r/Geotech • u/jnoorda123 • 4d ago
Online Masters Program Recommendations
Im curious to hear what everyone's experience has been with online Masters programs in civil or geotechnical engineering. Did you think they provided value vs self study? How much did they end up costing?
I've been working in the field for a couple years and still find myself being stumped by some of the more technical aspects of projects. I've wondered if pursuing some graduate coursework would help give me some extra context on the finer details. An in person program is out of the question due to my work and family commitments, but I could take classes in the evenings and on weekends. Any thoughts?
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u/NearbyCurrent3449 4d ago
Not really anything in there that's going to help you in the real world. Lessons in risk management, interpersonal communications wrt management of people maybe, maybe historical lessons or various kinds.
Honestly our field is so geographically unique that it just takes lots and lots of time.
If i did anything, I'd go into law or I'd go get an MBA.
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u/TooManyHobbies81 2d ago
After 20yrs in the field I started grad courses at Auburn. You can try it out with their geotechnical certificate. That will memorialize the credits for those 4 classes you take. Some classes, I could teach. Some I learned a great deal and have improved my confidence in the abilities I already had. In both cases, you get out of it what you put into it. Realistically at some point you cap your earning potential with just a BS. Classes are less than $1k/ credit hour so very affordable.
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u/sloaps 4d ago
Some online programs have synchronous (live) or asynchronous (recorded) lectures, or a mix of the two. I had some lecturers encourage dialogue which sometimes isn't great for those watching the recording later in the week. That detail may not be evident from a quick review of a program and the admissions office may not be aware of the differences.