The Online Student Experience at Case Western Reserve

0:00:02.5 Speaker 1: At Case Western Reserve university, we have a proud tradition of educating students in theory and engineering fundamental. In our online master of engineering and master of science programs, students across disciplines will participate in courses specifically designed to address the practice of engineering in today's environment. As one of the nation's top research institutions, courses are taught by faculty who are experts in their fields, incorporating cutting edge research into their teachings, providing students the opportunity to learn from experts who are at the forefront of innovation in the field of engineering. Our curriculum centers on realistic problem solving with case studies and simulations to enhance the learning experience and provide students with the depth of understanding needed to succeed in their careers. With our online platform, you'll be able to track your progress throughout your courses. Each time you log in, there's a visual reminder of what's been completed and which tasks you need to focus on next.

0:01:00.1 Speaker 1: Students are able to participate in live class sessions with instructors. So they have a chance to meet one on one or in group sessions, along with their classmates. You'll also have the opportunity to work on group projects, which can allow you the chance to develop relationships through group based partnerships, all with the flexibility to complete your coursework in a state-of-the-art online technology platform, allowing you to experience the same rigorous curriculum as our on ground programs, anywhere your busy schedule takes you. At Case Western Reserve university, we are committed to innovation and ensuring that what we do matters and makes an impact. We lead by doing and through our online master of engineering and master of science programs, we empower our students to do the same.

0:00:00.2 Francesca Chaba: Hello, my name is Frankie, and I'm an Admissions Advisor for Case Western's online Master of Engineering and Master of Science and Engineering Programs. Let's begin by discussing what I'll cover in this webinar today.

0:00:15.2 Francesca Chaba: First, I'll talk about Case Western Reserve University. Then Why go online with Case School of Engineering? I'll introduce the Online, ME and MS programs, discuss Online support, Student Success and online resources, Tuition and financial aid, and Admissions requirements and deadlines.

0:00:36.3 Francesca Chaba: And now some information about Case Western Reserve University. Case Western is ranked number 42 among national universities, number 51 among Engineering graduate schools, and number 14 among colleges in the Midwest.

0:00:50.9 Francesca Chaba: There are many factors which solidify Case Western's standing as a global network and Ecosystem of Innovation, which include over 270 partnerships with Fortune 500 companies and startups alike that provide $400 million in funding for research yearly.

0:01:06.3 Francesca Chaba: Case has more than 110,000 alumni from 92 countries, and almost 20% of the university's student population is from outside the United States, which is partially made possible by the online nature of these programs.

0:01:23.2 Francesca Chaba: Case Western Reserve University's Master of Engineering Program and Master of Science and Engineering Programs provide an on-campus experience in an online environment.

0:01:32.1 Francesca Chaba: All of the programs I mentioned today are able to be completed 100% online.

0:01:36.8 Francesca Chaba: Along with being online, these programs are also asynchronous, which means that students are able to complete their course work any time, anywhere unconfined by set weekly class times. While you would never be required to be physically present on campus, there are various hands-on experiential activities like the Searsthinkbox, as well as countless ways to be involved online, like studying and networking with colleagues and faculty members in any one of our degree programs.

0:02:06.3 Francesca Chaba: First, I'll talk about the Master of Engineering.

0:02:12.3 Francesca Chaba: The Master of Engineering degree program provides a holistic view of engineering through coursework that includes technical engineering skills, as well as classes in communication, management, business and product design. Sure to provide talking points during job interviews, as well as contract negotiations, Students are able to choose one of four technical concentrations, Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems and Control Engineering, or Engineering Innovation, Management and Leadership. The Master of Engineering curriculum contains 10 total courses over 30 credit hours, consisting of five Core Courses, four Technical Concentration Courses and one Capstone Course. The Capstone Course for the Master of Engineering Program is a device design project that allows students to create an a device from sketches through design, completion and even advertising using the skills they've gained across our courses. The minimum time for completion of the Master of Engineering Program is five semesters.

0:03:22.1 Francesca Chaba: Next, I'll talk about the Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering.

0:03:27.9 Francesca Chaba: Each of our Master of Science and Engineering Programs have opportunities for and specific focuses in research.

0:03:34.5 Francesca Chaba: The Biomedical Engineering Program offers interdisciplinary coursework from not only the Case School of Engineering, but also the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, which covers a wide range of engineering and biomedical applications. The BME department has connections to more than 20 research centers, as well as over $41 million in current grants and maintain their ranking as the 19th Best Biomedical Engineering Graduate Program. While the course plan for the BME program is more specialized in the Master of Engineering Program, there are still flexibility in what electives you may choose to take.

0:04:11.5 Francesca Chaba: Next is the Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering Program. Mechanical Engineering is one of the most fundamental and expansive disciplines in the field of engineering, extending from things like biologically inspired robots to experimental computational solid mechanics. Ranked the 40th Best Mechanical Engineering School, Case Western offers an online Mechanical Engineering program, consisting of the eight required courses in Mechanical Engineering and the choice of two technical electives in other engineering disciplines.

0:04:50.8 Francesca Chaba: Lastly, Case Western offers a Master of Science in Systems and Control Engineering. Case Western's Master of Science in Systems and Control Engineering, ranked number 41 among Best Systems Engineering Grad Schools provides the opportunity to create solutions from modern day issues within systems using multidisciplinary coursework and research and analysis, design and control.

0:05:16.8 Francesca Chaba: The MS in Systems and Control Engineering is the most customizable of the online Master of Science and Engineering programs, with five core courses in signal processing, optimization, feedback control, production and manufacturing systems, energy systems and systems biology, and it also provides a flexibility to choose five technical electives in the areas of control, energy and dynamics.

0:05:49.1 Francesca Chaba: I often receive questions from potential applicants on what the online student experience is like. All of the programs that I mentioned are completed 100% online with no requirement to be physically on campus. Each academic year consists of three 14-week semesters, spring, summer and fall, start dates are available in each semester.

0:06:10.6 Francesca Chaba: Students are allowed to take up to two courses per semester concurrently. A student taking two courses per semester would be considered full-time. A student taking one course per semester would be considered part-time. Part-time students remain eligible for financial aid. Classes are developed for an online format by the industry leading full-time faculty members of the engineering department, which promote a collaborative learning environment.

0:06:35.3 Francesca Chaba: Students also receive one-to-one advising each semester with program chairs. Every student is connected with a Student Success Coordinator who provides support as a point of contact throughout the program. I'll speak more on that on the next slide. Students have access to industry leading mathematical and engineering software tools such as MATLAB and Mathematica, as well as 24/7 technical support.

0:07:01.2 Francesca Chaba: Once enrolled in the Case School of Engineering, you will be assigned a Student Success Coordinator who will support you during your program and be your main point of contact from acceptance to graduation. The Student Success team conducts an initial student success call, assists with new student online orientation and expectations for program participation in performance, provides explanation of student resources and demonstrates how to navigate the learning management system. They also assist with program planning and tips are managing work life balance while in graduate school.

0:07:39.0 Francesca Chaba: Our online engineering master's programs stand out because they are practice-oriented with a focus on empowering students to have an impact on the engineering industry and society at large.

0:07:48.8 Francesca Chaba: Students complete courses specifically designed to address the practice of engineering in today's business environment; in fact, nearly 90% of the Case Western Reserve University online engineering program alumni report that they are able to use what they learned in the program in their current role. We encourage students to be curious and think outside the box to solve problems, as they develop into the next generation of global engineering leaders.

0:08:16.4 Francesca Chaba: There are a few different ways to fund your graduate education at Case. We're proud to provide service to Veterans and their dependents who are eligible for Veterans Education Benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill, Post-9/11 GI Bill and Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program. Case Western Reserve University participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program for those who are 100% eligible for benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

0:08:42.0 Francesca Chaba: Regarding the FAFSA, all US citizens and permanent residents of the US may be considered for federally funded programs. All qualified applicants can receive a scholarship worth more than $19,000, which can bring total tuition to $39,000. We are currently offering all Case School of Engineering alumni a $39,000 scholarship toward an online engineering master's degree.

0:09:12.8 Francesca Chaba: After the scholarships mentioned, the previous slides are applied. The cost breakdown is as follows. Overall, the total cost for both programs is $39,000 for 10 courses, which consists of 30 credits. For more specific information on tuition, please contact the Financial Aid Office.

0:09:39.5 Francesca Chaba: There are a few qualifications that the folks who review your application will be looking for. You are not required to have a Bachelor of Science in Engineering to be considered for the program, but a Bachelor of Science in engineering is considered sufficient for admission.

0:09:52.5 Francesca Chaba: If you do not have a degree in engineering, you will be expected to demonstrate proficiency in Calculus and Differential Equations.

0:10:00.1 Francesca Chaba: While the prerequisites for all programs are the same, applicants are encouraged to inquire with program leaders regarding coursework related to specialty areas as there may be unique expectations per program. The GRE is typically only required for MS applicants, however, the submission of GRE scores for the 2021 academic year is waved.

0:10:21.9 Francesca Chaba: Students will also be required to submit two letters of recommendation, which can be academic or professional, as well as a personal statement, which is a short essay on your interest in the program and explaining how the program can provide you with support in reaching your professional goals. More information including a specific prompt for the personal statement can be found within the application itself.

0:10:43.2 Francesca Chaba: TOEFL, IELTS or PTE Scores are required for international students, some conditions do not require international students to submit these scores.

0:10:52.8 Francesca Chaba: To learn more about deadlines, speak to your admissions advisor.

0:11:03.5 Francesca Chaba: We now have time for some questions. The first question, Are students able to switch between part-time and full-time? Yes, students can begin part-time and switch to full-time. This would affect your rate of completion. However, Case Western expects students to complete their degree within five years of starting. So as long as you complete your degree within five years of starting, you're able to switch between part-time and full-time.

0:11:26.9 Francesca Chaba: The second question, How long will I spend on coursework? Students should expect to spend roughly 15 to 20 hours per week on course work, per number of courses that they are involved in. This will vary by student in class, but it's a good estimate.

0:11:42.1 Francesca Chaba: The last question, When should I begin my application? This is a great question. I recommend beginning your application as soon as possible, depending on when you plan to enroll. Beginning your application demonstrates interest in the program to which you are applying and allows us to monitor your progress and make sure documentation is properly uploaded. We are notified every time you submit a material, so it's helpful for us to be able to keep track of which documents you've uploaded and which ones we're still waiting for.

0:12:09.6 Francesca Chaba: This concludes our webinar for today. Thank you so much for your participation, and if you have any questions after watching, please feel free to reach out to me at the following email or phone number. Thanks so much, have a great day.