the knowledge at work as you learn, likely increasing your productivity and garnering positive attention from employers and customers alike.