<p>Posted this to Parents Forum and Engineering forum but hope you may have some knowledge of the program and miss it on the other discussion walls. Thanks in advance. </p>
<p>Son is currently applying to some highly ranked online MS ME programs that stream classes as if you were there. Seems a popular way to stay employed while attaining the degree. Anyone familiar with these programs?</p>
<p>Also, in general, how is grade inflation/deflation/curves in Masters ME programs?</p>
<p>This is a perfectly acceptable way of pursuing a professional degree as long as the courses he takes are precisely those taken by the students who are there in person. My university, Illinois Tech, has been doing this for a long time. Initially it was through our microwave TV network but now it is mostly online. I have taught a number of courses this way and it works quite well. The drawback is the inability to take laboratory courses and so for our Master of Health Physics program we have students come for a week-long short course on instrumentation.</p>
<p>As for grade inflation, that depends a lot on the university, however, my guess is that engineering will be challenging and the grades will be well earned.</p>
<p>Thanks for posting here and on the Engineering forum xray. I think the online programs are becoming more and more common and I’m glad you find it acceptable. He’s applying to well regarded Masters as well as well regarded online programs. All classes are streamed and everything is identical to being there in person. He’s also checked out the classes offered to make sure it is what he wants. </p>