Choosing an Online Engineering School

A career in engineering is a great way to ensure that you have a secure future, as jobs in this field are always available and growing even in a down economy. If you choose to complete your studies online then you will want to pick the best possible school so you know that your new engineering degree is going to get you a good job. Here are a few key areas to look at when choosing an online engineering school.

Accreditation

For starters, if you think you may need financial assistance at any point during your education the school and program you attend need to be recognized by the US Department of Education. In turn you will find that these programs are accredited by the following or other agencies:

MSA/CHE – Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Higher Education
NEASC-CIHE – New England Association of Schools and Colleges / Commission on Technical and Career Institutions
SACS – Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Western Association of Colleges and Schools

For your specific degree to be recognized by engineering firms it should be accredited by ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology).

Range of Programs

When you select a career in engineering you also need to narrow down your selection to a particular field. While some courses may be the same across several types of engineering fields, there will be specific courses that you need to take in order to get the right certification. The school you select should have the courses you need to become the type of engineer you want to be.

Flexibility

Becoming an engineer is not an easy task, so you want to make it as simple as possible to complete your courses. Ensure that the program you pick is flexible enough that you can complete your studies on your own schedule. Otherwise you may find that the load is too much to handle and your personal life starts to suffer.

Entrance Requirements

The entrance requirements for engineering programs are usually pretty tough, meaning that you will need top marks in math, as well as chemistry and biology depending on your specialty. If you don't have top marks you may have to find a school that has lower admission standards, which will limit your choices of schools.

Payments and Scholarships

Getting a four year degree can be a bit pricey, so unless you have a big bank account you may want to find a school that has a reasonable payment schedule. Payment plans and scholarships are one way that the online school you attend can make paying for classes easier. Having a financial aid office that can co-ordinate your finances with you can also make a difference.

Career Placement

Once you graduate, is your school going to help you find a great job? While engineers likely will not have difficulty finding employment, it is still beneficial if your online school is willing to help connect you with hiring companies in your field of specialty. Not only can it save you time finding a job, but it can help you find job opportunities that you never knew existed.

Published: 2009-11-02