<p>I've noticed at some top ranked schools like John Hopkins, USC, Columbia, UMich offer Master's and other graduate level engineering degrees that can be completed 100% online. What are people's thoughts on these programs? It doesn't look like employers will know that the student took these classes online. Other than the lack of in-person/hands-on experience, are there any other drawbacks to this?</p>
<p>These are most likely professional degrees, that is, coursework only. If they are set up properly, you will be viewing the same lectures as the live students, doing the same homework and taking the same examinations. You should look to see how it works so you can make an informed decision.</p>
<p>From a job/career perspective, employers wouldn’t be able to tell the difference would they?</p>
<p>Also, is it easier to get into the graduate program if you’re doing distance learning vs attending classes?</p>
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<p>No. Thought I guess they could tell if you listed employment in Alaska and a degree from Columbia at the same time. Though no one will care - a Michigan or USC degree is a Michigan or USC degree.</p>
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<p>No. That’s why the programs are still considered prestigious - they have the same admission requirements and you complete the same coursework and receive the same grades as students on campus. </p>
<p>What usually happens is that the class lectures are videotaped. You log onto a website and watch the videos at your leisure but you are never supposed to be more than 1 week or so behind the class. When the class has an assignment, online students also complete it, but have an extra week to do so. When the class has an exam, the online students go to a local community college or a Pearson Learning Center and take the exam there.</p>
<p>I should point out, though, that coursework-only MS degrees usually have easier admissions than BS or PhD admissions. That’s not to say that it’s easy, just that it’s not as competitive as BS or PhD admissions.</p>