To overcome these barriers, the program is designed to allow students to earn a top-quality master's degree from their location using time available in their schedule. Pferdehirt explained that the program curriculum was developed based on an extensive needs analysis survey of practicing engineers across the United States. The web-based design of all MEPP courses teaches students how to effectively use the Internet for collaboration, teamwork and access to online engineering resources. A key aspect of the program was the ability to work remotely-that, in combination with the actual courses, really filled a desire I had to move forward in my career. The program has included engineers from as far away as Florida, Alaska and even Mexico.
Many participants travel extensively, often to Europe or Asia.
As long as they have their laptop and Internet access, continued progress in their coursework is no problem. Students say MEPP courses will provide them with the knowledge and skills to make them not only more effective engineers, but enhance their leadership skills, too. Employers represented in this fall's incoming class include Boeing, Harley-Davidson, Kohler Company, Mercury Marine and GE Medical Systems.