RF Engineering Masters Degree | Distance Learning

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around finding suitable distance learning options for a Master's degree in RF/Wireless communications, particularly for someone working in the defense industry. Participants explore various educational pathways, including part-time studies and the importance of practical experience in RF engineering.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks recommendations for distance learning courses in RF engineering, expressing a desire to learn broadly about the field.
  • Another participant shares insights on common practices in Silicon Valley, noting that many professionals pursue part-time Master's degrees while working, often sponsored by their employers.
  • It is mentioned that some RF engineering courses may require in-person lab work, which could be a consideration for distance learning options.
  • A suggestion is made to consult with the employer's HR department for guidance on structured Master's programs and potential partnerships with local universities.
  • One participant provides a resource related to Boeing's employee tuition benefits, suggesting that similar searches could yield useful information for other defense companies.
  • Another participant emphasizes the value of networking within the company to find mentors and gain practical experience, while also acknowledging the necessity of academic study for comprehensive learning in RF engineering.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of both academic study and practical experience in RF engineering, but there is no consensus on specific courses or programs. Multiple perspectives on how to approach the search for suitable educational options remain present.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the potential variability in course offerings and the necessity of lab work for certain RF engineering programs, which may not be fully addressed in distance learning formats.

jr1990
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Hello all,
I've recently started working for a big defence company who are willing to send me on a Masters course and it would be most appropriate for me to find a course which focusses on RF/Wireless communications.
I have a first class Honours degree in Electronic Systems Engineering from the University of Portsmouth.
Wondering if anyone would recommend any courses which can be taken via distance learning or have minimal "on-site" training. Doesn't necessarily need to be a masters, I just want to learn as much as I can about everything RF engineering related!
Thanks in advance!
 
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Welcome to the PF. :smile:

Here in Silicon Valley, it is common for folks like you to do their Masters degree part-time while working full time (tuition and books are paid for by the company). Usually they will do it through Stanford or Berkeley or other larger universities in the area. Some courses can be taken online or via video feeds to the company, but others can require in-person attendance (usually in the evenings, since a number of the students may be working full time).

Also, some courses of study (like RF engineering) will generally require some lab work, which would be in the university's labs.

Have you talked with your manager and HR department about how they like to structure the Masters program for their employees? They probably have a university or two nearby that they work with to set up these programs. You need to get accepted into the Masters program at the university, but usually being sponsored by your company will almost guarantee that you get into the part-time Masters program (at least in my experience).
 
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BTW, I did a Google search on Boeing Employee Tuition Benefits (or similar), and got lots of good hits. You can probably substitute the name of other aerospace and defense companies to get more directed search results for your situation. Here is one of the hits for Boeing:

EDIT/ADD -- After looking into this Ashford University more, it does not look like they offer the degree you want. You should add in search terms like Electrical Engineering Masters or similar to get better hits.

https://www.ashford.edu/tuition-financial-aid/education-partnerships/boeing
245410
 
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It's not really your question, but..
If you are at a large defense company, then there are probably people there who are doing (or know about) what you are interested in. Search them out and talk with them, they know the local situation. Also, there is a limit to how much practical education in RF that you can get by studying. If you can find a good mentor, ask them to let you watch or help in the lab, ask them what they really do, not just what the academic program is. However, let me be clear, to really learn this subject you will probably need the academic study also.
 
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