Discussion Thread

  • 1.  online vs in-person learning

    Posted 10-25-2024 12:37 PM

    can you please bright me with more information about these questions:

    1. what are the different in studying 100% online master's degree in civil engineering and studying On-Campus master's degree in civil engineering.

    2. did ASCE/ABET accredited online master's degree in civil engineering?

    3. did online master's degree certificates in civil engineering recognized by other professional bodies (ASCE), engineering private and public agencies and the government?



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    Oladele Ogunrinde RPE(CVL, ENV, GEL), M.ASCE
    Civil/Structural/Environmental/Geotechnical/Engineer
    Lewisville TX
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  • 2.  RE: online vs in-person learning

    Posted 10-28-2024 02:58 PM

    I don't have the knowledge to answer your #1 question above, but I can share regarding #2 that according to the ABET website, there are no ABET accredited programs in civil engineering that are 100% online. See https://amspub.abet.org/aps/online-search

    There are some general engineering programs that may include a civil track, but they are accredited under ABET's general engineering criteria only, not civil engineering. 



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    Leslie Nolen Aff.M.ASCE
    ASCE
    Reston VA
    lnolen@...
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: online vs in-person learning

    Posted 10-28-2024 02:59 PM

    Good questions and congratulations for considering graduate studies.

    The biggest difference is that online lacks regular face-to-face opportunities with instructors. If the online course instructor doesn't include substantial opportunity for student-to-student interaction through course discussion forums (most software platforms provide the option) then online can be a lonely effort. When I taught combined classroom/online courses, meaningful forum participation was art of each student's grade. I had many students excel and graduate attending online courses only.

    Yes, ABET accredits masters programs. There's a list at https://www.abet.org/accreditation/what-is-accreditation/what-programs-does-abet-accredit/. 

    As far as I know, an accredited online degree is well accepted by everyone.

    Bill Mc



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    William McAnally Ph.D., P.E., BC.CE, BC.NE, F.ASCE
    ENGINEER
    Columbus MS
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: online vs in-person learning

    Posted 10-30-2024 09:05 AM

    I can speak to my personal experience for your Question #1.

    In my experience, online vs. on-campus master's program is the same in terms of "records" but provides an extremely different experience for you as a student.

    I personally started my graduate program on-campus, then transferred it to an online program for the second half of the degree requirements. The degree I received is the exact same as if I had completed it fully on-campus or fully online. The only way someone will be able to tell is that I have two transcripts that make up one degree. Typically, only HR (or third-party background check agency) will look at my transcript to confirm my records. DISCLAIMER: not all schools provide options to transfer between on-campus and online programs, and not all schools will offer the same program on-campus and online. You will need to research and confirm this for your specific school and program.

    In terms of the graduate student experience, I would think that this would be vastly different depending on which school you are attending, and your level of engagement on-campus or online. On-campus classes will definitely allow you to be more immersed in your studies and provide you the environment where you can engage in research or extra-curricular studies. For example, my school had a graduate student lounge for my department, where students will gather to do homework and projects. This creates relationships and connections that will last throughout your career, and is one of the most rewarding part of the graduate student experience. Face-to-face interaction with your instructor is also a big plus. I have a professor from my on-campus years, who still remembers me after 10 years because I was able to build a personal relationship with them on campus.

    On the other hand, the flexibility of online classes allowed me to have a full time job while finishing my degree requirement. For this reason, online classes tend to have more working professionals in the classes. This allows you to gain industry connections, but these connections are definitely more difficult to maintain and take more intentional actions and emotional intelligence to navigate through.



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    Emily Kim P.E., M.ASCE
    Structural Engineer
    HDR
    Arlington VA
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    Original Message


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