Looking For Acredited eLearning Instituation to Complete Engineering Degree

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by gil_happy, Apr 21, 2014.

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  1. gil_happy

    gil_happy New Member

    Hello,

    After graduating nearly 20 years ago from college, I'm looking for an 'accredited' institution where I can obtain my Bachelors in an Engineering program (possibly Electrical Engineering). I need a distance, eLearning, or online program, in combination with possibly some lab / onsite time (if necessary ) as I currently work full time.

    Here is a little bit of information about me and my background:

    - Graduated in 1994 with a diploma (2 year program) in Telecommunications Engineering Technology
    - Graduated from a bricks and mortar technical school in Canada
    - I've been working in the Telecommunications industry for the last 20 years since graduation
    - I've been working in the USA for the last 10 years of my 20 year work experience
    - Currently reside in Atlanta, GA

    In 2011 (as part of my USA work visa), a company called 'The TrustForte Corporation' completed an Evaluation of Education, Training, and Experience and they concluded that the educational equivalent of my Telecommunications Engineering Technology diploma in the United States is a Bachelor of Science in Electronic Engineering Technology.

    I have no idea where to begin the investigation into an accredited institution where I can obtain my Bachelors of Science in Engineering. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

    Thanks
     
  2. CalDog

    CalDog New Member

    In the US, reputable (ABET accredited) engineering degrees are not commonly offered online, because there are significant lab requirements that that are difficult to deliver via distance learning. So the options are limited.

    The best known provider is the University of North Dakota. However, the UND distance degrees are supposed to be very expensive for out-of-state residents, and they require residency in North Dakota during the summer for labs.

    There is an online BSEE program at Arizona State, but I don't know anything about it.

    If you can take pre-engineering courses at a local community college, or if you can show that your previous education/experience is comparable to the first two years of a BSEE curriculum, then you can finish the last two years of the BSEE curriculum at Stony Brook University.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Apr 21, 2014
  3. CalDog

    CalDog New Member

    ABET has a (small) list of 100% online degree programs that they accredit, including engineering, technology, and computer science programs. The ASU BSE program is listed.

    The UND and Stony Brook programs aren't listed, presumably because they aren't 100% online. As noted above, the UND program requires summer labs in North Dakota. The Stony Brook program only covers the last two years of the BSEE curriculum.
     
  4. gil_happy

    gil_happy New Member

    Thanks CalDog for all the information... Believe it or not, when I was investigating this 12 years ago, the University of North Dakota came up as an option - even back then.

    I will definitely look into the ASU program as it looks like they might have 2 programs that will compliment my diploma. I will reach out to Stony Brook as well and see what they offer based upon my work experience and education.

    Thanks for all the help so far!
     
  5. CalDog

    CalDog New Member

    While their lowest tuition rates are for North Dakota residents, UND does offer substantial tuition discounts to residents of neighboring states and provinces. You seem to be Canadian, but working in the US. If you are legally a citizen of Saskatchewan or Manitoba, you might qualify for a discount.
     
  6. BobbyJim

    BobbyJim New Member

    Why not go for a masters degree?

     
  7. TEKMAN

    TEKMAN Semper Fi!

    I agree with BobbyJim; you have more option for the Master degree than Bachelor. You can even apply to Ivy League school, Columbia University's CVN.
     
  8. gil_happy

    gil_happy New Member

    Thanks... I will check with them on this and see what they say.
     
  9. gil_happy

    gil_happy New Member

    That is a good question.. however, even though TrustForte indicates that my background and experience is equivalent to a Bachelors, it doesn't mean that I actually have a Bachelors - if that makes sense? I'm sure if I was to go for my Masters, any institution would want to see transcripts / degree from that school.
     
  10. msganti

    msganti Active Member

    The work visa evaluation is a different beast. I am also on a work visa, so I know.
    As per the USCIS, 3 years of experience can be substituted for 1 year of college. So, if you have a 2-year diploma and 6 years of experience, you can be evaluated as having an equivalent of a 4-year US degree. However, this applies for immigration purposes only. It does not apply to the academic scenario.
    IMHO, your best bet would be to complete a US degree, transferring your credits as much as possible. Have a look at Western Governors University and see if yo can fit in.
     
  11. gil_happy

    gil_happy New Member

    Msganti, thanks for the Western Governors University information, but they don't appear to be accredited by ABET. Part of my motivation behind this continuing education has to do with work visa requirements. Through most of my working career, I have been on TN Visa as a Scientific Technician - this means as a person with a 2 year diploma, I must work under direct supervision of a 4 year degreed engineer (this was the case years ago). In the past, when I have been offered jobs, I was unable to accept because my direct manager did not have a 4 year engineering degree. If I complete my engineering degree, I won't run into this problem.

    However, I don't know if you said would hold true in my case - for every 3 years of work experience substituted for 1 year of college. In any case, it seems like getting my degree would be the best thing for career advancement and immigration purposes.
     

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