Distance Learning Program Overview
We realize it is very difficult for students to come to campus to complete or further their educations when they are working or have families. The Distance Learning Program here in the College of Engineering at Texas Tech University is designed to combat that problem by offering three masters degrees in engineering completely at a distance. We currently offer a Master of Science in Systems and Engineering Management, a Master of Science in Software Engineering, and an interdisciplinary Master of Engineering degree.
Our goal in the Distance Learning program is to offer the highest quality education possible. We make no distinction between on-campus and off-campus students. Both are concurrently enrolled in the same course. We use the latest technology available to deliver our courses to students, and this has proven to be so effective that many of our faculty are adopting these technologies for teaching on-campus courses as well.
Minimum Requirements to Enter the Program.
All students enrolled in the Distance Learning Program must be accepted by the Graduate School. You can apply as a degree-seeking student or a nondegree-seeking student if you simply want to take a few courses. For either type of admission, you can complete the application form at the Graduate School Web site. The Graduate School requires a $50 domestic application fee ($60 foreign application fee), as well as transcripts for all applicants. Degree-seeking students must also submit GRE scores that are less than 5 years old. Please read the requirements for the specific degree you're interested in for more specific information. Also required is a B.S. in Engineering, Sciences, or Natural Sciences. All non-engineering students may be required to take some leveling courses in engineering in order to be admitted into the program.
How Courses are Delivered.
All lectures are delivered in state-of-the-art multimedia classrooms with video mixing equipment which allows for the capture of video, computer feeds and document camera images. With this technology you can actively participate in the educational experience, whether you choose the live feed or view the class at a more convenient time. This technology gives you:
- A Flexible Internet Environment: By using the Internet, in most cases we have been able to reduce the lecture component of our courses by at least half that of the traditional classroom. We use multimedia environments for activities and materials that can be more appropriately and effectively delivered there, such as administration, lecture notes, ancillary readings, class discussion, collaborative projects, interactive exercises, and many other course components. This offers both our faculty and students a high degree of flexibility in choosing when and where they participate in the course.
- Asynchronous Interaction: One of the most popular features of the distance courses is Web-based asynchronous discussion. Students have a continuous opportunity to obtain feedback and interact with their professor, peers, and in many cases, outside experts. Class discussions are held in these environments, with both on- and off-campus students participating equally. This results in a significantly higher level of interaction for students and instructors than is possible in the traditional classroom setting.
- Synchronous Interaction: Students in our distance program can participate in courses in real time, and interact with the professor and other students during class. Live video and audio streams are broadcast for distance courses, with a feedback mechanism in place to facilitate live interaction. The video lectures also are posted to a course website for students to view at their convenience.
- Technical Support and Free Software: We have developed software solutions for providing effective instruction via the Internet. Students in the distance program are not burdened with having to purchase software to receive course content because we use software that can be distributed at no cost. We also provide any technical support students require to participate in the program. With the help of our support staff, students quickly gain the necessary Internet skills -- skills that are in high demand in industry.
- Up-to-Date Content: Each course is developed as the semester progresses, and no courses are canned. Each time the course is offered, new materials are produced and Internet materials are refined, so instructors can readily respond to new developments in their field and to student questions.
- Commitment to Quality: The College of Engineering is committed to growth in the use of distance education tools by our faculty. This commitment will allow us to provide more courses utilizing the distance education model for our students both on- and off-campus. By increasing the number of courses that utilize the distance education model, we are making a real difference in the quality and availability of higher education -- providing a workable solution to the education needs of practicing engineers and industry.
The Distance Learning Program provides personal support for students. If you would like more information, please request that information. You may also test your ability to download and view the video lectures by visiting our test download page.