Studying engineering on a part time basis

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SUMMARY

Obtaining a mechanical engineering degree on a part-time basis is feasible, as evidenced by experiences shared by students at UT Austin. The university allows part-time students to take as few as 6 credit hours per semester for those working over 40 hours a week. While faculty generally encourage full-time attendance, many students, particularly those returning to education after working, successfully manage part-time studies. The rigor of engineering courses necessitates a concentrated effort, with recommendations to take multiple classes in shorter time frames for optimal understanding.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of mechanical engineering degree requirements
  • Familiarity with credit hour systems in universities
  • Knowledge of time management strategies for balancing work and study
  • Awareness of the academic rigor in math and science courses
NEXT STEPS
  • Research part-time mechanical engineering programs at local universities
  • Explore time management techniques for balancing full-time work and part-time studies
  • Investigate the impact of course load on academic performance in engineering
  • Learn about financial aid options for part-time students in engineering programs
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for working professionals considering a mechanical engineering degree, current students balancing work and studies, and academic advisors guiding part-time students in engineering disciplines.

jwlurch14
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I was wondering if it is possible to obtain an engineering (mechanical specifically) degree by attending school on a part time basis? Reason for my question is that I work full time and attend a local community college for general ed's. The community college offers pretty much all courses in morning and evening so it is very convienent. What experiences/thoughts do you guys have on the subject in terms of class time offerings at your university and the rigor of the subject? I have friends in college that tell me it is pretty impossible (they are not engineering majors, however). Thanks everyone.
 
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Yes, it is done quite regularly. I know several people in my EE program that are taking on average two courses a semester and one course over the summer. The program I'm in (UT Austin) requires by default that students take at least 14 hours a semester, but scales those requirements back based on how many hours a week a person works. The requirement for full time emploees (>40 hours work) is 6 hours a semester.
 
Attending university part-time is perhaps more common these days than say 2 or 3 decades ago. The faculty at my university encouraged students to go full time, and if possible, encouraged students to find part time work. However, that rule usually applied to students coming straight out of high school. People working full time or older folks who had gone to work straight out of high school were much more likely to go to university part time in their undergrad program.

As for grad school, I was encouraged to go full time and I was awarded research and teaching assistantships. During my MS program, I also found a full time job at a local municipal water production facility. A friend, who was a PhD candidate in a different program, also work at the facility, but he worked the graveyard shift.

Math, science (e.g. physics) and engineering, can be sufficiently rigorous that to be effective, one should take as many classes in the shortest period of time as possible.
 

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