UC’s online Master of Engineering program ranked top 30 nationally
From 2011 to 2016, first-time enrollment for engineering master's programs increased an average of 5.6 percent annually (Council of Graduate Schools/Graduate Record Examinations Program). With more engineers across the country going to graduate school, universities are adding programs to accommodate these students. For working engineers who want to expand their technical and professional skills in the field, an online degree is sometimes an attractive alternative to a traditional graduate studies experience.
“Many individuals are looking to gain broader, deeper skills to apply to their job,” says Eugene Rutz, M.S., manager of University of Cincinnati’s Master of Engineering programs. “With the economy improving, design and manufacturing are areas that people are interested in.”
UC’s online Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering program was recently ranked 29th in the country by Master’s Programs Guide. Programs were evaluated based on the following criteria: Degree customization; program flexibly and accessibility; faculty achievement and student resources and success; and school reputation and commendation.
UC’s online master’s program in mechanical engineering is an 18-month, 30-credit hour online program that deepens students’ engineering skills in design and manufacturing, while developing their professional skills. The degree offers industry-focused, practice-oriented classes that prepare students to solve complex problems and effectively manage tasks and projects.
Though most students take two classes every semester over five semesters to complete the degree, UC’s program works with students to meet their schedule. One of the strengths for this program, says Rutz, is its flexibility.
Our responsiveness is something that gives this program a good reputation.
Eugene Rutz, UC director of Master of Engineering programs
"By being flexible, we try to help students meet the outcomes they want for their job,” Rutz says. “We’ll work with students and give them the ability to customize the program to accommodate their situation.”
All classes in the program are taught by faculty who also teach traditional in-person courses. Additionally, just like a traditional Master of Engineering program, the online program concludes with a capstone project. And even though everything is online, Rutz ensures that students who have questions have a person to talk to.
“Sometimes with these online degrees, people wonder, ‘Is there really a person there?’ And there are people here. Our responsiveness is something that gives this program a good reputation,” Rutz says.
When students earn this degree from UC, they graduate not only with increased technical skills in their field but also with improved professional skills in communication and teamwork, skills that align with personal goals and industry trends.
“We try to put students at the center and make sure they have good experience," Rutz says.
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