I need your advice on which program you would recommend. I am considering the program in Mechanical Engineering Technology from Education Direct or Mechanical Design Technology at Ivy Tech State College. Both appeal to me but there seems to be a big difference between accreditation and cost. The military is providing the cost of tuition, but Ivytech is going to come with lots of expenses for books and software(AutoCad) while Education Direct includes books and software with tuition. I also like the flexibility of education direct. I am a mechanic in the Air Force and want to transfer to civilian life and work in an engineering related discipline. I also want to continue my education once I get my foot in the door. I am just not sure how an employer is going to view my credentials from education direct because the program is not accredited by Accredited board of Engineering and Tech(ABET). Do you think an employer would be concerned about the ABET accreditation or just see that I have a strong mechanical background and a specialized degree? I do know that Ivy Tech is sponsored by the American Design and Drafting Association and Regionally accredited, but they are not as flexible with the semesters and are going to cost thousands for software and books alone. However, I will go with Ivy Tech if it could get me a better paying job after my enlistment. I will also have a regionally accredited degree from the Community College of the Air Force in Aviation Maintenance Technology. Do you think This would backup a degree from Education Direct? I need advice before I invest these next few years working hard torwards my degree. I have been reading through these threads a couple of months now and have enjoyed learning from experienced people. Thank you.
If ABET accreditaiton is a concern for you, why not use their search engine to find the appropriate program? You can find it here: http://www.abet.org/accredited_programs/engineeringtechnology/TACWebsite.asp
My gut feeling is to go with the RA school. I don't think most companies know the difference but I have seen several government jobs that require an RA degree. If you want to get into grad school down the line, an RA degree will give you more options. An RA degree, even if it is less convient, will provide you with more options in the future. If you want to teach, an RA degree will help get you there. You say, "Both appeal to me but there seems to be a big difference between accreditation and cost. The military is providing the cost of tuition, but Ivytech is going to come with lots of expenses for books and software(AutoCad) while Education Direct includes books and software with tuition. I also like the flexibility of education direct. " if you are only paying for software and books, that is a small price to pay for an education. Are you currently in the military? What level are you talking about Associates or Bachelors?
Since you are military - http://www.dl.odu.edu/partnerships/navycollege/index.html Although this is for the navy, there may be a similar program for other branches. Just a though, don;t know how helpful this is.
The a list of ABET accredited Mechanical Engineering Technology program, many have a DL component, other programs can be found at: http://www.abet.org/accredited_programs/engineeringtechnology/TACWebsite.asp Doing a cross search at: http://www.petersons.com/distancelearning/code/search.asp Which is right for you? Only you can truly determine. Quick search found 147 ABET ME Tech programs.
I would like to thank all of you for your replies. It has given me some resources to look at that I did not consider before. This is to the reply: Randell1234 Are you currently in the military? What level are you talking about Associates or Bachelors? I am looking into an associates in Engineering Technology because I want to get a job outside the military as an engineering and/or design technician.
To the reply from kebauc: Since you are military - http://www.dl.odu.edu/partnerships/...lege/index.html Although this is for the navy, there may be a similar program for other branches. Just a though, don;t know how helpful this is. Thank you. This was very helpful. The program at ODU is for someone who has completed an AS degree with the appropiate Math and Science courses can transfer into there BSET program. This sounds great for the long term goal, but I want to be able to complete a degree before my enlistment is up so I can get a job outside the military.
Engineering Technology I received my BS in Engineering Technology in 1984. My goal was to become a licensed design engineer. Because my degree was ET instead of traditional engineering, about 1/3 of all states will not let me get licensed as a P.E. I am currently licensed in several states, but it has been somewhat of a struggle. A friendly word of caution: if you at any time in the future would contemplate becoming an engineer, and have a desire to take the licensing exams (EIT and P.E.), you should know there will be obstacles. A traditional engineering degree (ABET accredited) is the way to go if it's feasible for you, and if you think you might head in that direction at some point in your career. Just thought I would let you know. Good luck!
