MEPP Answers to Degree Program Questions

Curriculum

  • How well do courses match your career and learning goals?
    Compare MEPP course descriptions and your goals. The MEPP curriculum was developed to address the mid-career needs of engineering leaders, based on extensive surveys of mid-career engineers and their employers.
  • Is course content designed for on-campus students or experienced engineers
    MEPP course content is specifically designed for experienced engineers, using your real-world projects. Engineers must have at least four years professional experience to enroll in MEPP courses.
  • How long does it take for most students to complete their degree in your specific program of interest?
    92% of MEPP students complete their degrees in two years. 97% complete their degrees within four years.

The Institution

  • What is the university's reputation among employers and other engineers in your profession?
    • UW-Madison's College of Engineering is rated among the top 15 graduate engineering schools by U.S. News and World Report.
    • UW-Madison tied with Harvard for the most alumni serving as CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, according to a recent independent survey.
    • UW-Madison ranks third in research expenditures by U.S. public universities.
    • UW-Madison engineers are highly recruited by world-leading engineering employers.
    • UW-Madison is the flagship institution of the University of Wisconsin System.
  • How is the specific degree program regarded in the academic and business communities?
    • MEPP has received every top major award for quality in continuing education and distance education.
    • World-leading employers have evaluated MEPP and have chosen to sponsor employees' MEPP studies.
    • A recent survey (link exits site) by the Online University Consortium revealed that 65% of employers prefer online degrees from traditional, nationally respected universities rather than for-profit schools.
  • What is the relationship of the degree program to the home university?
    MEPP is a full-fledged degree program of the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Graduate School and College of Engineering. MEPP meets all academic requirements of the Graduate School. UW-Madison Chancellor John Wiley and College of Engineering Dean Paul Peercy are strong supporters of the MEPP program and the institution's commitment to MEPP students.

Faculty

  • Who will teach the specific courses you will be taking?
    MEPP courses are taught by senior faculty, all with substantial, applied experience in industry.
  • How much of the course will be taught by these faculty versus teaching assistants?
    MEPP courses are taught only by senior faculty. Instructional assistants who are MEPP alumni help instructors grade assignments in several MEPP courses.
  • How accessible will these faculty be when you need help?
    MEPP instructors are highly accessible. Our instructors commit to responding to all questions within 24 hours, and typically respond within a few hours. MEPP students consistently say that they have far more interaction with MEPP faculty than they did in on-campus undergraduate or graduate programs.

Value

  • What evidence does the program have of its performance in delivering value to its students?
    • MEPP's high graduation rate means students and their employers achieve a 99% success rate in degree investment.
    • MEPP surveys of alumni show that within one year of graduation MEPP has had a considerable or extensive impact on their careers.
    • Recent surveys of MEPP students reveal that at graduation more than 53% of MEPP students had already obtained a promotion or salary increase they credit significantly to MEPP.
  • What is the value of the degree you receive?
    As a MEPP graduate you will receive a master of engineering degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, with the same stature and indistinguishable from an ME degree as one earned as a resident student at UW-Madison. MEPP is a full-fledged program of the UW-Madison Graduate School, including full graduate student status and privileges for MEPP students.

Program Format

  • What is the format of courses?
    • MEPP courses use a variety of formats to fully engage you with course content, the instructor and fellow students. MEPP courses use your computer and the Internet as a doorway to a highly collaborative learning environment. This is radically different from the typical approach used by most online programs, which simply record and video stream on-campus courses.
    • MEPP courses are problem-based, focusing on immediate, real-world application of what you are learning. Research shows this is the most effective and satisfying approach for adult professionals.
  • How does course design facilitate meaningful interaction with faculty and with fellow students?
    • MEPP alumni consistently say that the program's cohort design was critical to their success. You study with the same 29 engineers in each course over your two years in the program. This approach builds strong, supportive relationships, helping you to stay focused, motivated and meaningfully connected with peers facing the same challenges.
    • You will interact daily with instructors and fellow students using course Web sites. You will also participate in weekly conferences, and in group project conferences with fellow students.
  • What happens if you have to travel?
    MEPP does not constrain your ability to travel for business or pleasure, or even to relocate during the program. You can keep up with your studies anywhere you can access an Internet-connected computer. Many MEPP students travel extensively throughout the US and overseas and are able to fully participate in all coursework.
  • Who are your fellow students?
    In MEPP you will study with 29 other experienced engineers from world-leading employers. Their experienced insights, combined with yours and the instructors' create a much richer environment for learning than is typically possible at a local campus.

Student Support

  • How well does the program support students studying at a distance?
    MEPP takes a very proactive approach to supporting students' study. We are firmly committed to helping all students who are admitted succeed in the program. The MEPP advisor, program director, and support staff actively monitor the progress of every student and respond promptly and effectively to help you with any problems. Ask our students and alumni.

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