Results of the First Six Years of a 2+2 Online BS Industrial Engineering Degree Pathway

Abstract

This paper reports on the success and difficulties with a 2 + 2 online Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering (BSIE) at Lamar University. The degree pathway was launched in fall 2014. In the 2+2 online model, students complete the first two years at a community college and the final 2 years online at Lamar University. This approach provides a pathway for students who cannot attend a traditional 4-year program due to barriers such as full-time work, location, financial limitations, and dependent care responsibilities. The final two years are online except for a one weekend manufacturing lab where students make a metal hammer in a machine shop. The remaining labs including Work Design, CAD/CAM, Simulation, Senior Design, and Automation have been adapted to online learning. The program has grown to 15 to 20 graduates per year. Most students transfer with the lower coursework complete including math to differential equations, physics, and chemistry. Lamar University currently also offers all lower division courses online except for physics online that allows students to complete any missing requirements. The online students are a diverse population with a wide range of backgrounds. Many online students are early and mid-career students who work full-time primarily in manufacturing and chemical industries in a wide range of roles. A smaller group of students are traditional students that attend pre-engineering programs at community colleges and want to remain in their community. The department also receives students who are unable to complete at a 4-year school due to relocation and job-related issues. Placing all upper division courses online has also aided our traditional on campus students by giving students the opportunity to take a course while at co-ops and internships. Survey feedback from face to face and online students indicates no major issues with the educational experience. Outcome assessment data and student course evaluations indicates a similar level of performance between online and face to face students. Student placement data does not indicate problems with the online program.