Feasibility of a fully online undergraduate mechanical engineering degree for non-traditional learners

Abstract

Although there are a number of online degrees available online today from some of the most respected educational institutions in the US, very few of these are accredited undergraduate engineering programs. Of interest here is an online program specifically designed and developed to address the many mid-career employees and non-traditional students who have yet to earn an undergraduate engineering degree, especially those in business and industry and at military installations. In this paper, we present the results of a study which seeks to address how best to develop, implement, and assess a fully accredited online undergraduate engineering program. Of particular importance is to identify and address critical elements of such a program, including: potential student populations, faculty requirements, curriculum requirements, admissions criteria, accreditation requirements, implementation resources (faculty, technical equipment, financial), collaboration with other institutions, and laboratory requirements. Successful development of such a program will enable access to superior engineering education by under-represented populations, students in remote locations, and students who are otherwise constrained with regard to traditional undergraduate engineering programs due to family or employment obligations. If successful, such a program could become a model for other undergraduate science and engineering curricula and programs offered online. © American Society for Engineering Education, 2007.