MEPP's Approach to Distance Learning

The MEPP difference

Most distance programs simply record or video stream on-campus lectures, creating a "digital peephole" to an on-campus classroom. MEPP takes a radically different approach, using your computer and the Internet as a doorway to a highly collaborative world in which you learn closely through daily, meaningful interaction with experienced peers and industry-experienced senior faculty. The results speak for themselves. Most online and on-campus continuing education degree programs experience dropout rates of at least 20%. Over the past five years MEPP has graduated nearly 150 engineers and has had only one dropout.

No interruption to your career, work or travel using the Internet

In the MEPP program you'll use the Internet, live Webconferencing and software applications to complete assignments and participate in group projects. You'll experience a flexible learning environment designed to make the best use of your time, without interrupting work, family or travel commitments. There's no need to work around an awkward schedule to attend sessions on campus or at a videoconferencing facility.

The only times you will need to visit the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus are during the week-long summer residencies scheduled each August.

Succeed with the right combination of flexibility and support

While you get to choose when to do most of your work each week, the fixed curriculum and semester schedule help you maintain focus and consistent progress. This flexible but structured approach produces graduates with valuable new skills, not frustrated dropouts.

Be part of an online collaborative learning cohort

We admit only 30 students to the MEPP program each year. All experienced engineers, these 30 students will progress through the program as a stable group, building strong, supportive relationships along the way. Graduates consistently refer to the cohort-based approach as essential to providing the consistent, personal encouragement and support that makes on-time graduation achievable.

Experience a rich learning environment

MEPP distance learning tools and design encourage working together on team projects, participating in insightful discussions, and learning from each other. Students value the opportunity to talk shop in each course with engineers from 29 other leading engineering employers. Most say this is far richer than their experiences in courses at local campuses where most students have little professional experience and where the number of engineering employers represented in the classroom is very limited.

You don't need to take our word for it. To hear directly from students and alumni about the effectiveness of MEPP's learning format, listen to interviews on a DVD or sign up to talk with alumni in a live Webinar.

Learn more:

A Typical Week in the MEPP Program
What Students Say about MEPP Distance Learning