In 1997, the College began using distance education and has continued to expand course online offerings and to utilize newer technologies as they are developed. We offer graduate courses and graduate certificates leading to master’s degrees in all disciplines. Practicing engineers interested in pursuing advanced degrees, but constrained by limiting time factors, are able to further their education without interrupting their careers through this program.
In 2003, the College was one of the first in the nation to implement rich media as its main web technology. Rich media allows distance education students to fully interact with a live class and for all students to have access to a web-based class archive. In 2004, the College began its renovation of its Center for Engineering Education and Research (CEER) to include five distance education classrooms by 2006. The result is a comprehensive distance education program with state-of-the-art communication technologies, making the College a benchmark of excellence for institutions of higher education.
Distance education technologies benefit many people including students on campus, adults with inflexible work schedules or family obligations, military personnel, special needs students, summer semester students, and relocated alumni.
Villanova’s engineering students — whether graduate or undergraduate, on- site or from a distance — are prepared to be well-rounded, highly qualified engineering professionals fully equipped to contribute significantly as leaders in industry and academia. Through distance education, the College of Engineering will continue its tradition of offering high quality, student-centered education.
