Norwich University

If you are thinking about a Master's in Civil Engineering, this is an excellent option. I lived in California when I started. By the end, I lived in Eastern Europe. That is part of the power of the online learning environment. A second benefit is the staff at Norwich. One of the instructors was in the field overseeing the construction of a cell tower in Kyrgyzstan. Another was a full-time engineering professor at a major university in California. All the others were working professionals. Ph.D.'s, PE's, and SE's. All had substantial engineering experience. The next advantage is the mixture of professionals you will interact with in your class's cohort. You will start with a group and go through all your courses together. This creates some camaraderie and makes the process more enjoyable. Among my fellow students were structural engineers designing bridges, undersea platforms, water systems in Africa. Some ran businesses. One was a PMP professional for a large international firm. Experienced, working professors matter when the conversation is covering the latest design theory and calculations. In the classroom, the diversity of input from a wide range of engineers was more than edifying, it was exciting. Of course, the important things undergrad engineering leaves out are covered. Using code books to determine design loads is one such skill. Connections in reinforced concrete, complex wood splices, and the several failure methods of steel connections in tension are a few of the other skills required in structural engineering. Part way through the program, Norwich leveled up on the online platform. They moved from "angel" to Moodle. Angel was a good platform. But, Moodle was worth the extra work. I think you'll like it. Something Norwich did which made life a little easier was this: They shipped textbooks to us students. Do not worry if you have the correct edition, or all the software attached, Norwich works directly with Fawcett books. Fawcett mails the books to your door. Yes, I received mine in Eastern Europe, no problems. Having the books early helped me get a jump start on each course. Between each class, there is a two-week break. I used that break to work through the early chapters. That way, I had a basis on which to build the new knowledge. The workload is respectable. I set some goals for each class, and the instructors helped me reach them. So, be prepared to earn your degree. If you have never done online classes, also called "asynchronous learning," it is easy to see the advantages. If you have a mandatory meeting, it doesn't matter. Take the meeting. When you arrive back home, you can upload your assignment then. The hours are variable, just not optional. One of the previous reviewers noted that Norwich should utilize video to provide some of the lecture material. One thing you will notice during your coursework: NU proactively mines the student body for information on industry trends. That is one reason why the course content is so relevant to today's engineers. And, there are both video and downloadable PDF lecture materials. Watch all the videos at least twice. Print out the PDF lecture notes or load them onto an iPad. Go to a cafe and do your reading. One caveat of online learning is that social portals are just one click away. Another aspect NU seems to have responded to is the Capstone process. Yes, it was a lot of work. I respected it and all their warnings, "It is more work than you think. Be sure to investigate the available data before you choose a project." The process forced each of us in the program to perform parts of the Capstone project during the last courses. Personally, I chose something that really challenged me to learn dynamics and building serviceability to an entirely new echelon... a few levels higher than I functioned before the program. The best part for me was receiving my degree. The second best part was graduation week. Meeting your classmates, presenting your capstone project, attending lectures you'd normally pay to hear, and some really delicious chow (food, for you civilians) were all part of it. Oh, and do NOT skip the Dog River Run. It was an experience that still makes me smile.

Simply outstanding. I was a Cal Poly San Luis Obispo undergrad. I entered the MCE program as a licensed structural engineer. The program exceeded my expectations. The professors were industry recognized Ph.d structural engineers. The students had solid academic and military backgrounds including a M.I.T. MS in Nuclear Engineering. This is not the university for those looking to "pay the fees and get the degree". Bring your "A" game because you will be challenged and upon completion you will achieve distinction. I am proud to have "MCE" after my name. I recommend this program to anyone looking to earn a degree that has value and respect.

Coursework applicable both immediately and for the future of one's career. Project Management coursework prepared by Mike Puddicombe are world class. Structural analysis and steel coursework is robust. Use of technology in learning is highly effective, outclassing traditional brick and mortar education in many areas. Experience of learning with and meeting such a diverse group is truly unique and eye opening, especially through the residency and through weekly discussions. This program is truly what you make of it. If you spend 20 hours per week you can make it through. If you spend 30 or more, you really get a worldclass education. This program is on the rise, and quickly. Look for considerable improvements to an already superb program. Highly recommended.

Norwich is the best univesity to attend. The whole staff are excellent and do help you through the program. The lecturere are helpful and do response to you questions as soon as possible. You do get help from your classmates by them answering the questions aor explaining what you do ask whether the lecturer or the class. I do recommend Norwich University for those you want to earn their master degree with a relax atmosphere. Norwich University is great.

I had started and not compelted 2 masters programs before Norwich because of not being able to attend classing. Norwich made it possible. It wasn't an easy program but a true stretch the brain and get value for your time and money.

I am a student in the MCE Online Program. This program has taught me more in the last 8 months than I could have ever imagined. It is great that Norwich incorporates project and business management into its curriculum, as opposed to most undergraduate degrees. Most professors and staff are very prompt with their responses and are all down to earth. You must keep up with your school work though, and if you can't devote at least 3 hours a night to it, it will be hard to keep up. You must be self discplined,too and develop your own time scheduling to stay abreast on your work. Words of caution: Be prepared to be challenged.. This degree will be well worth it when you are done.

I like the program and the classes. I wish that they would use videos to present some of the learning material.