<p>so i was accepted into the engineering school at tcnj, as well as at rowan university. i plan on studying civil engineering. can anyone tell me a little more about the program at tcnj? i can't seem to find a whole lot of information on the engineering school itself, and am curious as to whether or not it is better or worse than rowan and why/why not? i have visited both campuses and felt extremely comfortable at both (although i must say that tcnj has a much better looking campus), so it really comes down mostly to a matter at where i would get a better education. thanks in advance for the help.</p>
<p>I just wanted to give this post a bump. I have a similar question. Any feedback of any sort on the engineering program in general at TCNJ, and the civil engineering program in particular, is appreciated. For example, how are the teachers, classes, accessibility? Campus experience for engineers. Any comparisons to Rutgers, Rowan or even Case Western? </p>
<p>Thank you!!</p>
<p>My son is a Civil Engineering student at TCNJ. Transferred from junior college. Now has about 100 credits towards degree. My other son graduated from TCNJ now a math teacher. I don’t like their engineering program and my son has had many problems with their teachers. One professor was Russian with very poor english. My son said no one could pass her class because her tests are completely different that her classes. My son had a 3.5 GPA ,had 85% average on her homework assignments and 90% on her labs. She gave him a “D” for her class. Then 3 days later sent him an e-mail saying she made a mistake and he got an “F”. No small mistake. He’s had more than one teacher with poor english and unusual teaching habits. In a current class his teacher has missed 4 labs and 3 classes. Some learning experience. I complained to the Dean of Engineering about the inconsistencies and he did nothing. I’ve had nothing but problems with the clerical end of TCNJ also. Transcripts lost, credits not transferred properly, the only thing they do right is send out the bills and expect a timely payment. I would NOT recommend the engineering program. My math teacher son also had many “english as a second language” professors. Took 5 years to get his degree. The engineering program is 149 credits so you can expect to be there at least 6 years. (after a couple of “do overs”)</p>
<p>why didn’t your son just go to Rutgers? they seem to have a stronger engineering program.</p>
<p>My son didn’t like the Rutgers atmosphere. 50,000 students and must take bus to many classes. Also didn’t like the urban environment. TCNJ is a pleasant and small campus with 5000 students. Could probably get an engineering degree with 130 credits at Rutgers
so wouldn’t be a bad choice. When we looked at Rutgers there had been a lot of bad press about violence around the campus. If you’re comfortable with the city environment Rutgers would probably be fine. TCNJ is better known for it’s academics but they seem to have a problem getting decent engineering instructors. Also, my son is commuting to college and it was an easier ride to TCNJ.</p>
<p>Wondering if anyone else has had a different experience than described above with the civil engineering program. Or, for that matter, if anyone else has had the same experience.</p>
<p>We were at the mechanical engineering open house and were surprised by how sarcastic the professor leading the session was. Any time a parent or potential student asked a question, the guy offered a snarky, facetious answer. Many of the parents were talking about it afterwards and wondering what it would be like to be in his class. I was surprised because I always heard good things so I’m hoping this professor is the exception.</p>
<p>Besides the 149 credits for the degree there are also 4-6, “0” credit classes. Depends
on what year you enter program. You are expected to show up 2-3 times a semester for seminars or engineering meetings. These are “0” credit but required. Not too bad but the scheduling is hard to follow. You never know when they’ll be but you’ll get an e-mail a day or two before. If you have something else sheduled or have to work, too bad. Some of the part time professors may have other commitments and will miss your class. One skipped his class then resceduled it at a time of his convenience. Once again, too bad. It’s up to you to please him.
Maybe I’m nit=picky but I’m paying for this and expect something in return. (besides bills)
Spent about 60 grand (cash) on first son (after scholarships) and will spend at least 40 grand on second.</p>
<p>By now you may have already made your decision. But if not, please strongly consider attending Rowan. My alma mater is TCNJ (Trenton State) and I’d love to encourage you to attend. However, we’ve recently been through the college process for our son who is interested in mechanical engineering, and I have to say, hands down, that between these 2 schools, Rowan is the place to be for engineering. Although my son chose another school, Rowan was a VERY close second and their engineering department is far superior to that of TCNJ who simply revamped some older classrooms into eng. labs. Rowan has an entire building that is dedicated solely to engineering and was created for that. The labs are beyond compare and the students we know who attend are extremely happy and on target for graduation in 4 years. The Chem. eng. is ranked #2 in the country. My older son attends Rowan and cannot be happier with all the progressive growth and activity there. We just heard that a friend of his who attends TCNJ for electrical engineering is now transferring to Rowan after two miserable years at TCNJ. Visit for yourself, but Rowan offers so much more and in general we hear that kids are just happier there, all around. Good luck and let us know what you decide!</p>